LaMelo Ball Issues Public Apology For 'Dirty' Play vs. Miami Heat

LaMelo Ball played a huge role in the Charlotte Hornets' overtime win over the Miami Heat in the play-in round. But while his 30 points and 10 assists are to be commended, his actions towards Heat star Bam Adebayo are earning him scorn this morning.

In the second quarter, Heat forward Simone Fontecchio blocked a shot Ball was making inside the paint. Ball fell backwards while Adebayo tried to recover the ball on one foot. However, Ball then swiped at Adebayo's plant leg, causing him to trip and fall and smash his back against the hardwood. The injury forced Adebayo out of the remainder of the game.

Charlotte would win the game 127-126. Speaking to reporters afterwards, he was grilled on his actions and quickly apologized. He said he had gotten hit in the head at the play and was too stunned to realize where he was or what he was doing.

"I apologize on that one," Ball said. "I got hit in the head, didn't really know where I was, but Imma check on him and see if he's okay and everything."

Ball pledged to check in on Adebayo afterwards.

"I haven't even seen -- like I said, I got hit in the head, didn't even know where I was. But, yeah, just playing basketball. Like I said, sorry, and Imma check on him."

When pressed on concerns that he might have sustained a concussion, Ball dismissed it.

"I don't even know how them concussions work."

Punishment incoming?

Whether Ball believes it was an accident or not, the NBA is reportedly going to review the play. According to NBA insider Chris Haynes, a ruling could come before the Hornets' next play-in game on Friday.

"Sources: NBA to review Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball for taking out ankle of Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo in 2nd Q, resulting in hard spill and back injury that cost him rest of crucial do-or-die play-in contest. Ruling expected before Hornets' final play-in bout on Friday," Haynes wrote.

NBA fans are already calling for the league to throw the book at Ball and suspend him for that do-or-die game.

"If the league was serious they'd suspend Lamelo. That wasn't the first time he's done that," one user remarked.

"Guy has to be suspended at less one game. It's one thing to do a dirty play, but it's another when it results in an injury. It's also his second time doing that to Bam this year," wrote another.

"If this was intentional the punishment has to be serious right?" a third wrote.

We'll find out the ruling from the league soon enough.

But Miami basketball fans aren't going to be forgiving Ball anytime soon.

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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 9:06 AM.