LaMelo Ball breaks silence after $100K fine for using anti-gay slur

Charlotte Hornets’ star LaMelo Ball has been in a huge discussion among fans following his controversial anti-gay slur in the post-match interview after defeating the Milwaukee Bucks. With his team’s Saturday 115-114 win, he made a subtle remark against the gay communities which sparked a huge debate. Following the incident, the NBA fined the star with a whopping $100,000. Now, Ball breaks his silence amid the swirling controversy.LaMelo Ball has finally responded to his "offensive and derogatory" comment on Sunday’s game. In a post-match interview, the 23-year-old said, “No homo,” after their win over Bucks.As the controversy sparked, the Hornets’ star publicly apologized for his previous comment after the Hornets were defeated 128-114 by the unbeaten Cavaliers. "Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday," he told reporters after the game. "I really didn't mean anything [by it] and don't want to offend anybody. I've got love for everybody, and I don't discriminate," he added.Ball has been one of the most impressive players in the league with stunning performances being added to to his rich resume. Ball recorded 31 points and 12 assists, shooting 11-of-29 from the field, in the game against the Cavs.Following his comment on the Gay community, the NBA has punished the star by releasing a statement. “Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $100,000 for making an offensive and derogatory comment in a postgame interview, it was announced today by Joe Dumars, Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations,” the statement read.“Ball’s comments occurred following the Hornets’ 115-114 win over the Milwaukee Bucks on Nov. 16 at Spectrum Center,” the statement added.Hornets coach Charles Lee also responded to the incident stating that Ball was sorry for his action. "As an organization, that is obviously not something we condone," Lee said. "Our standards and what is required of our players in the environment we create is really important to us," he continued."I spoke to Melo and he's obviously very apologetic. From what I've seen since I've been around him, he loves everyone. He's a joy to have around the facility and it's not typically how he operates. He and I talked about the seriousness of the situation and how he needs to conduct himself going forward," the coach added.He further added, "He and I talked about it and he definitely said going forward, 'I'm going to be better,' and I want to see that happen. So for somebody to use those words and say that out of his mouth, we will make sure to hold him accountable to that."Also Read: NBA hits Hornets’ LaMelo Ball with $100K fine over anti-gay slurBall is not the first person to be punished by NBA for the “no homo” remark. Previously Denver Nuggets’ Nikola Jokić was fined $25 thousand, and Brooklyn Nets’ Cam Thomas was fined $40 for the same but Ball’s penalty is most expensive as he will have to pay $100K to the league.