Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball has been fined $35,000 by the NBA for making an obscene gesture during Tuesday night’s loss to the Miami Heat, the league announced in a press release.
The incident occurred late in the fourth quarter of Miami’s dominant win.
With just over four minutes remaining, Ball drove to the basket against Heat guard Davion Mitchell and was called for a charging foul as he went up for the shot.
Frustrated by the call, Ball turned toward the referee and flashed his middle finger, an action that was caught on camera and quickly circulated online.
The point guard was assessed a technical foul in addition to the offensive foul.
While the fine is relatively minor compared to his $37.9 million salary this season, the league’s decision reinforces its strict stance on player conduct toward officials.
Ball, who is in the early stages of his max contract, has otherwise been off to an impressive start to the season, averaging 26.3 points, 9.5 assists, and 8.3 rebounds per game while shooting 39.5% from three-point range – all career-best numbers through four contests.
LaMelo Ball Fined $35K By NBA https://t.co/5o5obD1OPm pic.twitter.com/rhPpgsQOrq
— Hoops Rumors (@HoopsRumors) October 30, 2025
