Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo said Thursday he has not received an apology from Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball after Ball appeared to trip Adebayo during Tuesday’s game.
Adebayo downplayed the severity of his injury, saying, “I’m still walking, so I’m OK.” He then explained his thoughts on how the incident was handled during the game, saying the officials dealt with the play “by the rule book.” Adebayo, however, argued that plays that involve a “hostile act” should be reviewable after the fact.
Adebayo later revealed that he has yet to receive an apology from Ball, but that the two would talk the next time they see each other.
Adebayo didn’t say that threateningly, or with malice, and added that he’s always had “good conversations” with Ball.
The incident in question occurred in the second quarter of Tuesday’s 127-126 win by the Hornets. Ball drove the lane while on offense, but was knocked to the ground as he put the ball in the air. The ball was then deflected to Adebayo, who tried to catch it and stay in bounds. But as Adebayo made the catch, Ball appeared to swipe at the Heat center’s leg, causing Adebayo to fall to the floor. He left the contest and was unable to return due to a back injury. No foul was called on the play.
After the contest, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called it a “dangerous play” and said Ball should have been penalized for his actions.
The NBA reviewed the play, and eventually fined Ball $35,000 for his actions. Ball was also fined an additional $25,000 for using profanity during a post-game interview.
Adebayo said Thursday he didn’t think the fines would make a big impact on the Hornets’ star.
“I think LaMelo’s just going to see it as another game,” Adebayo said. “He makes, what, $30 million a year? The $60,000 he’s not even going to see.”
After the contest, Ball also said he was going to check on Adebayo to make sure he was doing OK, but that apparently did not happen.
Spoelstra said Thursday that he didn’t think the NBA needed to take further action against Ball. He also somewhat came to the defense of Ball, saying he didn’t think Ball was a dirty player.
On Thursday, Adebayo was informed of a 2024 video in which Ball was involved in a similar situation with the Heat center. Adebayo didn’t say much about that particular incident, but added, “Nobody is going to know the truth but LaMelo if it was dirty or not” when discussing Tuesday’s apparent trip.
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