'They Should Suspend Him for One Game" - NBA Fans React To Lamelo Ball's $35,000 Fine for Flipping Off Referee at Hornets Game

Charlotte Hornets star point guard LaMelo Ball was fined $35,000 by league authorities for making a rude gesture on the court during the Hornets' 144-117 loss to the Miami Heat on Tuesday.

The 2021 Rookie of the Year was whistled after he committed an offensive foul on a drive. He then made a hand gesture after the call and was assessed a technical foul with 4:02 remaining on the clock.

This is Ball’s second fine of his career. He was first fined $100,000 for using offensive language during a press conference in 2023.

Fans on social media reacted to the news.

“Wow, that’s horrific. They should suspend him for one game.”

The Sixth Man Show

@SixthManShow

Wow, that’s horrific. They should suspend him for one game

P-Mag

@PatrickMagner15

@NBAPR Should be more

Andrew⚔️

@Apoww99

@NBAPR Disgusting act, suspend him for tonight’s game immediately!!!

MagicChamps

@BancheroProd

Worst shit I’ve ever read they should suspend him for exactly ONE game

More netizens reacted to Ball’s fine.

$lan muraco.

@Alan_sbg

bra was down 20 flipping off the refs like that’s not an auto tech. he a dummy.

michael doleac

@3MWD__

It was horrific what lamelo did, the league needs to suspend him and they should have to give a first round pick to miami as well

Lamelo Ball finished the game with 20 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in the loss. Rookie forward Kon Kneuppel added 19 points, three rebounds and four assists.

Oct 28, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Charlotte Hornets guard Lamelo Ball (1) dribbles the basketball as Miami Heat guard Davion Mitchell (45) defends during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images

The Hornets have yet to win consecutive games this season. They would relish the opportunity of returning to winning ways when they host the Orlando Magic on Thursday.

Ball is averaging 26.3 points, 9.5 assists and 8.3 rebounds in the first four games of the season. The plan this season will be to lead the Hornets to their first playoff berth since 2016. While they have shown offensive prowess in the first four games of the season, their defensive inconsistency remains a challenge.

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What’s next for LaMelo Ball and Charlotte?

LaMelo Ball remains a key piece for the Charlotte Hornets. While the league has taken a financial path for his punishment, the one-time All-Star will be available against Orlando.

Feb 24, 2025; Sacramento, California, USA; Charlotte Hornets head coach Charles Lee talks with guard LaMelo Ball (1) during a time out in the fourth quarter of the game against the Sacramento Kings at Golden 1 Center. Mandatory Credit: Ed Szczepanski-Imagn Images

Tip-off for the Magic-Hornets game is slated for 7:00 p.m. ET at the Spectrum Center in Charlotte, North Carolina. Fans can catch all the action live on FDSN FL and FDSN SE-CHA, while streaming is via Fubo.