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NBA Fines LaMelo Ball $35,000 for Obscene Gesture Toward Official

The monetary penalty reflects the NBA's enforcement of on-court conduct rules following a televised middle‑finger gesture.

Overview

  • The league announced the $35,000 fine on Thursday, citing an obscene gesture during Charlotte's 144-117 loss to the Heat on Tuesday.
  • With 4:02 remaining in the fourth quarter after an offensive foul, Ball turned toward an official and briefly raised his middle finger, drawing an immediate technical foul.
  • Broadcast footage of the incident spread quickly across social media, amplifying attention on the play.
  • This marks Ball’s second significant league fine, following a $100,000 penalty in 2024 for offensive and derogatory language in a postgame interview.
  • Ball posted 20 points, nine assists and eight rebounds in the loss and is averaging 26.3 points, 9.5 assists and 8.3 rebounds through four games to start the season.