LaMelo Ball found himself at the center of controversy following a postgame interview where he made a remark deemed offensive, resulting in a hefty $100,000 fine from the NBA.
Now, rapper and sports personality Cam’ron is stepping forward, taking responsibility for what he believes to be his and Harlem’s cultural influence on the Charlotte Hornets star’s controversial words.
The incident unfolded after the Hornets narrowly defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 115-114 over the weekend. During the postgame interview, Ball, 23, reflected on his team’s defensive strategy in the final moments, stating: “Yeah, we loaded up — no homo — but that’s what we wanted.”
The NBA swiftly condemned the comment, labeling it “offensive and derogatory” in their announcement of the six-figure fine.
On his sports talk show It Is What It Is, Cam’ron addressed the situation, offering a candid explanation. “I blame myself. I really do, man,” he said during Tuesday’s (November 19) episode. “I blame the east side of Harlem. This started in Jefferson Projects back in 1996 when we were saying stuff like this. It’s just something we grew up with.”
Cam’ron explained that the phrase, once common in Harlem’s vernacular, was eventually replaced with “pause” as awareness around its potential offensiveness grew.
“We used to say what Melo said,” he continued, “but then we realized people were sensitive, and you could get fined. That’s why we don’t say it anymore.”
Cam’s co-host, Ma$e, was also stunned by the severity of the penalty, expressing his thoughts on the NBA’s response. “Just for that? My goodness,” he said. “People need to be mindful of their words, but if you know these guys are just joking, it should be taken a little lighter. He wasn’t targeting anyone.”
LaMelo Ball has since issued an apology, addressing the controversy during a postgame interview after the Hornets’ loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers on Sunday (November 17).
“Before we get started, I just want to address the comment yesterday,” Ball said. “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.”
As the conversation around accountability and cultural influence continues, Cam’ron’s acknowledgment sheds light on the origins of such phrases and the evolution of language in today’s climate.
