Sources: NBA to allow LaMelo Ball to expose once-banned tattoo،
As Charlotte Hornets All-Star guard LaMelo Ball returns from a six-week absence, the NBA will allow him to keep uncovered a tattoo under his left ear that was previously considered a violation of league rules against commercial logos, sources told ESPN on Friday. .
Ball can now perform with the initials “LF” – short for LaFrance, his middle name and a clothing line – recognizable to the public. Ball had covered the tattoo with a bandage for several games before a sprained ankle on Nov. 26 sidelined him until his return Friday night in San Antonio, where he emerged without the bandage during a loss to 135-99 which allowed him to score a record 28 points.
The NBA, Ball, his representation at ROC Nation Sports and the players' association had several weeks of conversations early in the season about the tattoo, and Ball began covering it up before a November 14 game to avoid fines. of the league, sources told ESPN. .
In a statement to ESPN in mid-November, NBA spokesperson Tim Frank said: “According to the [collective bargaining agreement], players are prohibited from displaying commercial logos or company insignia on their body or in their hair during matches. We try to apply the rule reasonably, consistent with its purpose, and taking into account players' efforts to express themselves in a non-commercial manner. But LaMelo Ball's neck tattoo is a clear violation of the rule and, therefore, he is required to cover it up.”
Nonetheless, the NBA reconsidered that position in recent weeks, allowing Ball to return Friday without threat of fines for failing to cover the tattoo, sources said. Ball has a similar tattoo on his left hand, although it is much less visible than the new print under his left ear that caught the league's attention during the preseason.
Ball told the NBA that LF stood for his own middle name and that of a close family member, his uncle, sources said. Ball had used the initials long before they became a trademark.
Ball's representatives argued to the NBA that several former players wore what would be considered corporate logos on their bodies, including Jordan Brand, Michelin and Warner Bros. These players, however, did not have sponsorship partnerships with these companies, the NBA countered.
The injury-plagued Hornets have lost 17 of 20 games without a ground ball this season. Ball, 22, underwent surgery on the same right ankle last season, which partly limited him to 33 games. In this season's 15 games starting Friday, Ball has averaged a career-high 24.7 points to go with 5.5 rebounds, 8.2 assists and 1.4 steals.
