NBA says Hornets’ LaMelo Ball must cover ‘LF’ tattoo, cites policy،
The NBA is requiring Charlotte Hornets All-Star guard LaMelo Ball to cover a tattoo under his left ear that the league says violates rules prohibiting the display of commercial logos on players’ bodies – a policy that the NBA says sources close to Ball, was rarely applied.
Ball has the initials “LF” tattooed on his body, short for LaFrance – his middle name, and now, his clothing brand.
The NBA and Ball have had conversations in recent weeks about the tattoo, and Ball began covering it up before Tuesday’s loss to Miami to avoid fines from the league, sources told ESPN. He is expected to continue covering him for Friday night’s tournament game against Milwaukee.
The parties should continue to discuss short- and long-term solutions to this problem.
In a statement to ESPN, 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.”
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 informed the NBA that “LF” represents his own middle name and that of a close family member, his uncle, sources said. Ball had used the initials LF long before it became a brand.
Ball’s representatives argued to the NBA that several former players wore what would be considered corporate logos on their bodies, including those of Jordan Brand, Michelin and Warner Brothers. These players, however, did not have sponsorship partnerships with these companies, the NBA countered.
The league asked Ball’s older brother, Lonzo, to cover up a “Big Baller Brand” tattoo in 2018.
Ball was the No. 3 pick in the 2020 NBA Draft, the 2021 NBA Rookie of the Year and made his first All-Star team in 2022. He signed a five-year extension during the offseason that could be worth up to ‘at $260. million. He is averaging 22.2 points, 5.4 rebounds and 8.6 assists for the Hornets this season.
