Allegations Against LaMelo Ball
A North Carolina woman has filed a lawsuit against Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball and the team, contending Ball struck her then-11-year-old son with his SUV. Tamaria McRae alleges that her son approached Ball’s vehicle as he was exiting a fan event at the Hornets’ arena in downtown Charlotte.
Incident Details
- The boy, Angell Joseph, was among the fans who headed toward Ball while he was stopped at a red light.
- McRae claims in the suit that when the light turned green, Ball accelerated his vehicle forward suddenly and struck the boy.
- The boy sustained injuries to his back and foot, as reported by McRae’s attorney.
Legal Action and Injuries
The woman is seeking damages in excess of $25,000 for physical pain and emotional distress. An incident report from the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department noted that the youngster had minor scratches and bruises.
LaMelo Ball’s Career
Ball, 22, has faced challenges in the past two seasons due to injuries. Despite this, he has shown promise on the court, with notable achievements in his career with the Charlotte Hornets.
Recent Performance
- In the 2023-2024 season, Ball averaged a career-high 23.9 points per game along with 8.0 assists and 5.1 rebounds.
- Due to injuries, Ball’s playing time has been limited, with his last game in January 2024.
Career Highlights
In his four seasons with the Hornets, Ball has displayed impressive stats, including averaging 20.0 points, 7.4 assists, and 6.2 rebounds in 184 games. Despite injury setbacks, he was named Rookie of the Year and an All-Star.