Miami Heat star Bam Adebayo stated on Thursday that he has not received an apology from Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball after an on-court incident where Ball appeared to trip him during Tuesday's game. Adebayo downplayed his injury, saying, "I'm still walking, so I'm OK," but argued that plays involving a "hostile act" should be subject to video review.
The trip occurred in the second quarter as Adebayo tried to catch a deflected ball. Ball swiped at his leg, causing Adebayo to fall and leave the game with a back injury. No foul was called during the play. The NBA later reviewed the incident and fined Ball a total of $60,000 for the trip and for using profanity in a post-game interview.
Heat coach Erik Spoelstra initially called it a "dangerous play," but later stated he didn't believe Ball is a dirty player and that no further NBA action was needed. Adebayo commented that the fines likely wouldn't impact Ball significantly, noting the guard's high salary. When asked if the trip was intentional, Adebayo said only Ball knows the truth.