LaMelo Ball forced to cover up tattoo that breaks the NBA’s rules

An NBA star has been slapped down by the league over his fresh ink, but fans are convinced it’s all being used as a method of distraction.

LaMelo Ball forced to cover up tattoo

LaMelo Ball’s new tattoo wasn’t a hit with the NBA with the league forcing the Charlotte Hornets star to cover it up.

The All-Star guard displayed the fresh ink below his left ear in the early stages of the 2023 season.

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His tattoo, in red ink, was the initials LF which was short for LaFrance. It is the young star’s middle name and also the name of his clothing brand.

It’s the latter which forced the NBA into action.

The NBA issued a statement on Saturday noting the tattoo must be covered as it violates league rules against exposing commercial logos on players’ bodies.

“Per the [collective bargaining agreement], players are prohibited from displaying commercial logos or corporate insignia on their body or in their hair during games,” the NBA said in a statement to ESPN.

“We try to enforce the rule reasonably, in accordance with its purpose, and taking into account players’ efforts to express themselves in a non-commercial manner. But LaMelo Ball’s neck tattoo is in obvious violation of the rule and, accordingly, he’s required to cover it.”

It’s not the first time a member of the Ball family has come under scrutiny from the league over a tattoo.

LaMelo’s older brother Lonzo was forced to cover up a “Big Baller Brand” tattoo back in 2018.

The tattoo you won’t be seeing in the NBA anymore. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images)

News of LaMelo being forced to cover up his ink came just hours before the return of teammate Miles Bridges to the Hornets line-up.

Bridges missed the entirety of the 2022/23 season and served a 10-game penalty to start the 2023/24 season after being charged with domestic violence and child abuse.

Basketball fans were convinced the timing of the LaMelo statement was being used by the NBA to draw attention away from Bridges’ return.

CBS’ Sam Quinn wrote: “NBA making a stink about LaMelo Ball’s tattoo 90 minutes before Miles Bridges returns doesn’t seem like a coincidence.”

Sports writer Alex Rikleen wrote: “Announcing this 3 hours before the NBA allows Miles Bridges to play next to Ball is wild. Is the NBA PR department on drugs?”

So Miles Bridges can continue playing after all the horrible allegations against him, but nah let's crack down on a tattoo 😐 https://t.co/Qcvn0Rhstg

— Oz 👑 (@__noname3) November 17, 2023

Bridges’ return comes despite a pending court date for allegedly violating a protection order hangs over his head.

Despite that, the Hornets said they’re comfortable allowing the player to return to the court.

“We are comfortable with Miles returning to play based on our current understanding of the facts of the recent allegations and remain in contact with the NBA as that matter proceeds through the court process,” a team statement read.

The Hornets have endured a tough start to the season, currently sitting third last in the Eastern Conference having won only three games out of 10.

They’re currently riding a two-game losing streak and will look to snap that run when they venture into Milwaukee to take on the Bucks.