A mother is pursuing legal action against NBA All-Star LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets after her 11-year-old son allegedly suffered a foot injury at the team's home arena.
In a shocking turn of events, NBA All-Star LaMelo Ball and the Charlotte Hornets find themselves facing a lawsuit stemming from an alleged incident that left an 11-year-old boy with a broken foot. The lawsuit, filed by the boy's mother, Tamaria McRae, accuses Ball and the Hornets organization of negligence and seeks compensation for the injuries sustained by her son.
According to McRae, the incident occurred on October 7, 2023, during the Hornets' "Purple and Teal Day" event at the Spectrum Center. As players were exiting the arena, fans gathered outside hoping for autographs and interactions. McRae's son, Angell, was particularly eager to meet Ball, his favorite player.
Angell approached Ball, expressing his admiration and requesting an autograph. However, McRae alleges that Ball ignored her son's request and drove away, inadvertently running over Angell's foot with his car. The family claims that the injury resulted in a broken foot that took months to heal.
McRae further asserts that the Hornets organization failed to provide adequate security measures to ensure fan safety. She argues that additional security personnel or barriers could have prevented the incident. As a result, the Hornets are also named as defendants in the lawsuit.
The family's attorney, Cameron DeBrun, criticized the lack of information in the police report, particularly the omission of Ball's name and insurance details. DeBrun explained that this omission left them with no choice but to pursue legal action through the court system.
Ball has not publicly commented on the allegations. The Hornets organization declined to provide an immediate response to the lawsuit.
The incident has raised questions about the safety of fan interactions with professional athletes. While it is common for fans to seek autographs and interactions, it is crucial for organizations and players to prioritize fan safety and prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.
The outcome of the lawsuit will be closely watched by both the Hornets organization and the wider NBA community. It could potentially set a precedent for how teams handle fan interactions and the responsibilities of players in ensuring the well-being of their fans.
