Heat coach says Ball should have been ejected for injuring Adebayo
AP News • • sports
Key Points:
- Miami Heat coach Erik Spoelstra criticized LaMelo Ball for tripping Bam Adebayo during a play-in loss to the Charlotte Hornets, calling for Ball's ejection due to the dangerous nature of the play that injured Adebayo’s lower back.
- Ball appeared to grab Adebayo’s leg after missing a shot, causing Adebayo to fall and eventually leave the game, but no foul was called during the play, and Ball remained in the game, scoring 30 points.
- Ball apologized, claiming he was disoriented after being hit in the head and denied intentionally grabbing Adebayo’s leg, while Spoelstra emphasized the play was unacceptable and should be penalized.
- Officials explained the play was not reviewed in real time because the game continued without a whistle, closing the review window; the referees reviewed it at halftime but took no immediate action.
- The league operations will determine if Ball should face further disciplinary measures, including a possible flagrant foul assessment, in the days following the incident.
