Hornets: LaMelo Ball Faces Lawsuit for Allegedly Driving Over Child After Refusing Autograph

LaMelo Ball - Charlotte Hornets v Houston Rockets
(Photo : Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) HOUSTON, TEXAS - LaMelo Ball (#1) of the Charlotte Hornets reacts during the first half against the Houston Rockets at Toyota Center on November 01, 2023 in Houston, Texas.

Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball is facing trouble for an incident that occurred several months ago during the team's fan event, "Purple and Teal Day at the Hive," on October 7, 2023, at the team's home arena, Spectrum Center.

The 22-year-old was driving his SUV and stopped at a traffic light outside of the arena when a then 11-year-old fan named Angell Joseph, now 12 years old, asked for an autograph.

However, when the light turned green, the point guard allegedly drove off "in a grossly negligent and reckless manner," while ignoring the autograph request, which resulted in the vehicle running over Joseph's foot.

Tamaria McRae, the child's mother, said that the injury inflicted severe physical pain and emotional distress upon her son.

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Meanwhile, the Hornets were also included in the lawsuit because the family believed that additional safety measures should have been implemented to protect fans.

Mother of LaMelo Ball's victim seeking damages

McRae is seeking damages in excess of $25,000, as her son took months to recover physically and mentally.

"This is his hero, his idol, and he got run over by him," family lawyer Cameron DeBrun stated. 

DeBrun added that they didn't file a claim with Ball's insurance company to cover the medical bills because the police report didn't contain information about the 2022 NBA All-Star's insurer. Their only recourse was to sue both Ball and the team. 

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