The Charlotte Hornets and NBA All-Star LaMelo Ball are facing a potential lawsuit from a mother whose 11-year-old son suffered a foot injury during an incident at the team’s home arena in October 2023. The incident allegedly occurred during the team’s “Purple and Teal Day” event at the Spectrum Center, where fans gathered outside to see players leaving. The mother, Tamaria McRae, claimed her son, Angell, approached Ball for an autograph but ended up with a broken foot that took months to heal. The family’s attorney stated that the police report did not include Ball’s name or insurance details, leading them to pursue legal action against both Ball and the Hornets.
McRae recounted how her son asked Ball for an autograph and expressed his admiration for the NBA star before suffering the injury. She believes Ball drove over the child’s foot as he was leaving the arena, causing the injury. The family’s attorney criticized the lack of information provided in the police report, leading them to seek compensation through the court system. They also argued that the Hornets organization could have implemented better security measures to prevent such incidents from occurring at their events, which led them to include the team in the lawsuit. So far, Ball has not publicly commented on the matter, and the Hornets have yet to respond to requests for comment from media outlets.
The family’s attorney, Cameron DeBrun, highlighted that the lack of crucial details, such as Ball’s name and insurance information in the police report, left them with no choice but to pursue legal action through the court system. He suggested that the family was seeking compensation for the pain and suffering experienced by Angell as a result of the injury, which required months to heal. The incident has raised questions about fan safety at sporting events and the responsibility of players and teams to ensure the well-being of fans, particularly young children who may be in close proximity.
The lawsuit against Ball and the Hornets stems from the belief that both parties were responsible for the injury sustained by Angell during the alleged incident at the Spectrum Center. The family claims that Ball’s actions in driving away from the arena led to the child’s broken foot, and the lack of information in the police report prompted them to seek legal recourse. The inclusion of the Hornets in the lawsuit indicates a belief that the organization could have done more to prevent such incidents and ensure the safety of fans attending their events. The case sheds light on the complexities of fan-player interactions and the potential risks involved in seeking autographs or engaging with athletes in public settings.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the case involving LaMelo Ball, the Charlotte Hornets, and the injured child continues to draw attention and raise important questions about fan safety and player responsibility. The lack of clarity surrounding the incident and the subsequent injuries suffered by Angell have prompted the family to pursue legal action against both Ball and the Hornets. The outcome of the lawsuit may have broader implications for how sports organizations and athletes address fan safety and interactions, highlighting the need for enhanced security measures and accountability to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future. The case serves as a reminder of the potential risks and consequences associated with fan-player interactions at sporting events, emphasizing the importance of prioritizing safety and well-being in such settings.
