Charlotte Hornets point guard Lamelo Ball returned to action after missing seven weeks with an ankle injury and received positive news about the tattoo on his neck.
The NBA had originally ruled that Ball would have to cover the “LF” tattoo on his neck, just below his left air, after claiming the tattoo violated the league’s policy against visible commercial logos.
Ball’s bright red “LF” tattoo symbolizes his middle name “LaFrance,” which is also the name of his personal clothing brand.
Shortly after the NBA required a ball to cover the tattoo, he suffered a right ankle sprain that has sidelined him since November 26.
Hours before Ball made his return in a 135-99 loss to the San Antonio Spurs, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reported that the point guard would no longer be fined by the NBA if he left the tattoo uncovered.
The NBA has reversed its decision to require LaMelo Ball to cover the ‘LF’ tattoo on his neck
The league’s decision came shortly before he returned to the court due to an ankle injury
Ball recorded 28 points, five assists and five steals after missing seven weeks with the injury
Ball also has a similar tattoo on his right hand, but it was never addressed by the NBA.
Despite being on the wrong side of the incredibly one-sided match, Ball marked his and his tattoo’s long-awaited return with a textbook example of strong performances.
The All-Star guard recorded 28 points, five assists and five steals in his first game back in action.
San Antonio was able to keep its starters for most of the final quarter while building a 36-point lead against the short-handed Hornets. Charlotte was missing Gordon Hayward (strained left calf), PJ Washington (sprained right foot) and Mark Williams (bruised back).
Spurs rookie Victor Wembanyama had 26 points and 11 rebounds while shooting nine for 14 from the field and hitting two of three 3-pointers. He also had two blocks in the twenty minutes he played.