
Judge grants Oklahoma LB Heinecke extra year
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke granted an extra year of eligibility for 2026 after court ruling.
Bam Adebayo has not received an apology from LaMelo Ball for a trip during a recent game. Adebayo stated that only Ball knows if the action was intentional.
Miami Heat big man Bam Adebayo said Thursday he has not received an apology from Charlotte Hornets guard LaMelo Ball after Ball appeared to trip Adebayo during Tuesdayâs game.
Adebayo downplayed the severity of his injury, saying, âIâm still walking, so Iâm OK.â He then explained his thoughts on how the incident was handled during the game, saying the officials dealt with the play âby the rule book.â Adebayo, however, argued that plays that involve a âhostile actâ should be reviewable after the fact.
Adebayo later revealed that he has yet to receive an apology from Ball, but that the two would talk the next time they see each other.
Adebayo didnât say that threateningly, or with malice, and added that heâs always had âgood conversationsâ with Ball.
The incident in question occurred in the second quarter of Tuesdayâs 127-126 win by the Hornets. Ball drove the lane while on offense, but was knocked to the ground as he put the ball in the air. The ball was then deflected to Adebayo, who tried to catch it and stay in bounds. But as Adebayo made the catch, Ball appeared to swipe at the Heat centerâs leg, causing Adebayo to fall to the floor. He left the contest and was unable to return due to a back injury. No foul was called on the play.
After the contest, Heat coach Erik Spoelstra called it a âdangerous playâ and said Ball should have been penalized for his actions.
The NBA reviewed the play, and eventually fined Ball $35,000 for his actions. Ball was also fined an additional $25,000 for using profanity during a post-game interview.
Adebayo said Thursday he didnât think the fines would make a big impact on the Hornetsâ star.
âI think LaMeloâs just going to see it as another game,â Adebayo said. âHe makes, what, $30 million a year? The $60,000 heâs not even going to see.â
After the contest, Ball also said he was going to check on Adebayo to make sure he was doing OK, but that apparently did not happen.
Bam Adebayo mentioned he has not received an apology from LaMelo Ball and that only Ball knows if the trip was intentional.
Adebayo downplayed the severity of his injury, stating he was okay and criticized the lack of review for 'hostile acts' during games.
During the game, LaMelo Ball appeared to swipe at Adebayo's leg as he caught a deflected ball, causing Adebayo to fall and exit the game due to a back injury.

Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke granted an extra year of eligibility for 2026 after court ruling.
Oklahoma linebacker Owen Heinecke granted an extra year of eligibility for 2026.

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Spoelstra said Thursday that he didnât think the NBA needed to take further action against Ball. He also somewhat came to the defense of Ball, saying he didnât think Ball was a dirty player.
On Thursday, Adebayo was informed of a 2024 video in which Ball was involved in a similar situation with the Heat center. Adebayo didnât say much about that particular incident, but added, âNobody is going to know the truth but LaMelo if it was dirty or notâ when discussing Tuesdayâs apparent trip.