LaMelo Ball ear tattoo: Why is the NBA not fining Hornets guard for displaying clothing brand LF's tattoo? Possible reasons explored

The NBA made a surprising decision not to give LaMelo Ball a fine for failing to cover his "LF" tattoo on his neck. The Charlotte Hornets guard is back after missing six weeks due to an injury. Ball is back in the lineup as the Hornets take on the San Antonio Spurs.

Previously, the league forced Ball to cover his neck tattoo for violating rules against exposing commercial logos on the bodies of NBA players. Now, the league is letting it slide for now. ESPN's Adrian Wojnarowski reported about this development on X before the matchup.

"The NBA won’t fine him for failing to cover up a tattoo below his left ear that the league had previously deemed a violation of rules against visible commercial logos," Woj said.

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LaMelo Ball ear tattoo history: What is 'LF' about?

LaMelo Ball's tattoo gained attention as can be seen by everyone watching him play. According to sources, the Hornets star's LF tattoo stands for two things. The first meaning is the initial of his middle name, LaFrance.

The second meaning of his tattoo is because of his clothing brand, LF. Like many other stars in the league, Ball has decided to pursue other things. He launched the brand on Nov. 13, 2020, and has been active in his clothing wear business.

Ball used the same font that his brand uses in their products, which was why the league had to ask him to cover the body art behind his ear.

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What did the NBA about Ball's tattoo?

Back in November 2023, LaMelo Ball's tattoo first came to the league authorities' notice. They quickly took action and asked the young star to cover it up. They released a statement about their decision. Tim Frank, the league's spokesman, gave the NBA's reasoning behind it.

"Per the [collective bargaining agreement], players are prohibited from displaying commercial logos or corporate insignia on their body or in their hair during games. We try to enforce the rule reasonably, in accordance with its purpose, and taking into account players' efforts to express themselves in a non-commercial manner. But LaMelo Ball's neck tattoo is in obvious violation of the rule and, accordingly, he's required to cover it," Frank said.

Ball's representatives argued to the league that the star had used the initials as his middle name long before it became a brand. Meanwhile, in 2018, the NBA required his older brother, Lonzo, to cover up a "Big Baller Brand" tattoo.