A mother from North Carolina has initiated legal action against LaMelo Ball, a prominent player for the Charlotte Hornets, and the team itself. The lawsuit alleges that Ball ran over her 11-year-old son’s foot with his car during a fan event last autumn. Tamaira McRae recounts being present with her son, Angell Joseph, at the Spectrum Center in October, where the Hornets’ fan event was taking place. Towards the conclusion of the event, fans approached players as they exited the arena, seeking autographs and interactions. According to McRae, her son approached Ball with enthusiasm, expressing his admiration and requesting an autograph. However, Ball purportedly accelerated his vehicle suddenly, causing injury to Joseph’s foot, which resulted in a fracture.
The lawsuit outlines claims of negligence against Ball, citing failure to exercise proper control of the vehicle, failure to yield to a pedestrian, and failure to apply brakes in a timely manner to prevent the incident. The lawsuit also implicates the Charlotte Hornets organization, as the event occurred during their annual “Purple and Teal Day” event at the Spectrum Center. The legal action alleges that the Hornets failed to provide adequate security and pedestrian control measures at the venue, contributing to the incident. The lawsuit, filed in Mecklenburg County Superior Court, seeks redress for the damages incurred during the incident.
McRae and her son’s attorney, Cameron DeBrun, explained that the decision to pursue legal recourse stemmed from difficulties in obtaining restitution through Ball’s insurance, compounded by the absence of crucial information in the police report. Consequently, the lawsuit represents a means to seek justice and compensation for the harm suffered. McRae shares the emotional toll of witnessing her son’s injury and the subsequent challenges they faced during the recovery process. She describes the anguish of seeing her child in pain and the profound impact it had on both of them. The physical and emotional repercussions of the incident have been significant, affecting their daily lives and causing distress.
Despite their resilience, McRae acknowledges the profound strain the ordeal has placed on them. LaMelo Ball, who endured his own injury struggles last season, featured in a limited number of games for the Hornets due to an ankle injury. Despite his reduced playing time, he achieved career-high statistics, showcasing his talent and potential. As Ball prepares for the upcoming season, his focus may be divided between his on-court performance and the legal proceedings resulting from the incident. With Ball poised to embark on a lucrative contract extension with the Hornets, the outcome of the lawsuit could have far-reaching implications for both him and the organization.
In October, during a bustling Hornets fan event at the Spectrum Center in North Carolina, Tamaira McRae and her 11-year-old son, Angell Joseph, were among the attendees eagerly awaiting a chance to interact with their basketball idols. The atmosphere buzzed with excitement as fans gathered to catch a glimpse of their favorite players, hoping to secure autographs and cherished moments to remember. As the event drew to a close, fans flocked to the players as they exited the arena, hoping for a final opportunity to connect with their sports heroes.
Amidst the throng of fans seeking player autographs, Angell Joseph approached LaMelo Ball with unbridled enthusiasm, his young heart brimming with admiration for the talented basketball star. With youthful exuberance, Joseph expressed his love for Ball and eagerly requested his autograph, hoping to preserve a tangible memento of the encounter. However, what ensued next was not the anticipated exchange of pleasantries and signatures but a distressing turn of events that would leave Joseph with a fractured foot and his mother grappling with anguish and frustration.