A lawsuit filed against the Charlotte Hornets and LaMelo Ball alleges that the NBA star drove over a young fan’s foot during a fan event in October 2023, sparking controversy and legal action.
According to reports, Tamaria McRae, the mother of the 12-year-old boy, Angell Joseph, claims that her son was severely injured while attempting to get an autograph from Ball outside the Spectrum Center in downtown Charlotte.
McRae recounted the incident, stating that her son expressed his admiration for Ball and asked for an autograph, but the athlete allegedly ignored the request and drove off, ultimately leading to the boy being injured.
The lawsuit alleges that Ball accelerated his vehicle suddenly and struck Angell, causing injuries to his foot and back. Despite being described as “minor” by authorities, the incident deeply affected the young fan emotionally.
McRae’s lawyer emphasized the emotional impact on Angell, highlighting the significance of the incident involving his idol. The lawsuit also implicates the Hornets, arguing that the organization could have taken more precautions to ensure fan safety during the event.
McRae expressed the emotional toll the incident has taken on her family, describing the hardships they have endured since the incident occurred.
As the legal proceedings unfold, representatives for the Charlotte Hornets and LaMelo Ball have yet to comment on the matter.
