NBA Reverses Decision Requiring LaMelo Ball to Cover Neck Tattoo, per Report

Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball now will be allowed to display the tattoo under his left ear, a reversal of the NBA’s decision to deem that a rule violation, ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski reports.

Ball has the letters “LF” tattooed on his neck, which symbolizes LaFrance, Ball’s middle name and the name of his clothing line and lifestyle brand. In November, the NBA told Ball he had to cover the tattoo since it violated the league’s policy regarding players promoting commercial or corporate logos on their bodies.

“Per the [collective bargaining agreement], players are prohibited from displaying commercial logos or corporate insignia on their body or in their hair during games,” NBA spokesman Tim Frank told ESPN in November. “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.”

In his defense, Ball told the NBA the initials represent his middle name first and foremost, along with the name of his uncle, Wojnarowski reports.

The 22-year-old began to cover up his tattoo during games with a bandage after the NBA determined it to be a violation. Ball suffered an ankle injury in November and has missed the last 20 games, but he is expected to return to the court soon.