Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball is once again under fire, this time for his handling of a car accident in downtown Charlotte and the subsequent comments he made to the media. The 24-year-old NBA star faced widespread criticism on social media for what many called dismissive and immature responses regarding the incident.
According to local reports, Ball was driving his camouflage-wrapped GMC Hummer EV on Wednesday, February 18, 2026, when he crossed the dividing line and collided with a Kia sedan at a busy intersection in Uptown Charlotte.
While the impact caused visible damage to both vehicles, particularly the Hummer, both drivers escaped serious injury. Medics treated the Kia driver for minor injuries at the scene. Police confirmed that no arrests were made, but the situation raised immediate concerns about reckless driving.
The very next night, Ball suited up for the Hornets in a 105-101 loss to the Houston Rockets. His on-court performance, scoring just 11 points on 5-of-14 shooting in 31 minutes, drew criticism from fans, but his off-court behavior quickly became the main topic of conversation.
When asked about the crash, Ball repeatedly gave brief, vague statements that many interpreted as lacking accountability.
“Fortunately everybody is cool, so blessings,” Ball said initially. He later added, “God is great,” and “I’m alive and blessed,” while also noting he saw the other driver exit her vehicle safely.
When questioned about leaving the scene quickly, Ball offered a casual, “Nah, you gotta check in on that.” These responses prompted a storm of online criticism.
Fan backlash highlights concerns about maturity
NBA fans were unrelenting in their reactions. Many described Ball‘s comments as entitled and immature, highlighting a perceived failure to take responsibility for a dangerous situation.
One fan tweeted, “Walking out of there with his pants damn near around his knees is just the cherry on top to this 24-year-old grown man acting like a dumb teenager.”
Another wrote, “‘I’m just alive and blessed’ as he swerves into oncoming traffic – this dude cooked, bro.” Others pointed to Ball’s history of risky behavior behind the wheel, emphasizing that this was not an isolated incident.
Within the Hornets organization, the focus has been on ensuring the safety of everyone involved. Head coach Charles Lee expressed relief that no serious injuries occurred and stressed that the team’s priority was supporting those affected by the crash.
Despite the internal concern, many fans insist that public accountability is just as important as private handling.
As the season progresses, Ball‘s performance on the court and behavior off it remain under close scrutiny. Critics are calling on the young star to demonstrate greater maturity, both in his driving and in his interactions with the media.
With the Hornets trying to solidify their playoff chances, Ball‘s ability to balance athletic performance with personal responsibility may be just as critical as his basketball skills.
