NBA requires LaMelo Ball to cover neck tattoo

The NBA is requiring Hornets G LaMelo Ball to "cover a tattoo below his left ear" that the league "insists violates rules against exposing commercial logos on players’ bodies." Ball's tattoo features the initials “LF,” which is "short for LaFrance -- his middle name, and now, his clothing brand." Sources said that Ball began "covering it up prior to Tuesday’s loss to Miami to avoid league fines." He also had it "covered for Friday nights in-season tournament game" against the Bucks. The sides are "expected to keep discussing short- and long-term resolutions to the issue." Ball has had a similar tattoo on his left hand, although it was "far less conspicuous than the new impression under his left ear that caught the league's attention in the preseason" (ESPN.com, 11/18).