A North Carolina mother is suing the Charlotte Hornets and LaMelo Ball after the team’s star guard allegedly struck her son with his vehicle during an attempt to obtain Ball’s autograph. Several videos have surfaced of the 22-year-old driving recklessly and running red lights in the wake of the suit.
Tamaria McRae and her son Angell Joseph attended a fan event at the Hornets’ Spectrum Center on October 7 last year. The mother and son waited outside the employee’s entrance to the facility in the hope of getting a signature from the basketball star, who the youngster considered a “hero.”
“[Angell] was like, ‘LaMelo, I love you. I love you, sign my … give me your autograph. Can you sign it for me?’ McRae told WSOC TV.
The lawsuit alleges that Ball’s car stopped at a traffic light by the entrance, when fans moved closer to the player’s vehicle to catch a glimpse of him.
Ball “looked directly” into Joseph’s face while he stood beside his car before speeding away when the light changed, according to the lawsuit.
Ball is said to have “operated his vehicle in grossly negligent and reckless manner in that he accelerated his vehicle forward suddenly and without warning and struck” Joseph, “severely injuring him.”
The lawsuit says that Joseph sustained severe and painful injuries,” which caused him “great physical pain and mental anguish.”
The lawsuit also states the some of Joseph’s injuries may be of “permanent nature.” The now 12-year old may have to “undergo great physical pain and mental anguish for the rest of his life.” McRae is said to have to spend “large sums of money for medical attention” for her son.
McRae is seeking damages in excess of $25,000.