Nick Wright Calling LaMelo Ball a “Clown” Doesn’t Sit Well With Emmanuel Acho

Emmanuel Acho believes that Nick Wright crossed a line by calling Hornet's LaMelo Ball a clown for tripping Heat forward Bam Adebayo.

Nick Wright Calling LaMelo Ball a “Clown” Doesn’t Sit Well With Emmanuel Acho

In background: LaMelo Ball; In circles: Nick Wright and Emmanuel Acho (Image via IMAGO/X)

In Short
  • Emmanuel Acho criticized Nick Wright for calling LaMelo Ball a "clown" after a controversial play.
  • Acho suggested that Wright should have used less personal language, describing Ball's actions as "clown-like" instead.
  • LaMelo Ball's brother, Lonzo, also defended him, calling Wright a "bum" in response to the comments.

Former NFL linebacker Emmanuel Acho did not appreciate Nick Wright‘s viral comments about Charlotte Hornets star LaMelo Ball‘s apparent trip of Miami Heat forward Bam Adebayo. The host of the Speakeasy Show on YouTube criticized Wright for calling Ball a “clown.”

Acho believes that Wright crossed a line and should have phrased his words differently. From Acho’s perspective, it would sound better if Wright called Ball’s behavior “clown-like” rather than launching a personal attack on the 24-year-old point guard.

It’s legitimately crossing a line [because] this is not a kid who has gone to jail, this is not a kid who has a long rap sheet, this is not a kid who has had run-ins with the law… Guy has got some tattoos… So? Yeah, he does some dope celebrations… So? Was taking out Bam Adebayo’s ankle leading into injury… I wouldn’t even call it clown behavior.

Emmanuel Acho said in a recent segment of Speakeasy

During the recent Hornets-Heat game, Ball’s attempt to score a basket was thwarted by the Heat’s defense. Adebayo jumped to recover the ball for a counter, but before he could do that, LaMelo pulled on his standing leg, causing him to lose his footing.

I would have just said: it was dirty and negligent; I would have used a completely different word, but to say that he is a clown, he has always been a clown, and he will always be a clown, is completely crossing the line.

Emmanuel Acho added

Adebayo went off with an ankle injury, and the balance of the game shifted in the Hornets’ favor. Charlotte went on to defeat Miami 127-126 in overtime. After the game, Wright called out Ball for his actions on his show.

LaMelo Ball’s brother takes a swipe at Nick Wright

Acho is not the first to take a shot at Wright over his comments. One of the earliest responders was LaMelo’s brother, Lonzo.

Nick Wright Calling LaMelo Ball a "Clown" Doesn't Sit Well With Emmanuel Acho
LaMelo Ball (Image via IMAGO)

The free agent, following his seventh year in the NBA, Lonzo took a swipe at Wright by posting a string of tweets. In his first tweet, Lonzo wrote, “Folks saying clown with a perm FOH,” followed by another post, “[Expletive] be running they mouth and never touched a rock.” Eventually, he called Wright a “bum.”

Wright clapped back at Lonzo with a stern reply. The veteran FS1 contributor doubled down on his initial remark.

These are my natural curls, thank you very much. Also, I respect you having your brother’s back… despite the fact that deep down you’ve gotta know everything I said was true. He’s immensely talented, hilariously immature, reckless on and off the court & his own worst enemy.

Wright wrote (H/T: On3.com)

The Hornets drafted LaMelo Ball third overall in 2020. He has been with the club ever since, making over 300 career appearances. He got his one and only All-Star call-up in 2022. LaMelo is the youngest son of former NFL tight end LaVar Ball.

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