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Reading: LaVar Ball Fires Back At Nike Director Who Called Him ‘Worst Thing To Happen To Basketball In 100 Years’: “You Telling Me I’m Worse Than Slavery”
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Home > NBA News & Analysis > LaVar Ball Fires Back At Nike Director Who Called Him ‘Worst Thing To Happen To Basketball In 100 Years’: “You Telling Me I’m Worse Than Slavery”

LaVar Ball Fires Back At Nike Director Who Called Him ‘Worst Thing To Happen To Basketball In 100 Years’: “You Telling Me I’m Worse Than Slavery”

LaVar Ball responds passionately to George Raveling's controversial comment, taking issue with the slavery comparison.

Vishwesha Kumar
Oct 12, 2023
6 Min Read
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Credit: Fadeaway World

In a recent exchange that has stirred controversy in the world of basketball, LaVar Ball, the outspoken father of NBA players Lonzo, LaMelo, and LiAngelo Ball, fired back at Nike executive George Raveling. Raveling had garnered attention by making a bold statement, calling LaVar Ball “the worst thing to happen to basketball in the last 100 years.” 

Contents
  • LaVar Ball Says If You Can’t Buy $500 BBB Shoes You Are Not A Baller 
  • LaVar Ball Claims He Started Training His Sons At 10 Months 

In response to Raveling’s provocative comment, LaVar Ball did not mince words. In an interview with VladTV, he delivered a passionate retort, saying, “So you’re telling me I’m worse than slavery. You know something’s wrong with him.”

LaVar’s reaction to the comparison made by Raveling was laden with incredulity and a sense of being wronged. The reference to slavery, a dark and painful chapter in human history, underscores the gravity of the accusation made against him. To LaVar, being equated with something as abhorrent as slavery was not only offensive but also an unjust characterization of his impact on the game of basketball.

The exchange between LaVar Ball and George Raveling serves as a stark example of the intense emotions and conflicts that can emerge within the basketball community. LaVar’s controversial and flamboyant style has drawn both admirers and critics, making him a polarizing figure in the sport. The comments and responses in this ongoing dialogue reflect the deep-seated passions and divisions that can arise in the world of basketball. 


LaVar Ball Says If You Can’t Buy $500 BBB Shoes You Are Not A Baller 

LaVar Ball, known for his bold statements and high-priced Big Baller Brand (BBB) products, found himself in the spotlight after releasing the ZO2 shoe, priced at a steep $500. In response to criticism that only those with deep pockets could afford such extravagance, he addressed the issue on VladTV.

LaVar’s stance on being a “Big Baller” transcends financial means. He explained that it’s not about how much money one possesses but rather a mindset. To him, being a Big Baller is synonymous with having determination and resourcefulness. LaVar emphasized that true Big Baller finds a way to achieve their goals, even if it means saving diligently over time or working hard to attain what they desire.

In his clarification, LaVar explicitly discouraged illegal or unethical methods to acquire the ZO2 shoes or any desired item. Instead, he emphasized the importance of productivity, determination, and a strong work ethic. His message suggests that being a Big Baller is about having the drive to reach your goals through legitimate means, whether that’s purchasing a pair of expensive sneakers, pursuing a basketball career, or achieving success in any other aspect of life.

LaVar Ball’s concept of being a Big Baller is not solely tied to wealth but rather a testament to one’s character and commitment. It encourages individuals to take a proactive approach to realizing their aspirations, an attitude that extends beyond expensive shoes and into the realm of personal ambition and achievement.


LaVar Ball Claims He Started Training His Sons At 10 Months 

LaVar Ball’s commitment to his sons’ athletic development is no secret, and he recently revealed just how early he initiated their training. According to LaVar, he began training his three sons, Lonzo, LiAngelo, and LaMelo, even before they reached 10 months of age. His unwavering belief in their potential greatness led him to create what he humorously referred to as the “Ghetto Olympics.”

LaVar’s dedication to his children’s training was evident in their daily routines, which included various athletic challenges. Their living room served as an unconventional practice arena, with the absence of couches and the presence of a table, which the youngsters used to jump from and land on padded mats, testing their agility and coordination. Jumping off stairs was another exercise, highlighting the competitive environment in which they grew up.

The Ball family’s living room became a hub for friendly sibling competition. LaVar encouraged activities like hanging on pull-up bars to determine who would drop first, fostering an atmosphere of continuous improvement and challenging each other to be the best.

While some might view such rigorous training from an early age as unconventional, it undoubtedly contributed to the Ball brothers’ development as athletes. LaVar’s commitment and innovative approach to nurturing their talents have paid off, with Lonzo and LaMelo reaching the NBA and LiAngelo playing in the G League, illustrating that the “Ghetto Olympics” instilled a competitive spirit and determination in the Ball siblings that have carried them to professional basketball success.

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TAGGED:Lamelo BallLaVar BallLonzo Ball
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ByVishwesha Kumar
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Vishwesha Kumar is a staff writer for Fadeaway World from Bengaluru, India. Graduating with a Bachelor of Technology from PES University in 2020, Vishwesha leverages his analytical skills to enhance his sports journalism, particularly in basketball. His experience includes writing over 3000 articles across respected publications such as Essentially Sports and Sportskeeda, which have established him as a prolific figure in the sports writing community.Vishwesha’s love for basketball was ignited by watching LeBron James, inspiring him to delve deeply into the nuances of the game. This personal passion translates into his writing, allowing him to connect with readers through relatable narratives and insightful analyses. He holds a unique and controversial opinion that Russell Westbrook is often underrated rather than overrated. Despite Westbrook's flaws, Vishwesha believes that his triple-double achievements and relentless athleticism are often downplayed, making him one of the most unique and electrifying players in NBA history, even if his style of play can sometimes be polarizing. 
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