UCLA’s Lonzo Ball won't face NCAA sanctions for apparel website
LOS ANGELES -- UCLA's Lonzo Ball won't face NCAA sanctions for his connection to a family apparel website that was using Ball’s image.
UCLA asked the family to remove Lonzo's photo from the website bigballerbrand.com after it received a call from rival University of Southern California, said LaVar Ball, Lonzo's father. Tim Tessalone, USC's sports information director, confirmed that USC called UCLA but that UCLA said it already was aware of the matter "and working on it."
UCLA would not address specifics of the situation.
The NCAA on Saturday provided USA TODAY Sports a joint statement from the NCAA and UCLA indicating the eligibility of Ball, UCLA’s starting point guard whose image no longer is on the site, is not at risk.
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“NCAA eligibility is assessed at the beginning of every student-athlete's academic year and then re-evaluated as needed based on a change in circumstances,’’ the statement said. “This evaluation can include a review of NCAA rules, facts related to specific situations, or a school’s request for interpretations and waivers from the NCAA.
“Like many schools, UCLA has frequently worked with the NCAA to determine what is and is not allowed within the member-adopted rules. While neither the NCAA nor UCLA will address details of a specific student-athlete's situation, both are comfortable the appropriate measures have been taken to review the potential issues under NCAA rules and processes regarding Lonzo Ball. As is standard practice, both will continue to work together to monitor this matter.’’
Ball, a freshman who is projected as a top five pick in the upcoming NBA draft, is expected to go pro after this season.
Before he arrived at UCLA, his family launched the Big Ballers Brand to capitalize on the success of Lonzo Ball and his two brothers — LiAngelo, a high school senior who has signed with UCLA, and LaMelo, a high school sophomore who has committed to UCLA.
On the website, the family sells T-shirts for as much as $60, hoodies for as much as $70 and hats for as much as $80.
