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LeBron James fined for vulgar 'Big Balls Dance', fans say he's 'no one's role model'

James made a deep three-point shot and then to celebrate, gestured with a hand below his groin in a cupping motion, bouncing from foot to foot

LeBron James has been fined $15,000 for celebrating with an inappropriate 'dance' after Los Angeles Lakers' beat Indiana Pacers. The obscene celebratory act, being referred to as the 'Big Balls Dance,' happened when the player was still on the court during Wednesday night's game on November 24. He was also warned for using profane language, the National Basketball Association (NBA) said on Friday, November 26.

Wednesday's game saw James come back into play after being suspended for a game after he elbowed Detroit Pistons center, Isaiah Stewart, in the face, during a game on Sunday, leaving him with a bloody nose. The second reprimand came after James' obscene gesture, which he did late in the fourth quarter of the Lakers' overtime win against Indiana. James made a deep three-point shot and then gestured with a hand below his groin in a cupping motion while bouncing from foot to foot. The gesture is colloquially known in NBA circles as the 'Big Balls Dance.'  

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A number of social media users have criticized James for the obscene gesture. "It’s only fair he gets fined for it," one of them said, while another wrote, "Yea. Should be suspended 2 games for that." A third commented, "Where we’re those 'balls' the other night." The next remarked, "It's a double standard with #LeSnitchJames who can get a fan ejected then hit a 3 and grab his crouch(d***k) ...I wonder if the fans found that gesture offensive. Smdh." A commenter tweeted, "What was his celebration when he gave up the 3 on defense?" A person reacted with, "Wait is this the same guy that was shaking in his boots when Stewart was coming after him? Hahahahaha." One more said, "This person is just disgusting. He should be no one's role model."

LeBron James' suspension 

James was also issued a warning by the NBA for using profane language following Sunday's game against the Detroit Pistons, during which he was sent off and suspended. He suspension came after footage showed James slamming Stewart in the face with his left arm and fist as they grappled for position during a free throw. Stewart dropped to the court clutching his face. James appeared to acknowledge the collision, turning toward Stewart with his hand extended in an apparent gesture of apology. However, a furious Stewart charged at James, as teammates rushed to pull the two players apart. 

Stewart bled profusely from a gash around his right eye, as he tried repeatedly tried to charge at James. Coaches and referees tried in vain to hold Stewart back. Eventually, it seemed like he agreed to head to the locker room, turning to walk toward the tunnel but it was a ruse, as Stewart again whirled and charged at James. Stewart was finally manhandled off the court and sprinted up the tunnel to the locker room. James and Stewart were ultimately ejected from the game by referees.

It was announced after the game that James was suspended, which meant that he missed Monday's game against the New York Knicks. James told an ESPN reporter that the decision was 'some bulls***'. Rob Pelinka, the Lakers general manager, called him to deliver the bad news. "Rob called me. I missed his call," James told ESPN. As soon as when I checked my phone and it was a missed call, I was like, I know I'm suspended. I mean, it's some bulls***. But whatever."