Charlotte's LaMelo Ball Uninjured After Downtown Crash

Hornets star point guard involved in two-car collision in Charlotte

Published on Feb. 23, 2026

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Charlotte Hornets point guard LaMelo Ball was not injured after being involved in a two-car crash in downtown Charlotte on Wednesday, according to a person familiar with the situation. The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. as Ball was driving his custom-made Hummer through an intersection, when it collided with another vehicle.

Why it matters

Car accidents involving professional athletes in Charlotte have been a recurring issue, with past incidents involving former Panthers quarterback Cam Newton and current backup Andy Dalton. This latest crash involving the Hornets' rising star raises concerns about player safety on the city's roads.

The details

Video footage showed Ball's Hummer missing its left front tire after the collision. The driver of the other vehicle involved calmly exited their car and approached Ball's truck. Police were on the scene, but a formal police report was not immediately available.

  • The incident occurred shortly before 5 p.m. on Wednesday, February 18, 2026.

The players

LaMelo Ball

The starting point guard for the Charlotte Hornets and one of the NBA's rising young stars.

Cam Newton

Former quarterback for the Carolina Panthers who was involved in a car accident in Charlotte in 2014.

Andy Dalton

Current backup quarterback for the Carolina Panthers who was involved in a car accident in Charlotte in 2024.

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What’s next

The Hornets are scheduled to host the Houston Rockets on Thursday night as teams return from the All-Star break. It is unclear if Ball will be available to play in that game.

The takeaway

This incident highlights the ongoing traffic safety concerns in Charlotte, a city that has seen multiple high-profile car accidents involving professional athletes in recent years. It serves as a reminder of the risks players face when navigating the city's roads, even when not actively participating in their sport.