Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins demands accountability from Ja Morant - "Tough time for a young kid that has to grow and get better"
Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins reflected on Ja Morant's situation and demanded accountability from his superstar player. Morant's off-court controversies have been in the limelight over the last few months. Here's what Jenkins said ahead of the team's first game without the suspended Morant against the LA Clippers on Sunday (via Tha Daily Memphian's Drew Hill):
“This is a tough time for a young kid that has to grow and get better. He has huge responsibilities, not just for the team, but for the city.”
Over the last month, Morant has been in the spotlight for the wrong reasons. It started after the Grizzlies' 112-100 home win over the Pacers on January 29. Morant's father, Tee, and his friend got into a verbal altercation with Indiana's players during the game.
Taylor Jenkins on the Ja Morant situation: “This is a tough time for a young kid that has to grow and get better. He has huge responsibilities, not just for the team, but for the city.”
The argument escalated off the court when Morant aggressively confronted some of the Pacers' traveling party near the team's bus. The situation worsened when Morant was allegedly in a slow-moving SUV with his associates, who pointed red lasers towards the Pacers' bus. The NBA investigated the incident but found no evidence.
Acquaintances of Ja Morant reportedly aggressively confronted members of the Pacers organization:
"I wish Ja would realize he's not a thug. You're not about that life! No one looks at you and thinks you're hood. Stop pretending!!" — @ShannonSharpe https://t.co/YSmx9lJKjC
Just as things had cooled off regarding this issue, Ja Morant found himself in the middle of another controversy on March 4, as reports emerged of Morant flashing a gun at a 17-year-old, who he reportedly beat up after a pick-up game.
Ja Morant and his entourage denied these claims, but the two-time All-Star gave the NBA another reason to investigate his actions off the court when he flashed a gun during an Instagram Live. Morant was suspended by the Grizzlies.
Ja Morant's suspension indefinite as per Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins
Initial reports suggested that Ja Morant had been suspended for two games by the Memphis Grizzlies for flashing a gun on his Instagram Live. However, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins revealed the suspension would be indefinite. Here's what he said (via ESPN):
"We have said that it's going to be at least these two games," Jenkins said. "I mean, this is going be an ongoing healing process. ... It's really not a timetable situation."
He added:
"We're taking this very seriously," Jenkins said. "There's a supportive element for someone that's got to get better and needs some help. But then there's also accountability to the team that we've got to stand for.
"Obviously nationwide, league wide, there's been a lot of attention on gun violence, and so for us, that's the stance that we've taken about how we can support Ja throughout this growth opportunity. It's a learning opportunity, and hopefully we can be better from it."
Ja Morant has taken full responsibility for his actions. He apologized to his team, coaches, family, and Memphis city for his controversial actions. Morant revealed that he would take time off to seek help and find better ways to deal with his stress.
Statement from Ja Morant: https://t.co/HpTF3WvI00
Click here to read Taylor Jenkins' comments (via ESPN).