NBA issues FedExForum bans after investigating postgame incident: All you need to know
The NBA recently investigated an incident that took place at the FedExForum following the Memphis Grizzlies' 112-100 home win over Indiana on Jan. 29.
The postgame incident involved acquaintances of Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant confronting members of the Pacers' organization. In the aftermath of the investigation, the league has decided to ban "certain individuals" involved from attending games at FedExForum.
A report from The Athletic detailed the incident. It explained that Morant’s acquaintances, including his close friend Davonte Pack, verbally harassed members of Indiana’s team. The incident occurred as Pacers players and coaches were loading onto their team bus in the FedExForum parking lot.
The report continues by explaining that a red laser was also shone at the Pacers from an SUV that Morant was riding in. This led to fears that there may have been a gun in the vehicle.
Associates of Ja Morant verbally accosted Pacers personnel and someone trained a red laser on them from a nearby SUV postgame on Jan. 29.
“We felt we were in grave danger," a person who was present said.
The NBA investigated the incident.
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The Pacers then reported the incident, which prompted the league to investigate and issue a statement on the whole matter.
"NBA Security and league investigators conducted an investigation interviewing numerous eyewitnesses and reviewing video surveillance following allegations made by the Indiana Pacers organization regarding a postgame incident on Jan. 29," the NBA said in its statement.
"While we substantiated that a postgame situation arose that was confrontational, based on interviews and other evidence gathered, we could not corroborate that any individual threatened others with a weapon.
"Certain individuals involved in the postgame situation and a related matter during the game that night have been subsequently banned from attending games in the arena. If additional information becomes available related to the postgame situation, the league office will conduct a further review.”
The investigation was confirmed by Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, who addressed it before Memphis’ 106-103 loss to Toronto on Sunday.
“Aware of the investigation of the NBA. Did a full investigation,” Jenkins said. "We were fully compliant with it, and I think they came out with a statement saying nothing was corroborated or found.”
Ja Morant reacts to NBA banning his friend from FedExForum
Following The Athletic's report detailing the NBA’s investigation into the Jan. 29 incident at FedExForum, Ja Morant had some strong words on Twitter on Sunday.
Morant questioned the legitimacy of the league’s investigation and its decision to ban his friend from games. He also called out The Athletic for publishing the story, alleging that the story was published to damage his reputation.
“Did an investigation, seen they were capping. Still let an article come out to paint this negative image of me and my fam and banned my brother from home games for a year. Unbelievable,” Morant tweeted.
twitter.com/colinzcody/sta…
did a investigation seen they were cappin . still let a article come out to paint this negative image on me & my fam . & banned my brother from home games for a year . unbelievable 😂 twitter.com/colinzcody/sta…
As the NBA said in its statement, an additional review will only be conducted if new information becomes available. So despite Morant's frustrations, it appears the league's punishments will stand for now.