What did Ja Morant do? NBA set to suspend Memphis Grizzlies star for a ‘long time’
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was suspended for 25 games by the NBA for ‘reckless’ conduct. It was announced as conduct detrimental to the league.
He was suspended indefinitely from the Grizzlies after a video surfaced on social media on May 14 of Morant brandishing a gun while driving a car with his friends.
It was the second incident for Morant after he was seen flashing a gun in a Denver nightclub in March. The first video was also circulated on social media. He was suspended eight games for the first incident.
The NBA issued a harsher punishment due to the second offense. NBA commissioner and the NBA released a statement regarding the suspension. It included the following.
ESPN Sources: The NBA has suspended Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant 25 games to start the 2023-2024 season. https://t.co/EGKRU7WqwO
"Ja Morant's decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. "The potential for other young people to emulate Ja's conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated."
The NBA also wants Morant to complete a program before he can return to the league. The NBA will work with him to develop the program.
Ja Morant statement: https://t.co/KJCxTVEIRj
Morant released a statement regarding the suspension. He was very apologetic in the statement.
“I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I’ve caused,” Morant said. “I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis.”
He went to apologize to his child fans and was disappointed for not being a good role model. He also apologized to his sponsors.
Morant’s Nike deal was put on pause and his shoe was taken off the company’s online store. The deal was not terminated. There was also a report he may lose his endorsement deal with Powerade.
Morant said he will continue training while completing the rehabilitation and therapeutic program. The Grizzlies will have to stay afloat without their star in the first 25 games. They have gone 37-24 without Morant since drafting him.