Following a recent incident where Ja Morant, the prominent player of the Memphis Grizzlies, seemingly displayed a firearm in an Instagram Live video, the team has made the decision to suspend him. This occurrence comes just two months after Morant was previously involved in a similar incident, Ja Morant might be suspended again. Keep reading with Nghe Ngong
1. Who is Ja Morant?
Ja Morant, born on August 10, 1999, is a professional basketball player from the United States. He played college basketball for the Murray State Racers before being selected as the second overall pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019 NBA Draft.
Morant quickly made an impact in the NBA and established himself as one of the league’s most exciting young players. Known for his exceptional athleticism, explosive dunks, and playmaking abilities, he has garnered attention for his dynamic style of play and ability to electrify the crowd.
During his rookie season in 2019-2020, Morant averaged impressive statistics, earning him the NBA Rookie of the Year award. He has since continued to excel on the court, becoming a leader for the Memphis Grizzlies and showcasing his skills as a scoring guard and facilitator.
Morant’s playing style, versatility, and ability to elevate the game of his teammates have earned him widespread recognition and a growing fan base. As he continues to develop his game, Ja Morant is considered one of the brightest young talents in the NBA with immense potential for future success.
Morant was suspended in March 2023 after a video of him holding a gun in a stripclub.
2. Flasing gun incidents
In March 2023, a video of Morant flasing a gun during a visit to a stripclub went viral. Right after the video took the internet by storm, Ja Morant, the guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has been issued an eight-game suspension without pay by the NBA. This disciplinary action comes as a consequence of a violation committed by Morant, which has led to his temporary absence from the team’s games. Morant lost $669,000 in salary during March suspension.
A few days back, a footage emerged on social media depicting Ja Morant in a car with a companion. In the video, there is a brief moment where the 23-year-old is observed holding an object resembling a gun. However, it remains uncertain whether the firearm in question is real or if it belongs to Morant. The circumstances surrounding the incident are currently unclear, and further investigation may be required to ascertain the nature of the situation.
3. Morant & NBA responses
During March incident, the League did not conclude that Morgant owned the gun or he himself brought it to the nightclub. NBA’s official statement also stated that no sufficient evidence was found to charge Morant with a crime. But in the statement, NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed concern over Ja Morant’s behavior, describing it as irresponsible, reckless, and potentially dangerous. The commissioner emphasized the serious consequences of Morant’s actions, particularly considering his significant following and influence, especially among young fans who regard him as a role model.
Following his suspension, Ja Morant took responsibility for his actions and issued multiple apologies. Recognizing the seriousness of the situation, he sought counseling to address any underlying issues and make positive changes in his behavior. He said “I’m competely sorry for that. So, you know, my job now is, like I said, to be more responsible, more smarter, and don’t cause any of that no more.” He also deactivated his social account after.
For this week incidents, Morant has not yet made any comments on the video, while the suspension is “pending leaguge review” said the Grizzlies
