Ja Morant is expected to miss at least two games for the Grizzlies but his absence could go on much longer with no timeline for a return set and an NBA suspension possible.
The situation surrounding Grizzlies star Ja Morant is an absolute mess. And even Memphis doesn’t know how long they’ll be dealing with the repercussions.
Morant appeared to flash a gun while streaming from a club on Instagram Live prompting an investigation from the NBA.
That investigation could be a big problem for Morant and the Grizzlies.
How could Ja Morant be suspended for 50 games?
Technically, he’s not suspended now. Morant is on leave from the Grizzlies for at least two games, through Tuesday when Memphis faces the Lakers. However, there is no set plan for his return as he works on himself and his coping mechanisms.
“There’s not a definitive timeline,” head coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters ahead of the Grizzlies game against the Clippers on Sunday night. “We have said that it’s gonna be at least these two games, we’re taking it one day at a time. This is going to be an ongoing healing process… it’s really not a timetable situation.”
Grizzlies coach Jenkins on how long Morant could be out:
— Kurt Helin (@basketballtalk) March 6, 2023
"There's not a definitive timeline. We have said that it's gonna be at least these two games, we're taking it one day at a time. This is going to be an ongoing healing process... it's really not a timetable situation.
The concern is obviously about Morant’s mindset and decision-making, but another huge issue comes from the potential for a lengthy suspension from the NBA, as pointed out by one Reddit user.
Morant flashed that gun shortly after a game in Denver. The NBA’s policy on firearms bars players from “posses[ing] a firearm of any kind” while “traveling on any NBA-related business.” If Morant brought his gun along on the road trip, that’s a serious violation of the rule.
We will see how the Ja Morant situation develops.
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 4, 2023
There are likely legal consequences because he is an out of state resident viewed in possession of a gun.
Here’s the CBA language for NBA discipline pic.twitter.com/S0cBpiGthC
Punishment for breaking that rule could include a suspension of 50 games.
With that in consideration, it’s no wonder the Grizzlies have taken this incident as seriously as they have, especially in light of the other off-the-court incidents Morant has been involved in recently.