The Memphis Grizzlies have suspended Ja Morant from all team activities pending league review of a recent Instagram live video.
The video, which was made public on social media, appeared to show Grizzlies star Ja Morant waving a gun in the passenger seat of a car. This video comes just two months after Morant apologized for previously gun-related actions in a statement that was paired with an eight-game suspension.
Ja Morant really got suspended and went and got an even BIGGER gun 😭😭 pic.twitter.com/x285twcPN0
— LakeShowYo (@LakeShowYo) May 14, 2023
Morant was seen holding a gun on a separate Instagram live video in March, which eventually led to said suspension. When meeting with Adam Silver, the league made it clear to Morant that this type of behavior wouldn’t be tolerated.
"“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous. It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior. Ja has also made it clear to me that he has learned from this incident and that he understands his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader NBA community extend well beyond his play on the court,” Silver said in a statement."
In a corresponding statement, Morant apologized for his actions, and claimed to understand the severity of them:
"“I take full responsibility for my actions last night,” Morant said in a March statement. “I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down. I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”"
Will Ja Morant be suspended for gun video?
Morant and the Grizzlies lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of these NBA Playoffs. Just weeks later, and the Grizz have suspended Morant from all team activities pending further investigation.
Grizzlies suspend Ja Morant from all team activities after another video with a gun on social media. pic.twitter.com/ojJCikC2XX
— Marc J. Spears (@MarcJSpears) May 14, 2023
NBA spokesperson Mike Bass: “We are aware of the social media post involving Ja Morant and are in the process of gathering more information.”
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 14, 2023
The league is looking into the incident. Assuming the video is proven legitimate, Morant could be facing a much more severe punishment than the one he previously received.