On Sunday, May 14, the Memphis Grizzlies of the NBA released a statement that they were to suspend star player, Ja Morant after a video surfaced online of him holding a gun. The 23-year-old point guard was live on Instagram with his friend, Davonte Pack, and during the live, Morant flashed a gun on screen while singing along to an NBA Youngboy song.
Here We Go Again
This suspension is not the All-Star's first punishment for his interdisciplinary actions. In March, Morant was suspended from all team activities after a different video of him surfaced, where he looked to be holding a gun at a club in Denver.
Morant was suspended for eight games without pay for "conduct detrimental to the league." After the investigation, it was concluded that he did not possess any weapons while with the team. After this statement was released, Morant was subject to counseling. Denver police did not press charges against him.
After the first incident, Morant commented that he would do his best, "to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being."
Morant was drafted into the league in 2019 as the second pick in the first round from Murray State. He has helped his team reach the playoffs in two consecutive seasons. Morant is arguably one of the league's most electric and eye-catching players, known for his explosive speed and athletic dunking ability.
Following his second firearm-related incident, it is clear that Morant did not learn his lesson. His indefinite suspension has raised questions about whether he will play on the Grizzlies in the coming year. The Memphis franchise has done its best to contribute to its success moving forward in the future. However, eyebrows are now being raised at the team following these two similar actions.
Morant Loses Millions
Before the 2022/2023 season, Morant agreed to a five-year contract extension worth $194 million. His latest suspension impacted his chances of making the All-NBA team. Morant missed an opportunity to earn an additional $39 million in his contract by not being selected for the All-NBA team. Ja also lost his $12 million-a-year contract with Nike because of this suspension. Morant’s self-inflicted actions damage the image the NBA and as a result Morant’s future with the NBA is unknown.
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