An explosive Instagram Live video by Memphis Grizzlies’ point guard Ja Morant, in which he displayed what appeared to be a gun while at a nightclub, has prompted an investigation from the NBA. As a result, the NBA star will be away from the team for at least two games. Read on to find out more…
Ja Morant, the point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has been suspended for at least the next two games after he displayed what appeared to be a gun during an Instagram Live video from a strip club in Denver on Saturday morning.
Swipe to see a clip from the stream below:
Sighs…
The NBA has launched an investigation into the incident. Amid the investigation, Ja deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts.
In a statement released on Saturday, the 23-year-old NBA baller took full responsibility for his actions and apologized to his family, teammates, fans, and the city of Memphis. He also announced that he would be taking time away from the team to focus on his well-being and seek help in dealing with stress.
Statement from Ja Morant via his agent, Jim Tanner: pic.twitter.com/jXzs7HvLvG
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) March 4, 2023
“I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies’ organization for letting you down,” the statement read. “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.”
NIKE, Ja’s sponsor, expressed support for the player’s decision.
“We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support his prioritization of his well-being,” the company’s statement said, via Shams Charania.
The incident came after a report by The Washington Post about two incidents involving Ja this summer, one of which involved an allegation that he emerged from his house with a gun after a fight with a 17-year-old boy during a pickup basketball game in his backyard. However, Ja’s agent stated that no allegations involving firearms could be corroborated by investigations.
It’ll be interesting to see how this all plays out.
In addition to the Grizzlies’ point guard suspension, the Grizzlies have also lost forward Brandon Clarke for the rest of the season due to an Achilles tear, and starting forward Dillon Brooks will be suspended for Sunday’s game due to receiving his 16th technical foul of the season. It’s not looking good for the Grizzlies.
Photo: AP Photo/David Zalubowski
