NBA star Ja Morant once again faces suspension from the Memphis Grizzlies and scrutiny from the league, as he seemingly brandished a gun during a live Instagram stream on his friend’s account this Saturday. The video, plus the details inside….
In a shocking turn of events, Ja Morant, the electrifying star of the Memphis Grizzlies, has once again found himself in the center of controversy. Sighs…
On a Sunday that was meant to be filled with excitement for basketball fans, news broke out that Ja Morant had been suspended by his own team. The reason? A disturbing video that surfaced on social media, depicting the 23-year-old seemingly holding a gun while streaming live on his friend’s Instagram. This unsettling incident marks the latest in a string of alarming episodes involving the two-time All-Star guard.
Watch the video below:
What makes this situation even more crazy is that it is not the first time Ja has been caught in the act. Less than three months ago, another Instagram video emerged showing him with what appeared to be a gun. The consequences were swift and severe, as the NBA handed down an eight-game suspension to the Grizzlies guard in March, resulting in a substantial loss of approximately $669,000 in salary.
Statement from the Memphis Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/XXLjr6QtlG
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) May 14, 2023
“We are aware of the social media post involving Ja Morant and are in the process of gathering more information,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said.
The Grizzlies, whose season is over, announced that Ja Morant is suspended from all activities, awaiting the league’s review.
According to an anonymous source familiar with the situation, the video was live-streamed on the Instagram account of Ja’s associate, Davonte Pack. The source revealed this information to The Associated Press under the condition of anonymity, as neither the NBA nor the Grizzlies have provided any official comments regarding the details of the video.
During the NBA season, the incident leading to Ja’s first suspension occurred when the Grizzlies star live-streamed on his personal Instagram account, holding a gun at a club in the Denver suburbs in early March.
The video quickly gained attention online, prompting Ja to publicly announce his decision to step away from basketball and seek assistance, though he did not disclose the nature of the treatment he was receiving. ESPN later revealed that he was undergoing counseling in Florida, a detail that the team eventually confirmed but chose not to divulge further specifics.
In an interview with ESPN while serving his suspension, Ja openly accepted accountability for the controversial video.
“I don’t condone any type of violence,” he candidly expressed to ESPN. “But I take full responsibility for my actions. I made a bad mistake, and I am fully aware of the negative image I have projected through my recent errors. However, moving forward, I am determined to showcase the true Ja, demonstrate my character, and alter this prevailing narrative.”
As the season came to a close a few weeks ago, Ja reiterated his commitment to improving his decision-making skills. And now we’re here.
What do you think the league will do this time?
Watch rapper Fat Joe pop off after learning about Ja’s video:
Ja Morant’s suspension towards the end of the season had far-reaching consequences, impacting not only his immediate earnings but also his potential future contract.
As a result, he forfeited approximately $1.5 million from his 2022-2023 salary. However, the financial repercussions extend beyond that, with an estimated loss of $39 million from his forthcoming contract.
Last summer, Ja inked an extension with the Memphis Grizzlies that entitled him to a salary of up to 25% of the salary cap, amounting to $192.2 million. Additionally, if he secured a spot on an All-NBA team, he could potentially earn a 30% increase, boosting his contract value to $231.4 million.
This potential salary increase falls under the provisions of the “Derrick Rose Rule,” which allows a player re-signing with his team to earn more than the standard maximum salary starting in the fifth season of the deal, given specific criteria are met. One such criterion includes being named to an All-NBA team in the most recent season or in two out of the three preceding seasons.
Sheesh. We wonder how much this second incident will cost him.
EXTRAS:
1. Jayson Tatum Scores 51 as Celtics Rout Sixers in Game 7. STORY
2. Could Sunday’s Game 7 loss to Boston be Doc Rivers’ last as Sixers’ coach? STORY
Photo: AP Photo/Brandon Dill
