More bad news for Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant! Nike and Finish Line have reportedly removed his sneakers from their apps and websites after another gun incident involving Ja. Details inside…
If you were trying to get your hands on a pair of Ja Morant’siconic sneakers, you won’t find them on Nike’s website anymore. Following the NBA superstar’s second gun incident, his kicks have disappeared from the online store, leaving some fans bewildered and disappointed.
The highly popular Ja 1 athletic shoes were released on April 19th, but they are no longer on Nike’s website (at the time of this post). In fact, apart from a few t-shirts, there’s hardly anything Ja Morant-related available. According to The Commercial Appeal, the NBA player’s sneakers are “no longer listed” on the Nike App or Finish Line’s mobile application.
However, it’s important to note that Nike hasn’t completely eradicated Ja’s sneakers from their lineup. A new mismatched ‘Hunger’ colorway is still set to release on May 25th, and it remains visible in the “Upcoming” section of Nike’s SNKRS app.
While Nike’s website may have removed the sneakers, other retailers such as Dick’s Sporting Goods and secondary resellers like StockX and Flight Club still have the Ja 1s available for purchase. However, the ongoing controversy surrounding Morant’s recent gun incidents may have repercussions beyond the availability of his sneakers.
Having signed a multi-year deal with Nike in May 2019, Ja’s endorsement with Nike could be at risk. The 23-year-old’s involvement in holding a gun on IG live while sitting in a car, listening to music, follows a previous incident just two months ago when he flashed a pistol inside a Denver strip club, also during an Instagram Live session.
After the first gun incident in March, Ja Morant faced an eight-game suspension, but this time, the consequences will likely be much more severe. He has already been suspended from all team activities, although it is currently the offseason for the Memphis Grizzlies.
Earlier this week, Ja released a statement, taking “full accountability” (again). His statement was released after he was suspended “from all team activities” by the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday, May 14th.
“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”
These back-to-back gun incidents have not only left fans confused but also sparked anger, with some supporters, including prominent figures like ESPN analyst Michael Wilbon, expressing their dissatisfaction. Wilbon went as far as stating that he won’t allow his son to wear Ja’s shoes.
Rapper Lil Wayne came to Ja Morant’s defense on the All The Smoke podcast with former NBA players Matt Barnes and Stephen Jackson.
The Young Money rapper connected Ja Morant’s situation to his own experiences as a global celebrity. According to the Young Money leader, sometimes the public backlash does not reach the intended target.
“In a lot of situations like this, when we’re all talking about it, the actual people we’re talking about, they purposely stay away from this,” said Wayne. “And there are people protecting them that’s gonna hear it for them and gonna protect them from hearing it.” He added, “So it’s hard for the message to get through. You got people looking dead in the camera on TV like, ‘I’m talking to you, Ja.’ It’s hard for the message to get through because I’m the breadwinner. I wish a n*gga would tell me something.”
As for Ja possibly having street ties, Weezy said, “He comes from a town of like 3000 people. What y’all expect? Y’all gave him $200 million. I just said a town with 3000 people. You expect him to be responsible? Nah, we’re tripping then… That’s magic.”
Watch below:
Lil Wayne explains why you can’t say that Ja Morant isn’t really a thug or in the streets pic.twitter.com/n4AQxuz38N
— My Mixtapez (@mymixtapez) May 19, 2023
Former NBA star/ESPN analyst JJ Reddick acknowledged Ja deserves some form of punishment, but he doesn’t think it should be severe. Peep the clip below:
Here’s what I think alot of talking heads are missing on the Ja Morant situation and why JJ Reddick’s comment is off base. pic.twitter.com/MtOP7KLcrJ
— CP “The Fanchise” (@CPTheFanchise) May 17, 2023
What do you think should be the appropriate punishment for Ja Morant following his recent gun-related incidents? Share your opinion in the comments below.
Photo: alexeynovikov/Depositphotos/AP Photo/Brandon Dill
