Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant could appeal his 25-game suspension handed down by the NBA, according to Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report.
The NBPA is not happy with the NBA’s decision to suspend Morant for 25 games.
NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio issued the following statement regarding the suspension of Morant:
“Ja has expressed his remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions, and we support him unequivocally as he does whatever is necessary to represent himself, our players and our league in the best possible light. As to the discipline imposed, which keeps him off the court until December and requires some unstated conditions to be met before he can return, we believe it is excessive and inappropriate for a number of reasons including the facts involved in this particular incident, and that it is not fair and consistent with past discipline in our league. We will explore with Ja all options and next steps.”
Morant has shown a gun on IG Live two times. He was suspended for eight games in March after the first incident.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant’s suspension begins immediately and will remain in effect through the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season. The All-Star will have to adhere to certain conditions before being reinstated and is ineligible to participate in any public league or team activities, including preseason games.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant signed a five-year, $194.3 million designated rookie contract extension with Memphis in July 2022. He averaged 26.2 points, 5.9 rebounds and 8.1 assists this past season while shooting 46.6% from the field, 30.7% from beyond the arc and 74.8% from the free-throw line.
The Grizzlies lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the 2023 playoffs in six games.
“For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time,” Silver said. “Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
Morant issued a statement Friday in which he said, in part: “I’ve had time to reflect and realize how much hurt I’ve caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. … I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making.
“I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. … I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing.”
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