Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has issued a statement after getting suspended by the NBA for 25 games.
Morant is being suspended for showing a gun on an IG Live video for a second time. He was suspended for eight games in March after the first incident.
Morant’s suspension begins immediately and will remain in effect through the first 25 games of the 2023-24 regular season. The All-Star guard 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, during the course of his suspension.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Ja Morant & Memphis Grizzlies Updates
“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 on Friday. “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.”
Morant is due to make around $33.5 million next season. He now stands to lose just over $300,000 per game during this suspension, which is approximately $7.5 million.
“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 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.
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