The NBA has suspended Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant for 25 games.
Morant showed a gun on an IG Live video for a second time in May. The first incident happened in March and he was suspended for only eight games.
Morant’s suspension begins immediately and will remain in effect through the first 25 games of the 2023-24 regular 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 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.”
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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