When Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver in March after he showed a gun during an IG Live video while partying in Denver, the All-Star blamed his actions on heavy drinking, according to Sam Amick of The Athletic.
Morant was suspended for eight games.
“They heard him blame the poor decision making inside that Glendale, Colo., strip club on the heavy drinking, recalling how the events of that night were all so fuzzy because of the booze that was flowing so freely. They believed him when he shared a message that was both humble and contrite,” Amick wrote. “A lot can be said in more than an hour — that’s plenty of time to get extremely personal — and Morant had managed to convince the commissioner that he was genuine.”
Amick reported that Silver was pleased with Morant’s demeanor and hopeful this would be the end of his nonsense. However, the Grizzlies star showed another gun during a second IG Live video in May, resulting in a 25-game suspension.
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 Murray State product 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.
“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,” Silver said in a statement 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 is due to make around $33.5 million next season. He stands to lose just over $300,000 per game during this suspension, or approximately $7.5 million.
