Ja Morant has been suspended for two games by the Memphis Grizzlies. The NBA also launched an investigation into his conduct and may suspend the Grizzlies guard for even longer. The second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft got in hot water after filming himself holding a gun and live-streaming the video to his Instagram page.
Morant Promises to Get Help
NBA spokesman Mike Bass wasn’t in the mood to comment on the incident. He only said the league was aware of the social media post and was investigating the issue.
The Grizzlies were the first to act and suspended their star for two games. However, they too weren’t ready to comment on the incident.
Morant was the only one to come out with a comment on his nightclub gun-wielding shenanigans. The player issued an apology to his family, teammates, fans, coaches, partners, the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis. Morant took full responsibility for what had happened and said he “would take some time away to get help,” and learn how to deal with stress better.
Second Incident in Only a Few Weeks
Memphis will feel let down by Morant for the second time in a short period. Only a few weeks ago, Morant was once again investigated by the NBA. It was reported that on January 29, someone from Morant’s inner circle pointed a laser at members of the Pacers while shouting expletives to players and coaches who were on their way to the team bus. A Pacers security guard said he believed that the laser was attached to a gun.
That resulted in the NBA banning Morant’s friends from attending FedExForum games. However, the league didn’t find any evidence of a weapon being used to threaten the Pacers.
Morant said that some people used the incident to “paint a negative picture” of him and his family and that it was unbelievable that the league banned his brother from attending Grizzlies’ home games for a year.
Brilliant for the Grizzlies
Aside from his off-court antics, Morant has been brilliant for the Grizzlies. He has guided the Memphis team to the second spot in the Western Conference and averages 27.1 points and 8.2 assists this season.
The two-time All-Star can also look forward to his lucrative $194-million contract extension starting next season. The five-year deal could rise to $230 million if Morant is selected for the All-NBA team at the end of the season. However, he might want to look into dealing with stress better in the meantime.
