In the latest development regarding the continual controversy around Memphis Grizzlies athlete Ja Morant, the NBA has suspended the 23-year-old for 25 games without pay.
The NBA Slams Ja’s “Reckless & Irresponsible Behavior With Guns”
The decision came on Friday (Jun. 16), and the NBA cited Ja Morant’s display of “conduct detrimental to the league.”
Then, the announcement detailed the gun incident that landed Ja in this hot water. As The Shade Room previously reported, Ja Morant was hit with backlash after brandishing a gun on Instagram Live last month. Notably, the situation occurred in the aftermath of another gun incident, for which he received a suspension.
RELATED: REPORT: Ja Morant’s Team Alleges Gun In Second Viral Video Was A ‘Toy’
As a result of his actions, Ja Morant’s suspension “begins immediately and will remain in effect through the first 25 games of the 2023-2024 NBA regular season.
Additionally, Ja “will also be required to meet certain conditions before he returns to play.”
In NBA Commissioner Adam Silver‘s comment on the matter, he proclaimed the decision is “appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting… 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.”
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/dzDSb4uCk3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2023
Ja Morant Offers An Apology: “I’m A Better Man Than What I’ve Been Showing”
Shortly after the NBA’s announcement, the Memphis Grizzlies noted that the team “respect[s] the League’s decision.”
Statement from Memphis Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/WBg9axfl2V
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) June 16, 2023
As for Ja Morant, NBA reporter Adrian Wojnarowski noted that the athlete apologized for the “harm [he’s] done.”
Morant also declared, “I’m going to be a better representation… And to all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.”
Before wrapping up, Ja spoke about how he’d focus on his mental health during the suspension.
“I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making… I hope y’all give me the chance to prove to you over time [that] I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing.”
Ja Morant statement: pic.twitter.com/KJCxTVEIRj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2023