NBA Makes Decision on Punishment For Grizzlies Guard Ja Morant
The NBA is suspending Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant 25 games, the league announced on Friday.
Morant has been suspended indefinitely by the Grizzlies last month following an incident where he was seen holding a gun on an Instagram Live video. It was the second incident this year involving Morant and a firearm, the first of which resulted in an eight game suspension after he brought a gun into a Denver nightclub.
“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. “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.”
In order for Morant to be reinstated, Silver said the point guard must “formulate and fulfill a program with the league” that addresses his behavior.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/dzDSb4uCk3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2023
Following the latest incident, Morant again met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver as part of the latest investigation. In a press conference before the NBA Finals, Silver said the NBA found “additional information” through the investigation, but added he wanted to wait until after the NBA Finals to announce Morant’s punishment.
Last year, Morant played in 61 games for the Grizzlies, averaging 26.2 points and 8.1 assists per game.