Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been suspended by the NBA for 25 games into the 2023-24 season for the most recent incident of him holding a gun on social media, the league announced on Friday.
Just two months after the Grizzlies Point Guard was suspended for eight games by the League’s Commissioner, Adam Silver for a sequence of off-court infringements including multiple gun incidents, Morant was seen with what seemed to be a gun from a vehicle during an Live video on Instagram in May.
After Investigation, the league has now suspended Ja Morant for 25 games into the 2023-24 season. Meanwhile, he is currently on an indefinite suspension from the Grizzlies.
“Our standards as a league and team are clear, and we expect that all team personnel will adhere to them.” the team said in a short statement released on Friday. They also added that they respected the league’s decision to suspend him.
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The NBA Commissioner Adam Silver referred to Ja Morant’s actions as “alarming and disconcerting.”
“The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning,” Silver said. “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.”
He added: “For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time. 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.”
“I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done,” he said. “To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better.”
“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 you.” Morant apologized and promised to work on his mental health and decision-making.
