Just one day after allegedly brandishing a handgun in a social media video, Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant apparently recorded himself in a video where he appeared to be holding a toy gun.
Morant, announced by the NBA on Friday, will be suspended for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season due to his detrimental conduct to the league.
The gun in the video lights up a set of candles at one moment. In the video obtained by TMZ, Morant displays matching tattoos on his right arm.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies during an NBA Summer League game against the Philadelphia 76ers at Vivint Arena July 5, 2022, in Salt Lake City. (Alex Goodlett/Getty Images)
Before the video ends, the person believed to be Morant appears to say the phrase, “You have it, and everything comes forth.”
Morant flashed a handgun during a live Instagram video stream while inside a Denver-area nightclub, resulting in his subsequent suspension from eight games.
NIKE PLEDGES TO ‘CONTINUE BACKING’ GRIZZLIES PHENOM JA MORANT DESPITE RECENT SUSPENSION.
During a recent appearance on “The Dan Patrick Show,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver discussed the subsequent occurrence.
Silver expressed, “Does it really make a difference if it’s an actual firearm? Honestly, the thought of someone broadcasting themselves with an object that appears identical to a gun, while being completely unaware of the truth, raises concerns in my mind. Although I’m not inclined to delve into the details of the investigation again, I can’t help but contemplate the significance of this matter.”
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the first half in Game 4 of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena in Los Angeles April 24, 2023. (Gary A. Vasquez/USA Today Sports)
On Friday, Silver described Morant’s choice to showcase a weapon on social media for a second occasion as “disturbing.”
In a statement, Silver announced Morant’s suspension of 25 games, expressing concern and alarm over Ja Morant’s recurring use of a gun on social media. This behavior is particularly troubling considering his previous suspension of eight games in March for a similar offense.
We believe that under these circumstances, it is not appropriate for young people to emulate Ja’s conduct, particularly when it involves engaging in irresponsible and reckless behavior with guns. We do not tolerate such behavior and therefore, we believe that a suspension of 25 games is necessary.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during a game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedEx Forum Dec. 31, 2022, in Memphis. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Morant issued a formal apology shortly after the suspension was imposed.
“I apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates, and the city of Memphis,” Morant said Friday in a statement, expressing regret for the harm he has caused. “I have had the chance to think about it, and I now understand the extent of the pain I have inflicted. I am sorry to Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman (Grizzlies GM), and Robert Pera (Grizzlies owner) for the damage I have done, and I am thankful to them for giving me the opportunity to pursue a professional athletic career and for their support.”
I apologize for failing as a role model and not living up to expectations. I promise to do better. I am committed to improving the representation of our brands. I am determined to make it up to you and to all my fans and sponsors.