Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant suspended 25 games for conduct detrimental to the league The NBA announced on Friday.
Ja Morant suspended after brandishing a gun
The following has been issued by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/dzDSb4uCk3
– NBA Communications (NBAPR) June 16, 2023
On May 13, Morant was seen brandishing a gun on a live broadcast. The next day, the Grizzlies indefinitely suspended Morant from team activities.
The May 13 incident comes two months after Morant shot an Instagram Live at a Denver nightclub. Morant was suspended eight games from the event in Denver.
“Ja Morant’s decision to use a firearm again on social media is troubling and troubling given his similar behavior in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver. “The potential for other youths to emulate Ja’s behavior is particularly troubling. In the circumstances, we believe the 25-game suspension is appropriate and demonstrates that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”
Morant will be ineligible to participate in league or team activities during the suspension period. Morant will not be paid during the 25-game suspension. He would lose over $300,000 per game, nearly $7.5 million in total. According to the league’s statement, Morant will be required to “formulate and implement a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that have led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”
Ja Morant Statement issued
Ja Morant’s statement: pic.twitter.com/KJCxTVEIRj
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2023
Morant issued a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski regarding the suspension.
“I’ve had time to reflect and realize how much damage I’ve done,” Morant said in a statement on Friday. “I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. To Adam Silver, Zack Kleiman, and Robert Pera — who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and supported me — I’m sorry for the damage I’ve done. To the kids looking at me, I’m sorry you failed me. To be a role model. I promise I will be better. To all of my sponsors, I will be a better representation of our brands. To all of my fans, I will repay you, I promise.
The NBA Players Association also issued a statement saying the suspension was “unfair and consistent with the prior discipline of our league.”
The National Basketball Players Association is unhappy with the length of Ja Morant’s suspension and the arbitrary nature of his return terms. “We think it’s excessive and inappropriate for a number of reasons…” says Tamika Tremaglio, executive director of the NBPA. pic.twitter.com/HVhFYSELne
– Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2023