NBA League suspends Morant 25 games over alleged firearm video

The National Basketball Association (NBA) has suspended Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant for 25 video games with out pay after discovering he “intentionally and prominently” displayed a firearm in a live-streamed video on May 13.

The two-time All-Star was beforehand suspended for eight video games in March after he appeared in one other social media video holding a firearm at a nightclub.

The Grizzlies suspended Morant from crew actions in May over the most recent incident, wherein he appeared to pose with a firearm in a automobile, conduct that the NBA discovered to be “detrimental to the league.”

“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,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver stated in a press release.

“The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning.

“Under these circumstances, we consider a suspension of 25 video games is acceptable and makes clear that participating in reckless and irresponsible conduct with weapons is not going to be tolerated.”

Morant took accountability for his actions last month and released another statement after the suspension was announced, apologizing to the NBA, the Grizzlies and the city of Memphis.

“I’m sorry for the hurt I’ve executed. To the youngsters who look as much as me, I’m sorry for failing you as a task mannequin. I promise I’m going to be higher,” Morant said in a statement reported by ESPN.

“To all of my sponsors, I’m going to be a greater illustration of our manufacturers. And to all of my followers, I’m going to make it as much as you, I promise.

“I’m spending the off-season and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back… I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you (team mates) at the beginning of the season.”

The suspension was successfully instantly and stays in impact via the primary 25 video games of the 2023-24 NBA common season. — Reuters