The NBA has opened an investigation right into a social media submit by Memphis Grizzlies celebrity Ja Morant after he livestreamed himself holding what gave the impression to be a gun at a membership.
The video was streamed by Morant to his Instagram web page early on Saturday, and it was not archived as soon as he stopped the stream.
“We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass mentioned Saturday.
The Grizzlies later introduced that Morant will miss eventually their subsequent two NBA video games, offering no additional remark.
Morant issued an announcement by means of the company that represents him.
“I take full responsibility for my actions last night,” Morant mentioned.
“I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down.
“I’m going to take a while away to get assist and work on studying higher strategies of coping with stress and my general well-being.”
Memphis are currently second in the Western Conference standings, led by Morant, a two-time All-Star averaging 27.1 points and 8.2 assists per game.
Morant, the No.2 pick in the 2019 NBA draft, has become a full-fledged superstar. His five-year, $US194 million extension with the Grizzlies kicks in to start next season and would rise to about $US230 million if he makes an All-NBA team this season.
He also is a sought-after endorser. On Christmas, Nike unveiled Morant’s first signature shoe, which is set to be released in the coming weeks. And earlier this week, Powerade announced a multiyear endorsement deal with Morant.
This is at least the second time in the last few weeks that Morant has been the subject of a league investigation. Morant’s actions were investigated by the league after a January 29 incident in Memphis that he said led to a friend of his being banned from home games there for a year.
That incident was following a game against the Indiana Pacers; citing unnamed sources, The Indianapolis Star and USA Today reported that multiple members of the Pacers saw a red dot pointed at them, and The Athletic reported that a Pacers security guard believed the laser was attached to a gun.
The NBA confirmed that unnamed individuals were banned from the arena but said its investigation found no evidence that anyone was threatened with a weapon.
Morant responded to that incident by tweeting that the reports “paint this unfavourable picture on me and my fam. & banned my brother from dwelling video games for a 12 months. unbelievable.”
Source: www.perthnow.com.au
