Following an Instagram Live video in which Ja Morant purported to show a pistol, the Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA have banned their top player, only two months after a similar incident. Additional information on the matter is still being gathered by the NBA. The penalty is being looked at by the league, according to the Grizzlies.
Over the weekend, social media users started to share video of Ja Morant riding in a car with a companion and momentarily carrying what seems to be a pistol. The player has not responded to the video, therefore it is still unknown whether the gun is real or belonged to him.
For Ja Morant, one of the most gifted young players in the NBA, this most recent incident may have serious ramifications.
The league suspended him for eight games in March after discovering video of him displaying a pistol at a Colorado strip club.
When asked about his concerns at the time, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “Ja’s action was foolish, reckless, and potentially extremely dangerous. Given his huge popularity and influence, particularly among young followers who look up to him, it also has major repercussions.
After the initial ban, Morant issued many apologies, sought counselling, and shut down his social media accounts. He accepted the requirement for more accountability and wiser judgement.
Despite the fact that Morant was cleared of all charges in the prior incident and the NBA determined that the gun did not belong to him, his actions earlier in the season raised questions when Indiana Pacers players reported an incident involving what they believed to be Morant’s associates and a possible laser sight pointed at them after a game.
Despite placing second in the Western Conference during the regular season, the Memphis Grizzlies were defeated by the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening round of the playoffs.
Ja Morant’s record at Grizzlies
With a 142-106 record under his leadership, Ja Morant has unquestionably had a huge influence on the Memphis Grizzlies throughout the regular season. The Grizzlies’ ability to win in the playoffs will be his actual test, though. Last year, in his first postseason outing, the guard showed off his skills, averaging an amazing 28 points, 9 assists, and 7 rebounds over the course of nine games.
Morant has already broken the team’s single-season record for points per game with an average of 26.4 thanks to his outstanding efforts. Shareef Abdur-Rahim’s previous mark of 24.0 points per game has already been surpassed.
Ja Morant’s postseason success will be essential in deciding the Grizzlies’ overall success because he is the team’s face. He has helped the team a lot and even helped them qualify for the playoffs this year.
Is Ja Morant quitting NBA?
Due in large part to his previous acts, Ja Morant is presently going through one of his most difficult phases in life. Morant is probably going to suffer serious ramifications from the NBA as well as possible personal consequences after once more getting involved in a social media incident when he brandished a pistol.
Ja Morant posted a series of IG stories saying ‘love ya’ to his mom, dad and daughter.
And then a final story saying ‘bye’ with a photo of a NBA On TNT microphone 👀 pic.twitter.com/qsXwE8tx02
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 24, 2023
NBA fans were very alarmed after Morant recently shared a number of ominous photos on his Instagram story, further raising their level of dread. The posts featured a proclamation of goodbye as well as sentiments of affection for his parents. Police checked on Morant’s wellbeing at his home as a result of the upsetting nature of these photographs. Later, it was made clear that Morant was just using social media as a respite.
The police did a welfare check on Grizzlies star Ja Morant following his cryptic social media posts on Wednesday, per @TMZ_Sports.
They say that Morant is fine and he told them that he's just 'taking a break from social media.' https://t.co/021kGTVJk5 pic.twitter.com/0IflF4fD0D
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 24, 2023
It is difficult to comprehend Ja Morant’s actual mental condition at this moment. On the one hand, it might be argued that his recurrent engagement in such occurrences was a self-inflicted problem that was readily avoidable. On the other hand, it is crucial to understand that he could be experiencing serious mental challenges given his young age of 23.
The main concern is for Ja Morant’s safety and that he finds the willpower to go through these difficulties, no matter the situation. For him to successfully traverse this challenging time in his life, he must receive the support and direction he needs.
