Ja Morant received 25-game suspension without pay for detrimental behavior
Posted : 17 June 2023
Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has received a 25-game suspension without pay for engaging in behavior that is deemed detrimental to the NBA.
Morant, aged 23, was initially "suspended from all team activities" in May after being captured on social media holding a gun for the second time within two months. His return to the court is contingent upon his completion of an NBA program that specifically addresses the underlying issues that led to this repeated destructive behavior.
Following the initial incident in March, Morant was suspended for eight games. During that occurrence, a video surfaced showing the All-Star guard, who was the second overall draft pick in 2019, holding a gun in a Colorado nightclub. Morant promptly issued an apology, expressing his intention to seek help and taking full responsibility for his actions.
In light of the most recent incident, Morant appeared on a live Instagram broadcast posing with a gun in a car alongside several other individuals as they departed a social gathering in Memphis.
Morant expressed remorse, stating, "I understand that I have let down many of my supporters. This is a personal journey, and I am fully aware that I have more work to do. Although my words may not carry much weight at the moment, I fully accept the consequences of my actions."
The NBA's 2023-24 season commences in October, with each team playing 82 regular-season games. The NBA announced that Morant's suspension takes effect immediately and will persist for the first 25 games for which he is eligible and able to participate.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver remarked, "For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time. His decision to once again exhibit firearm use on social media is concerning and alarming. Of particular worry is the potential for other young individuals to emulate this conduct. Given the circumstances, we deem a 25-game suspension appropriate, sending a clear message that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior involving firearms will not be tolerated."
The National Basketball Players Association, the players union for the league, criticized the length of the suspension.
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