Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant Draws N.B.A. Scrutiny Again Over Alleged Gun Flash in Fresh Instagram Video
Ja Morant, the 23-year-old star guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, finds himself in hot water once more as the N.B.A. investigates a recent Instagram Live video where he seemingly showcased an object resembling a gun in a carefree manner. This incident follows Morant’s previous suspension in March when he was caught displaying a firearm in another live video filmed at a nightclub near Denver. Expressing remorse back then, Morant distanced himself from the gun, vowing to improve his behavior.
The Grizzlies released a statement on Sunday, announcing Morant’s suspension from all team activities until the league completes its review of the latest video. Memphis, having been eliminated from the playoffs last month by the Lakers in the first round, will await further updates from the N.B.A. on the matter. Mike Bass, the league spokesman, confirmed the N.B.A.’s awareness of the post and mentioned that they are currently gathering additional information.
Morant’s nightclub video incident resulted in an eight-game suspension in March. N.B.A. Commissioner Adam Silver, in the announcement of the punishment, acknowledged Morant’s significant following and influence. The league classified the gun display as conduct detrimental to the league, stating that Morant was in an intoxicated state during the early hours of March 4. Shortly after, Morant voluntarily sought counseling at a facility in Florida.
In contrast to their response on Sunday, when Morant was suspended, the Grizzlies initially addressed the March incident in a more subdued manner, stating that Morant would be stepping away from the team. Coach Taylor Jenkins refrained from criticizing Morant during his interaction with reporters at the time and provided limited information regarding any discussions between Morant and the team.
Morant later revealed that he personally initiated the decision to attend counseling.
The nightclub incident was just one of several off-court incidents involving Morant that raised concerns, dating back to last summer. Some reports from The Washington Post and The Athletic detailed encounters where individuals claimed to have felt threatened by Morant or his associates. One particular incident involved a physical altercation with a 17-year-old named Josh Holloway, whom Morant had invited to his home for a pickup game in July. Holloway subsequently filed a lawsuit against Morant, and although the police investigated the incident, no charges were filed against Morant. Additionally, just four days earlier, a mall security employee accused Morant of issuing threats following a disagreement involving Morant’s mother at a shoe store.
TMZ also reported that Morant faced police investigation for alleged intimidation following a high school volleyball game in September, where Morant claimed that someone had insulted his sister. During an interview with ESPN, Morant expressed concerns for his sister’s safety and explained that he left the venue once he ensured her well-being.
Upon his return from suspension in March, Morant met with Commissioner Silver, describing the meeting as an “open discussion.”
“He said things I need to be better at, but more importantly, he showed his support towards me,” Morant shared during his ESPN interview. “I accepted that and also extended my apologies to everyone—the league, myself, my teammates, and my family—for bringing negativity to all of us through a bad decision.”
Morant’s eight-game suspension, announced on March 15, included the five games he had already missed while seeking counseling.
“I am a completely different person from what the media has portrayed,” Morant emphasized during the ESPN interview, which aired hours after his suspension was announced. “That’s my current focus. That’s why I took that time off—to become a better version of Ja, so that everyone can truly see who Ja is and what he stands for.”
