Ja Morant‘s troubles are far from over. The Memphis Grizzlies star now faces a 50-game suspension for allegedly bringing a gun on the team plane.
If an investigation determines Morant took the pistol on the team plane or in an NBA facility, he violated the NBA’s strict policy on handguns.
We will see how the Ja Morant situation develops.
There are likely legal consequences because he is an out of state resident viewed in possession of a gun.
Here’s the CBA language for NBA discipline pic.twitter.com/S0cBpiGthC
— Bobby Marks (@BobbyMarks42) March 4, 2023
The police are investigating after Morant, 23, was suspended for 2 games last week for flashing a gun in an Instagram video. The incident happened in Denver, CO. Meaning the troubled NBA star may have carried the gun on the team plane to Denver.
It’s highly unlikely that Morant is licensed to carry a weapon (he’s not exactly a law-abiding citizen).
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said on Sunday there is no timetable for Morant’s return.
Retired NBA star Paul Pierce says Morant is facing criticism because he’s Black and rich.
Morant’s suspension comes less than a week after he was accused of punching a 17-year-old boy and threatening him with a gun last summer.
The incident happened during a pickup basketball game at Morant’s house.
Critics joke that Morant is trying to make it out of the NBA and into the streets. However, Pierce says Morant is a victim of circumstances.
The former Boston Celtics star compared Morant to his younger self.
“I don’t care what y’all say about Ja,” Pierce tweeted early Sunday. “I carried a gun after I was stabbed y’all don’t know what he going thru everyone got something to say until u really know what’s really going on in someone life when u black and rich u a target period.”
Former NBA star Jalen Rose also stood up for Morant, saying “I am Ja Morant” on ESPN’s NBA Countdown show.
“You have to choose wisely. He has way too much to lose,” Rose said. “Trust me, I’ve been that young player carrying a gun. And [ESPN’s Michael] Wilbon alluded to this. When you start waving it, that can get you killed. That’s an entirely different thing than we’re talking about [how] a superstar athlete should be putting themselves in position.”
Morant has since deactivated his social media accounts and vowed to seek therapy.
“I take full responsibility for my actions,” Morant said. “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 some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”
