Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant was suspended for 25 games without pay after he was seen waving a gun on Instagram Live, the NBA announced Friday.
The suspension is the second for Morant in less than two months after he took a video of himself holding a gun in a car on a May 13 livestream after leaving a social gathering in Memphis.
Prior to that, he was suspended eight games without pay for waving a gun on March 4 while intoxicated during a live stream at a Denver club, the league said.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver.
“For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time,” he continued. “Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”
Morant’s suspension will begin immediately and will remain in effect through the first 25 games of the 2023-24 NBA regular season. Silver added Morant will also be required to meet certain conditions before he returns to the court.
“The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated,” Silver said.
The Grizzlies released a statement on social media, reacting to the news and supporting the NBA’s decision.
“We respect the League’s decision to suspend Ja Morant following his latest episode,” the team said. “Our standards as a league and team are clear, and we expect that all team personnel will adhere to them.”
