The Memphis Grizzlies have suspended point guard Ja Morant indefinitely following the release of a new video on social media showing him allegedly flashing a gun while inside a car.
Morant, age 23, was previously suspended eight games this season for ‘conduct detrimental to the league’ after he was seen on Instagram live waving a firearm at a nightclub in Colorado in March after a game against the Denver Nuggets.
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The NBA immediately launched an investigation into Morant on March 4 for the incident, with the Grizzlies indefinitely excusing Morant from the team. He later released a statement saying he would seek counseling for both his behavior and handling of emotional issues.
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Following a March 15 meeting with NBA commissioner Adam Silver, which came after a two-week counseling program, the league announced Morant’s eight-game suspension. Because it covered six games he already missed, he returned to the lineup on March 20.
On Sunday morning, a new video was posted to social media showing Morant in a vehicle flashing a gun as he rode with a small group of people.
As reported by Shams Charania of The Athletic, the Grizzlies have suspended Morant from all team activities following the latest video on social media showing him flashing an apparent gun. The team also released a statement confirming the suspension.
“We are aware of the social media video involving Ja Morant. He is suspended from all team activities pending league review. We have no further comment at this time.”
Memphis Grizzlies statement on the suspension of Ja Morant
A two-time NBA All-Star Selection and a 2022 All-NBA Second Team pick in 2022, Morant has also dealt with multiple off-the-court incidents within the past year.
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He was investigated in September for an alleged altercation with a high school student in Tennessee. Morant was also investigated by the NBA in February after the Indiana Pacers organization accused one of Morant’s acquaintances of aggressively confronting them. Shortly after, the Pacers’ traveling party said they were standing by the team bus when a “slow-moving SUV trained a red laser” on them and Morant was believed to be in the vehicle.
“It’s not who I am. I don’t condone any type of violence, but I’ve taken responsibility for my actions.”
Ja Morant during an interview with ESPN on flashing a gun at a Colorado nightclub
In addition, law enforcement also investigated Morant for allegedly threatening the head of security at a Memphis mall after his mother called him following an issue at a store. The Grizzlies also increased restrictions on players during road trips because of Morant’s nightlight activity after games.
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Morant was also accused of punching a 17-year-old during a pickup basketball game at his home then returning into his residence to retrieve his gun and threatening him with it. The incident occurred in the summer of last year, with the 17-year-old filing an accusation with police in Shelby County, Tennessee, telling officers that Morant punched him more than a dozen times.