Memphis Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant has been suspended for 25 games by the league to begin the 2023-24 season, according to reports.
The suspension comes exactly 34 days after the video of Morant holding a gun inside a vehicle went viral.
The NBA released a statement about Morant’s suspension and confirmed he will not be paid during his time away from the Memphis Grizzlies.
“The league office found that, on May 13, Morant intentionally and prominently displayed a gun while in a care with several other individuals as they were leaving a social gathering in Memphis,”
the statement reads in part.
“Morant wielded the firearm while knowing that he was being recorded and that the recording was being live streamed on Instagram Live, despite having made commitments to the NBA and public statement that he would not repeat the conduct for which he was previously disciplined.”
Morant was immediately suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies and barred from all team activities after the video first appeared on May 13. The Grizzlies’ season ended on April 28 after they lost to the Los Angeles Lakers in the opening round of the NBA playoffs.
Shortly after the league announced his punishment, Morant released a statement apologizing for his actions and vowing to be better.
“I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I’ve caused,” Morant said in the statement. “I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and Robert Pera – who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me”
“I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done. To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all of my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.
“I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court.”
“I know my teammates are going to hold it down and I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you at the beginning of the season. I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.”
The Grizzlies also released a statement backing the decision made by the commissioner.
“We respect the League’s decision to suspend Ja Morant following this latest episode. Our standards as a league and team are clear, and we expect that all team personnel will adhere to them.”
On the morning of May 14, a video of Morant, 23, dancing in a car with a gun in his hand on Instagram Live began circulating on social media. It had been broadcast the previous day, 10 weeks after he had live streamed himself ”holding a firearm in an intoxicated state while visiting a Denver area nightclub,” as the league’s official statement described it.
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