The NBA has suspended Ja Morant for 25 games after several videos were posted on social media of the Memphis Grizzlies point guard carrying a firearm. In other words, Morant will miss approximately one-third of the upcoming regular season.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver confirmed the basketball player's suspension:
Ja Morant's decision to, once again, wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March, when he was already suspended eight games. The potential for other young people to emulate Ja Morant's behavior is particularly troubling. Under these circumstances believe that this sanction is appropriate and makes it clear that irresponsible behavior with weapons will not be allowed. Ja needs to take some time out to reflect. Before he returns, it will be necessary for him to complete a program to help him understand why he has persisted in this destructive behavior.
The Grizzlies player apologized to the NBA, the Grizzlies, his teammates and fans:
I’ve had time to think and I realize how much pain I have caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, to 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 as a role model, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representative of our brands. I will continue to work on my mental health and decision making skills during this time.
In March, a video of him carrying a gun in a nightclub went viral. Two months later, he made the same mistake again and another video was released in which he was seen armed inside a car.
