The Memphis Grizzlies announced on Saturday, two days after the NBA launched an investigation into the guard's social media post in which he live-streamed himself clutching what seemed to be a gun in a nightclub.
As a result, the Grizzlies announced that Ja Morant would miss the next two games. In a statement released by the organization representing him, Morant stated that he accepts "all responsibility" for his deeds and would "take some time away to receive therapy."
After the Grizzlies' game in Denver, Morant streamed the footage early on Saturday morning on his Instagram feed. In advance of their games against the Clippers on Sunday and the Lakers on Tuesday, they took a flight to Los Angeles on Saturday.
The Grizzlies announced that Morant would at least miss those two games without making any other comments. However, earlier Saturday, NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said, "We are aware of a social media post regarding Ja Morant and are looking into it.
It is unknown when a meeting with Morant would occur, but the league will attempt to speak with him as part of that investigation. In the statement issued by Tandem Sports + Entertainment, Morant expressed regret.
For what I did last night, I fully accept responsibility, Morant stated. I'm sorry for disappointing my family, friends, teammates, coaches, supporters, business partners, the city of Memphis, and the whole Grizzlies organization. I will take some time off to get assistance and improve my ability to manage stress and maintain my general well-being.
It wasn't immediately apparent what Morant meant when he said he needed "assistance" or if he intended to be absent from the team for more than the two games the Grizzlies had specified.
If misbehavior is discovered, the league may penalize or suspend Morant. According to the Grizzlies' statement, Morant can play again on Thursday when the Grizzlies host Golden Warriors. Shortly after the Grizzlies revealed his absence, his Instagram and Twitter accounts were suspended.
Morant, a two-time All-Star who leads Memphis, is now No. 2 in the Western Conference standings, averaging 8.2 assists per game and 27.1 points.
This is the second time recently that a league inquiry has focused on Morant. After an incident on Jan. 29 in Memphis, which Morant claimed resulted in a friend being prohibited from attending home games there for a year, the league investigated his activities.
Following a game against the Indiana Pacers, according to unnamed sources cited by The Indianapolis Star and USA Today, several Pacers players noticed a red dot aimed in their direction.
According to The Athletic, a Pacers security guard thought the laser was mounted on a gun. The NBA acknowledged that certain people were excluded from the venue but insisted that there was no proof that anyone had been threatened with a weapon.
Morant tweeted that the incident had "painted this horrible image on myself and my family. & a year-long ban on my brother from playing in home games. unbelievable." Barking occurred during the Jan. 29 game between Pacers players and Morant's companions sitting on the sidelines.
Davonte Pack, a close friend of Morant, was led out of the building while Pacers bench players yelled at him. A civil action was filed against Pack and Morant due to an event at Morant's house this past summer, during which a 17-year-old claimed they had assaulted him.
The district attorney's office for Shelby County stated that it was "aware of the occurrence and, after a thorough evaluation of the circumstances, decided that there was not enough evidence for continuing with a prosecution" in January.
When the NBA penalizes a player for behavior involving firearms, it has done so before. For example, Gilbert Arenas of Washington was placed on an extended unpaid suspension in January 2010 by then-Commissioner David Stern after declaring that Arenas was "not currently fit to take the court" due to his actions.
Arenas were under investigation by federal and local police after it was revealed that he brought weapons into the locker room of the Wizards. In addition, arenas were photographed before a game in Philadelphia, mockingly pointing his index fingers at his teammates.
This led to the ban. Ultimately, Arenas missed 50 games throughout the 2009–10 campaign. However, the No. 2 overall choice in the 2019 NBA Draft, Morant, has developed into a true superstar.
Suppose he makes an All-NBA team this season. In that case, his five-year, $194 million agreement with the Grizzlies, which begins at the start of next season, will increase to approximately $230 million.
He is also a sought-after brand ambassador. Nike presented Morant's first trademark shoe on Christmas and it will be on sale soon. Moreover, Powerade revealed a multiyear endorsement agreement with Morant earlier this week.
The Washington Post reported that Morant and several of his colleagues "had been accused of threatening and even violent behavior" on the same day the Powerade deal was made public, citing police data it had received.
The allegations against Morant come at a time when the sports world is once more focused on the issue of gun violence.
According to evidence presented in court, the murder site has been connected to Alabama teammate Jaden Bradley and top NBA draft prospect Brandon Miller. Although none has been charged with a crime, their former teammate Darius Miles and another guy are accused of committing capital murder.
The men's basketball season at New Mexico State was also halted in February due to a fatal shooting and claims of locker room hazing. Mike Peake, the New Mexico State athlete accused of killing New Mexico player Brandon Travis by shooting him in November, said he acted in self-defense and that no charges had been brought against him.
