The NBA has agreed to suspend Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant from employment and salary for 25 games for appearing for the second time brandishing a gun on social media. “Ja Morant’s decision to resume carrying a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he has already been suspended eight games,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said.
“The potential for other youth to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly troubling. Under these circumstances, we believe a 25-game suspension is appropriate and makes it clear that reckless and irresponsible behavior with weapons will not be tolerated,” said Silver, who recommends to the player that “basketball should take a backseat right now.”
Ja Morant earns about $33.5 million a year, so the suspension will cost him just over $10 million. The suspension for conduct detrimental to the league covers the first 25 games of the 2023-24 regular season and includes conditions for reinstatement. You are not eligible to participate in any public league or team activities, including preseason games, during the course of your suspension. “Prior to your return to the game, you will be required to formulate and comply with a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led you to repeat this destructive behavior,” the NBA added.
The video, which was on Instagram Live, showed Morant waving a gun while sitting in the passenger seat of a car while listening to rap music. The clip was posted on May 13, and the Grizzlies suspended the player from all team activities the next day.
It was the second time in three months that Morant was caught with a firearm on social media. He was previously suspended eight games and sought counseling after a March 4 incident in which he filmed himself holding a gun at a Denver strip club following a 113-97 loss to the Nuggets.
