The NBA has imposed a suspension on Ja Morant, a player from the Memphis Grizzlies, for a duration of 25 games during the upcoming 2023-2024 season. The 23-year-old athlete will need to fulfill specific requirements set by the NBA before being allowed to resume playing. Throughout his suspension, Morant will be prohibited from engaging in any league-related or team-related activities.
In an official statement, the NBA declared, “Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended for 25 games without receiving pay due to conduct that is considered detrimental to the league.”
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/dzDSb4uCk3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2023
“Morant posed with a firearm in a car during a live-streamed video on May 13, less than two months after he was suspended eight games without pay for the live streaming on a video on March 4 in which he displayed a firearm in an intoxicated state at a Denver area night club.
“The league office found that on May 13, Morant intentionally and prominently displayed a gun while in a car with several other individuals as they were leaving a social gathering in Memphis.
“Morant wielded the firearm 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 statements that he would not repeat the conduct for which he was previously disciplined.
“On May 16, Morant issued a statement taking full responsibility for his actions.
“Morant’s suspension begins immediately and will remain in effect for the first 25 games of the 2023-2024 NBA regular season for which he is otherwise eligible and able to play. He will also be required to meet certain conditions before he returns to play and will be ineligible to participate in any league or team activities during his suspension.”
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended for eight games,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
“The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension for 25 games is appropriate and makes clear engaging in reckless and irresponsible behaviour with guns will not be tolerated.
“For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time. Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfil a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behaviour.”
Morant released his own statement in respond to the suspension. It read: “I’ve had time to reflect and realise how much hurt I’ve caused. I want to apologise to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my team-mates, and the city of Memphis.
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