Ja Morant was suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday after a second gun video of the 23-year-old went viral on social media. The point guard allegedly flashed a gun on his Instagram Live.
“We are aware of the social media video involving Ja Morant. He is suspended from all team activities pending League review. We have no further comment at the time,” the Grizzlies said in a statement.
Morant is yet to make a statement. The Grizzlies player was suspended for eight games earlier this year after a similar video – of him holding a gun – at a club in Denver surfaced. The league said the suspension was for “conduct detrimental to the league.”
In the latest clip, Morant can be seen sitting in the front seat of a vehicle. He appears to be holding s gun. We cannot confirm when the video was shot.
Morant’s first suspension also cost him around $1.5 million of his 2022-2023 salary. The player did not make it to the All-NBA teams.
“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous. It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement in March.
Now, with a second gun video in three months, Morant could see Memphis Grizzlies get rid of him.
Also Read | What happened to Murphy Afolabi? Nollywood actor dead at 49
Ja Morant signed a 5-year / $194,300,000 contract with the Grizzlies in 2019. The 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year’s deal included $194,300,000 guaranteed and an annual average salary of $38,860,000. In 2023-24, he is expected to have a base salary of $33,500,000. The All-NBA sub could cost him around $39 million, going by his contract.
Several fans urged Memphis to get rid of Morant.
“Long suspension incoming for Ja Morant. Sell while you can,” a Twitter user said.
“Sell your Ja Morant stock now. He is the captain on the Titanic and he is sinking quickly,” another on added.
The team is yet to take a call on Ja Morant’s trade.
