Key takeaways:
- The NBA has suspended Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant for 25 games without pay due to his second known incident of displaying what appeared to be a firearm on social media.
- The suspension will cost Morant approximately $7.5 million and is intended to send a message that “engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”
- Morant has apologized for his actions and will have the opportunity to return to the court after the suspension is over.
The NBA has announced that Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended for 25 games without pay due to his second known incident of displaying what appeared to be a firearm on social media. This follows an eight-game suspension in March for a similar incident.
The suspension, which will take effect during the upcoming season, will cost Morant approximately $7.5 million. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that the suspension is intended to send a message that “engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”
Morant, who was the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, will miss the first 25 games of the season in addition to preseason games. He was the 2019-20 NBA Rookie of the Year and averaged 17.8 points, 3.9 rebounds and 7.3 assists per game in his first season.
The NBA has been vocal in its stance against gun violence and has taken steps to address the issue. In 2019, the league launched the NBA Together program, which focuses on youth education and development, and has partnered with organizations such as the National Urban League and the National Basketball Players Association to promote gun safety.
Morant has apologized for his actions and said he understands the gravity of the situation. He will have the opportunity to return to the court after the suspension is over.
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