UPDATE —- March 6, 2023 — According to ESPN, Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, Ja Morant is indefinitely benched from the team. He confirmed the news Sunday before the team’s loss to the LA Clippers.
The team had initially said Morant would be away for at least two games.
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Original report:
The Memphis Grizzlies’ star guard Ja Morant has been suspended for two games following an investigation by the NBA concerning his actions on an early Saturday morning Instagram Live.
RELATED: NBA Star Ja Morant Sued For Allegedly Assaulting Minor During Pickup Basketball Game At His Tennessee Home
This decision comes after a detailed story last week alleged his involvement in three violent off-court incidents and then him flashing a gun online, the team announced.
Statement from the Memphis Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/CLB2TG5nnI
— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) March 4, 2023
Ja Morant Goes Live With Gun On Instagram After Strip Club Visit
Morant appeared to be filming from a strip club after the Grizzlies’ 113-97 loss to the Denver Nuggets on Friday night while sharing footage on Instagram Live. Later in the video, the 23-year-old was seen holding a firearm to the side of his head and flashing it repeatedly.
Although Instagram Live videos delete when they end, his social media antics were screen recorded, screen shotted and recirculated on the internet.
Ja Morant showing off his gun on Instagram live today.
— Savage (@SavageSports_) March 4, 2023
In an immediate response, NBA spokesman Mike Bass released a statement saying, “We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating.”
During his suspension, Morant will miss a Southern California road trip where the Grizzlies will play against the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday before meeting the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday. The suspension was announced by the team on Saturday.
Morant Releases Apology
Morant has taken full responsibility for his actions since the incident and issued a statement via his agent, Jim Tanner. The statement read:
“I take full responsibility for my actions last night. I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down,” it read. “I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”
Statement from Ja Morant via his agent, Jim Tanner: pic.twitter.com/jXzs7HvLvG
— Vincent Goodwill (@VinceGoodwill) March 4, 2023
Since the incident, the star has deleted his Instagram page.
