Ja Morant, star point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, was suspended 25 games by the NBA on Friday for displaying a firearm in a video posted on social media in May. Already suspended eight games in March for similar facts, the Grizzlies point guard again exhibited “irresponsible behavior” according to NBA boss Adam Silver, quoted in a statement.
The player had already been suspended since May by his franchise, “pending the examination of the situation by the league”. The video in question, which was circulating on Instagram before being deleted, showed Ja Morant in the front passenger seat of a car with a gun in his left hand.
“Destructive behavior”
“The possibility of other young people taking inspiration from Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a 25-game suspension is appropriate and makes it clear that engaging in reckless actions and irresponsible behavior with firearms will not be tolerated,” explained Adam Silver. Ja Morant’s return to the NBA will be subject to a follow-up program related to his behavioral issues.
In addition, this suspension will cost the player very dearly financially since each missed match is equivalent to more than $300,000 less in salary. That is an estimated total of 7.6 million dollars (6.9 million euros). “His behavior is destructive. For Ja, basketball must take a back seat right now,” the NBA boss concluded in his statement.