NBA suspending Ja Morant

The NBA is suspending Ja Morant. This decision was announced after the news that the police were investigating the Memphis Grizzlies’ star. The reason was possession of gun under the influence of drugs or alcohol. After analyzing the case, the league has decided on an eight-game suspension for the player.

Right after the episode, which happened after a Grizzlies’ loss versus the Nuggets, in Denver. The player had already taken some time off “to get help”, according to himself. Because of that, he already missed six games, which are counting on the suspension. Therefore, he has only two more games to complete his sentence. He will be eligible to play next Monday against the Dallas Mavericks.

Orant met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver to talk about the episode this Wednesday (15). “Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous”, said Silver in a statement about the case.

“It has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him.  He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior.  Ja has also made it clear to me that he has learned from this incident and that he understands his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader NBA community extend well beyond his play on the court”, said the commissioner.

NBA’s full statement

“The NBA announced today that Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended. The suspension is eight games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league.  The discipline is in response to Morant’s live streaming of a video on March 4 in which he is holding a firearm in an intoxicated state while visiting a Denver area nightclub.  Morant will be eligible to return for the team’s game against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, March 20.

A meeting took place today in the NBA’s New York offices between NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Morant to discuss Morant’s conduct.  NBA Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio, among others, attended the meeting.

The league office conducted an investigation of the March 4 incident.  Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the league did not conclude that the gun at issue belonged to Morant, was brought by him into the nightclub or was displayed by him beyond a brief period.  The investigation also did not find that Morant possessed the gun while travelling with the team or in any NBA facility, and the Colorado authorities did not find sufficient cause to charge Morant with a crime.”