Ja Morant: NBA suspends Grizzlies star for 25 games over Instagram gun video

The Memphis Grizzlies has been hit with a more severe punishment after being suspended for a similar incident in March

Grizzlies Morant Suspended Basketball (Copyright 2023 The Associated Press. All rights reserved)

Ja Morant has been suspended by the NBA for 25 games after a video on social media circulated showing the Memphis Grizzlies superstar brandishing a firearm.

The All Star, who was suspended for eight games in March for a similar incident, will now miss the start of the 2023-24 season.

Morant was seen on Instagram Live holding up a handgun while at a Denver-area club.

“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement.

“The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.

“For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time. Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”

While Morant admitted he has had time to reflect on the “hurt” caused by his behaviour.

“I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I’ve caused,” Morant said in a statement. “I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and Robert Pera -- who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me -- I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done. To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all of my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.

“I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. I know my teammates are going to hold it down and I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you at the beginning of the season. I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.”