Ja Morant has become NBA’s most controversial star following his social media mishap a few days ago. The Memphis Grizzlies star and his friend Davonte Pack flashed a firearm on Instagram Live for the second time. Based on what had happened, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver broke silence about his feelings regarding the incident. It was very evident how terribly upset Silver was about it.
While speaking to Malika Andrews of ESPN, the Commissioner reflected on the discussions he had with Ja Morant the first time around. He claimed that the former Most Improved Player of the Year was remorseful and understood how distasteful his behavior was. “An eight-game suspension was pretty serious and something that he at least to me seemed to take incredibly seriously,” said Silver.
“Honestly, I was shocked when I saw this weekend — that video. Now, we’re in the process of investigating it.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver spoke on Ja Morant after his latest video. pic.twitter.com/W0lX4E2fa4
— ESPN (@espn) May 16, 2023
“My concern and I thought he shared with me that millions if not ten millions, of kids globally would see him as having done something that was celebrating in a way… I was left with the sense that he was taking this seriously. Honestly, I was shocked,” he concluded. Adam Silver revealed that the situation is under investigation. He also said that he is assuming the worst and that the consequences will be decided accordingly.
Ja Morant addresses his reckless act of waving a firearm for the second time
Ja Morant has been dragged into several allegations of assault as well and his reputation has been on a steep decline. Nearly two months ago, he was booked for flashing a firearm on social media while he was at a nightclub and as Silver had described, Morant seemed very remorseful toward his actions. He previously released a statement claiming that his intentions were not to promote violence.
Ja Morant released a statement following his latest suspension. pic.twitter.com/zMAX2MSOiI
— ESPN (@espn) May 17, 2023
Once again, Ja released a statement addressing the situation. He said, “I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”
Morant was immediately suspended by the Grizzlies from all team-related activities or events. The suspension period remains unknown and he will most likely miss out on a significant amount of games next season. Shortly after the playoffs, the Grizzlies released Dillon Brooks for his poor actions against his peers and experts have all urged for Morant to be thrown out of the league as well.