Ja Morant Apr 24, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts after scoring a basket against the Los Angeles Lakers during the second half in game four of the 2023 NBA playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. Mandatory Credit: Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Since the NBA announced Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant’s recent suspension, the team hasn’t said much about the star and their thoughts on it until now.

Grizzlies general manager  Zach Kleiman agreed with the suspension calling it “appropriate” and thought his star needed it.

He also says he’s not buying into Morant’s forgiveness speech; his star player must prove himself first.

“At this point, it doesn’t matter until he follows through,” Kleiman said. “I couldn’t care less about words. Ja has to prove it.”

It sounds like, just like the NBA, Grizzlies management is taking a hard line against Morant, and management is not buying into any of this until Morant shows he means business about making a change.

Morant is going to have to regain the trust of not only the NBA but his team. Morant is a young superstar with the potential to be the face of the NBA, with the careers of LeBron James and Stephen Curry winding down.

But he has some growing up to do. Morant has been warned several times to watch his step by not only the NBA but even gang members who have come out and told him to stop flashing gang signs during games, especially if he isn’t serious about that kind of life.

Time will tell if he got the message this time.

{AP Sports}

About Stacey Mickles

Stacey is a 1995 graduate of the University of Alabama who has previously worked for other publications such as Sportskeeda and Saturday Down South.