The NBA has decided on Ja Morant’s future.
After Ja Morant got off with a relative slap on the wrist in March (he was suspended eight games), commissioner Adam Silver was determined to not make the same mistake, sending a strong message that Morant’s erratic behavior wouldn’t be tolerated.
That strong message was in the form of a 25-game suspension.
The Athletic’s Shams Charania was the first to report the news of Morant’s suspension, which begins immediately and will remain in effect through the first 25 games of the 2023-24 NBA regular season. According to the NBA’s release, Morant will be required to meet certain conditions before he returns to play and will be ineligible to participate in any public league or team activities, including preseason games.
The NBA is suspending Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant for 25 games, sources tell @TheAthletic @Stadium.
— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) June 16, 2023
“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,” said Silver. “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 huns 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.”
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/dzDSb4uCk3
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) June 16, 2023
As Silver’s statement indicates, the 23-year-old Morant will have to show serious contrition before the NBA allows him anywhere near a court, demanding accountability for his repeated missteps including brandishing a firearm on Instagram twice in three months.
Beyond the impact it’s already had on his image, Morant’s off-court controversies are also having a profound effect on his wallet, putting his endorsement deals with Nike and Powerade in jeopardy while falling short of All-NBA status, a snub that could cost him upwards of $40 million on his next contract. Drafted second overall out of Murray State, the 6’3” point guard has led Memphis in scoring each year since debuting in 2019.
Following the news of his suspension, Morant released a statement of his own:
Ja Morant statement: pic.twitter.com/KJCxTVEIRj
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2023
[NBA PR]
