WORDS BY MOBS MONTENEGRO
© Winslow Townson | USA TODAY Sports
The NBA has suspended Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant for 25 games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league. Morant's suspension begins immediately and will remain in effect through the first 25 games of the 2023-24 regular season. Morant will also have to adhere to certain conditions before being reinstated, the NBA said.
The suspension comes after Morant was seen with a gun on social media twice this year. In March, Morant posted a video on Instagram Live of himself holding a gun while he was intoxicated at a Denver-area club. In May, Morant was seen with a gun in a car while he was being livestreamed on Instagram Live.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement that Morant's behavior was "destructive" and "alarming and disconcerting." He said that the potential for other young people to emulate Morant's conduct was "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," Silver said.
Adrian Wojnarowski, the ESPN reporter who broke the news of Morant's suspension, speculated earlier in June that the league might suspend Morant for 17 games, rendering him ineligible for postseason awards, while other sources speculated that he could be suspended for the entire season. A 25-game suspension, nearly a third of the season, is harsh, but the NBA did not empty the clip in punishment because Morant will be eligible to play for the majority of the 2023-24 season.
The suspension is a major blow to the Grizzlies, who are coming off a Western Conference Semifinals appearance. Morant is one of the most exciting players in the NBA, and he averaged 27.4 points, 6.7 assists, and 5.7 rebounds per game last season.
The Grizzlies will have to find a way to replace Morant's production in the short term. They have a number of young players who could step up, including Desmond Bane, Jaren Jackson Jr., and Brandon Clarke.
The long-term impact of the suspension is unclear. Morant is eligible to be reinstated after 25 games, but it is possible that the NBA could extend the suspension if he does not meet certain conditions.
The suspension is a reminder of the importance of responsible gun ownership. Morant is a role model for many young people, and his actions could have set a bad example. It is important for athletes to use their platform to promote safe gun use and to discourage gun violence.
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