The NBA has issued a suspension on Grizzlies star Ja Morant for "conduct detrimental to the league."
Morant's suspension is tied to a video showing the two-time All-Star holding what appeared to be a firearm as he partied in a nightclub in the early hours on March 4. He released a statement apologizing for the incident and was away from the team for six games before a suspension was issued by the league.
"I take full responsibility for my actions last night," he wrote in his apology. "I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down.
"I'm going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being."
How many games was Morant suspended for? The Sporting News has the latest information below.
MORE: Jalen Rose sends heartfelt message to Ja Morant
Is Ja Morant suspended?
The NBA announced on March 15 that "Morant has been suspended eight games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league."
"Morant will be eligible to return for the team's game against the Dallas Mavericks on March 20," according to the release, which means his six-game absence was already accounted for.
The following has been released by the NBA. pic.twitter.com/OhNwWzj9zU
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) March 15, 2023
"The league office conducted an investigation of the March 4 incident. Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the league did not conclude that the gun at issue belonged to Morant, was brought by him into the nightclub or was displayed by him beyond a brief period," the release stated.
"The investigation also did not find that Morant possessed the gun while traveling with the team or in any NBA facility, and the Colorado authorities did not find sufficient cause to charge Morant with a crime."
“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,” said NBA commissioner Adam Silver.
“It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior. Ja has also made it clear to me that he has learned from this incident and that he understands his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader NBA community extend well beyond his play on the court.”
Morant was also facing potential legal repercussions as an out-of-state resident in possession of a firearm.
On March 6, police in Glendale, Colo., said they were investigating Morant's actions. While Colorado is an open-carry state, there are exceptions, including the carrying of a firearm on federal property. It is also illegal to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol.
Glendale, Colo. police dept confirms to ESPN "there is an investigation" into Ja Morant's actions where he flashed what appeared to be a gun early Sat AM. Colorado is open carry but it is illegal in that state to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol
— Michele Steele (@MicheleSteele) March 6, 2023
On March 8, the Glendale Police Department said they had looked into the video, but had found no proof that a crime had been committed.
“In this case, it should be noted that on the night in question the GPD did not receive any calls for service at the nightclub regarding a weapon of any type,” police said. “Subsequently, no disturbances were reported, and no citizens of patrons of the club came forward to make a complaint.
“The investigation also concluded that no one was threatened or menaced with the firearm and in fact no firearm was ever located.”
This is the latest in a long line of controversies for the star point guard, who was recently accused of repeatedly punching a teenage boy in the head and threatening him with a gun during an incident last summer.
Morant was also involved in an altercation with Pacers team members in January. They claimed a red laser was pointed at them from a car containing Morant and several others. His agent denied those allegations, and he didn't face any legal or disciplinary consequences.
