Ja Morant: NBA suspends Memphis Grizzlies star for 25 games

Following the most recent instance of the Memphis Grizzlies player flashing a pistol on social media, the NBA has suspended Ja Morant for 25 games to begin the 2023–24 NBA season.

Morant displayed a firearm while in a car during an Instagram Live video last month, two months after NBA commissioner Adam Silver punished Morant for eight games for a string of off-court offenses, including many incidents involving guns. 

Prior to the NBA Finals, the league wrapped up an investigation that it had started as the Grizzlies had suspended Morant indefinitely.

The Grizzlies stated they acknowledged the league's decision to punish Morant in a brief statement on Friday. 

The team added, "Our standards as a league and team are clear, and we expect that all team personnel will adhere to them."

 Morant also issued a statement in which he expressed regret to the league and the public. 

He promised to make amends to everyone he let down during the offseason by focusing on his mental health and decision-making.

Morant's first signature sneaker was unveiled in December, and Nike also issued the following statement regarding him.

He said, "I've had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I've caused.

"I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. 

“To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and Robert Pera — who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me — I'm sorry for the harm I've done.

In connection with his acts, Morant has not been accused of any crimes. 

Morant has acknowledged that this year has been mentally challenging, but the NBA has grown more worried with his behavior.