Ja Morant: NBA star suspended for eight games without pay after gun incident
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended for eight games without pay by the NBA after video shows him holding a gun at a Colorado nightclub.
Morant was also intoxicated and his conduct was “detrimental to the league,” the NBA said.
The 23-year-old All-Star guard apologized following the live stream on his Instagram page on Saturday, March 4.
NBA boss Adam Silver said Morant’s conduct was “irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous”.
He added: “It also has serious implications given his huge following and influence, especially among young fans who look up to him.”
In a report after meeting Morant in New York on Wednesday, the commissioner said: “He expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior.
“Ja also made it clear to me that he learned from this incident and that he understands that his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the wider NBA community extend far beyond his play on the ground.”
It is legal to carry a firearm in Colorado with a few exceptions, including possession under the influence of alcohol.
Glendale Police Department did not find enough evidence to charge anyone with a crime.
The incident happened hours after the Grizzlies lost 113-97 to the Denver Nuggets and Morant has not played since as the NBA investigates.
He has already missed five games, and since the suspension is backdated, he will be allowed to return against the Dallas Mavericks on March 21.
“Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the league has not concluded that the weapon in question belonged to Morant, was brought by him into the nightclub, or was displayed by him beyond for a brief period,” an NBA statement added.
“The investigation also did not find that Morant possessed the weapon while traveling with the team or at an NBA facility, and Colorado authorities did not find sufficient cause to charge Morant. of a felony.”
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