Grizzlies suspend Morant over latest gun video
The Memphis Grizzlies have suspended their star player, Ja Morant, after a video surfaced on social media showing him handling a gun. The video, which was posted on Instagram, showed Morant playing around with a handgun while sitting in the passenger seat of a moving vehicle.
The Grizzlies announced the suspension in a statement released to the media, saying that they take “these matters very seriously,” adding that they are “currently gathering additional information.” The statement didn’t indicate how long the suspension would last.
Morant, the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, has been a key player for the Grizzlies since joining the team. He was named the NBA’s Rookie of the Year in his debut season, and has quickly established himself as one of the league’s top young stars.
It’s unclear exactly why Morant was handling the gun in the video, but the Grizzlies’ decision to suspend him suggests that they don’t consider it to be a harmless prank. The team has a strict policy regarding firearms, and players are not allowed to bring guns to team facilities or on team trips.
The incident has stirred up controversy, with some fans criticizing Morant for his actions and others defending him. Many have pointed out that Morant is from a rural area where gun ownership is common, and that he may have been handling the gun out of a sense of familiarity rather than malice.
It’s worth noting that the Grizzlies aren’t the only NBA team to have had to deal with gun-related issues recently. In 2020, New York Knicks player Cleanthony Early was shot in the knee during a robbery outside of a strip club, and former player Stephen Jackson was heavily involved in the aftermath of George Floyd’s death, which involved a police officer using a gun.
Overall, this incident is a reminder of the importance of education and awareness when it comes to guns. Regardless of where you stand on the issue of gun ownership, it’s crucial to understand the risks and responsibilities that come with handling firearms. Hopefully, the Grizzlies and Morant can use this incident as an opportunity to promote a dialogue about these important topics.