After apparently flashing gun on Instagram Live, Morant to be ‘away from team’ for two games

Ja Morant is being sued after allegedly punching a 17-year-old boy more than a dozen times and flashing a gun at him over the summer (accusations he has denied). Days before that incident, Morant and his friends got into it with security at a Memphis area shopping mall. During this season, Morant and friends were involved in a controversy with a member of the Pacers’ traveling party.

The latest incident — Morant apparently flashing a gun on Instagram Live while at a club Friday night/Saturday morning — has led to the team announcing the All-Star point guard will be “away from the team for at least two games.”

Statement from the Memphis Grizzlies pic.twitter.com/CLB2TG5nnI

— Grizzlies PR (@GrizzliesPR) March 4, 2023

Earlier in the day, NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement: “We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating.” Morant has not been charged with any crime.

While the Grizzlies are not calling it a suspension, it is one in practice. Morant will be out for the Grizzlies’ road games Sunday against the Clippers and Tuesday against the Lakers.

The discipline stems from a late night/early morning Instagram Live from Morant where he appears to flash a gun.

Grizzlies star Ja Morant was allegedly seen showing off a gun on his IG Live this morning.pic.twitter.com/HlhvoWlnYy

— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) March 4, 2023

There have been concerns within the Grizzlies about Morant’s off-court choices, league sources told NBC Sports, and this step by the team to discipline Morant appears to be an extension of efforts to talk about him with that.

On the court, Morant is one of the most dynamic and entertaining players in the league, and has played at an All-Star — maybe All-NBA — level in