Ex-NBA stars call out Ja Morant over grenade celebration

Fox News Flash top sports headlines are here. Check out what's clicking on Foxnews.com.

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant raised eyebrows earlier this week when he performed a grenade celebration a week after getting fined for using gun gestures.

Morant faced criticism for the new celebration maneuver from former NBA stars Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith on Thursday night. 

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, #12, reacts after a three-point basket during the first quarter against the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedExForum in Memphis, Tennessee, on April 10, 2025. (Petre Thomas-Imagn Images)

"He has a history that maybe he should leave the celebrations where people might die alone," Smith advised during the "Inside the NBA" broadcast.

Barkley called it "immature" and predicted that former Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins was happy that he did not "have to deal with is crap" anymore.

Morant, again, did the grenade celebration, mimicking throwing one into the crowd and covering his ears for the imaginary explosion. The Grizzlies star received much criticism over the course of the week, and he responded to it on Thursday before the team’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves.

"That's my celebration now until somebody else has a problem with it, and I'll find another one," he said.

HEAT'S TYLER HERRO FACES BACKLASH OVER DECISION LATE IN LOSS TO BULLS

Memphis Grizzlies interim head coach Tuomas Iisalo, left, talks with guard Ja Morant, #12, in the second half of an NBA basketball game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, April 10, 2025, in Memphis, Tennessee. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)

Morant was suspended for 25 games at the start of the 2023-24 season after