Grizzlies’ Morant suspended 25 games for ‘intentionally and prominently’ waiving gun on social media

The NBA has suspended Grizzlies star guard Ja Morant 25 games without pay for “intentionally and prominently” displaying a gun on social media while in a car with associates, Morant’s second time being suspended for waiving a handgun on social media.

The suspension also comes with conditions for his return, the NBA announced. While it’s a significant suspension (and about what was projected), the league did not use a sledgehammer to drive home its point.

“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” said NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.

“For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time. Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”

Morant released a statement through Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN.

Ja Morant statement: pic.twitter.com/KJCxTVEIRj

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2023

The suspension will cost Morant $7.6 million in direct salary, plus it does not help him in his personal brand, and with it damages endorsement deals with Nike (who somewhat slow-played the release of his signature shoe), Powerade, and others. Morant’s first suspension, eight games in March, cost him $669,000 in direct salary but was a factor in him not making an All-NBA team, which cost