Mavericks star Kyrie Irving rips critics of Ja Morant, claims Grizzlies guard faced 'overload of judgment'

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

Kyrie Irving pushed back against those who have been critical of Ja Morant following the controversial social media video in which the Grizzlies star flashed a gun.

Morant returned to the Grizzlies earlier this week after serving an eight-game suspension following the incident at a nightclub near Denver on March 4. Irving described the criticism toward Morant as an "overload of judgment."

Iriving made the comments after the Mavs played the Grizzlies on Monday, with Morant watching the game from the sidelines.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Kyrie Irving of the Brooklyn Nets goes to the basket against Ja Morant of the Grizzlies at FedExForum on Oct. 24, 2022, in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

"I believe any hardship in life builds character," Irving said, via The Athletic.

Irving has certainly dealt with his fair share of criticism throughout this season and served a suspension in November that ultimately lasted for eight games after he posted a link to an antisemitic film. 

SUSPENDED GRIZZLIES STAR JA MORANT'S NIGHTCLUB INCIDENT COULD COST HIM $39 MILLION: REPORT

Irving initially declined to apologize. But after the Nets suspended him, Irving held a news conference on Nov. 3 and said, "I just want to offer my deep apologies to all those who are impacted over these last few weeks."

The 30-year-old also missed games last season due to New York City's COVID-19 vaccine mandate. Irving was vocal about his decision to not take any of the vaccine shots and was therefore only permitted to play in road games while the mandate was in place.

Irving, who now plays for the Mavericks, pointed out the