LOS ANGELES (AFP) – Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was suspended for 25 games by the NBA on Friday after being caught waving a gun in a social media video for the second time this year.
Morant, one of the brightest young stars in the NBA, had already served an eight-game suspension in March after another video in which he flashed a firearm in a nightclub.
In a statement, NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Morant’s latest suspension would send a message that the league will crack down on “reckless behavior” with firearms.
“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,” Silver said.
“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.”
Morant, who had already sought therapy to manage stress following his earlier suspension, said in a statement that he planned to spend the off-season working on his mental health.
“I’ve had time to reflect and realize how much hurt I’ve caused,” said Morant, who was suspended from team activities by the Grizzlies last month following the emergence of the latest gun video.
“I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. I’m spending the off-season and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making.
