The NBA on Friday suspended Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant for 25 games without pay to start next season.
The disciplinary action comes in the wake of a second handgun incident. In a May 14 clip from a friend’s Instagram Live video, Morant was seen brandishing a gun.
“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,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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.”
Silver continued: “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 also released a statement in which he apologized. He said he would work on his mental health and decision-making.
“I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done,” Morant said in the statement. “To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better.”
He added: “I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.”
Morant’s first gun episode came March 4 in another Instagram Live feed, this one from Denver, where he flashed a gun in a nightclub. He was suspended eight games then for conduct detrimental to the league.
Morant was the No. 2 overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft from Murray State. He signed a five-year $194-million contract earlier this year. It was to start this season.
“Our standards as a league and team are clear,” the Grizzlies said in a statement, “and we expect that all team personnel will adhere to them.”