Ja Morant Suspension Draws Strong Statements from Grizzlies, Nike, NBPA

Following his latest gun controversy, the NBA has officially suspended Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant for 25 games. Now, his team, Nike, and NBPA have reacted.

The Memphis Grizzlies statement was posted on the team's public relations Twitter page, and it revealed that they respect the NBA's decision to suspend their star guard.

Meanwhile, the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA) has announced that they are not happy that Morant's suspension was so long, with NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio saying, "We believe it's excessive and inappropriate for a number of reasons..."

Meanwhile, Nike, which recently signed Morant up to replace Kyrie Irving after his antisemitism scandal, also released a statement that said, "We are pleased that Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being. We will continue to support him on and off the court."

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Releases Statement on Memphis Grizzlies Star Ja Morant

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also released his own statement, saying, "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 added, "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."

According to the NBA, Morant is set to lose $300,000 per game during his suspension. With him missing 25 games, this means the Grizzlies star will stand to lose around $7.5 million.

As Latin Post previously reported, Ja Morant was seen riding in with his friend while briefly brandishing a gun. This prompted an NBA investigation that led to his second suspension related to guns. He previously beat up and threatened a teen with a gun.

Morant was not charged, but the NBA made it clear that his actions had severe consequences, especially now that the rise in gun violence in the United States has become a massive problem.

The NBA added that Ja Morant is now "looked to as a role model by children and adults alike," and it seems that they want him to act like one. The NBA has since found "additional information" since it launched its investigation into the Ja Morant fun video, according to Sports Illustrated.

Ja Morant Talks About Latest Suspension

On Friday, Ja Morant issued his own statement and said, "I've had time to reflect and realize how much hurt I've caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates, and the city of Memphis... I'm spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision-making."

Here is his full statement:

This article is owned by Latin Post.

Written by: Rick Martin

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