Ja Morant suspended 25 games by NBA for gun-related social media posts

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended for the first 25 games of the upcoming NBA season after flashing a handgun in a social media video for the second time. The video, which was posted in May, showed Morant holding a gun while sitting in the passenger seat of a car. Morant had previously been suspended for eight games in March for a similar video that showed him flashing a handgun in a strip club. The NBA has now suspended Morant and he stands to lose over $300,000 per game during the suspension, totaling approximately $7.5 million. In addition to the suspension, Morant will have to adhere to certain conditions before being reinstated. The Grizzlies also suspended Morant indefinitely from team activities after the second video surfaced, in anticipation of an NBA sanction. Morant apologized for his actions and stated that he will use the offseason and suspension to work on his mental health and decision-making. The NBA has made it clear that it will not tolerate reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns and that Morant's actions, even without being charged with a crime, have severe consequences. The league has emphasized that Morant, as a popular player, is looked to as a role model by children and adults alike, and that waving guns around on social media is not consistent with gun safety and sends the wrong message. Morant’s suspension almost certainly means that he will not be eligible for any end-of-season awards in 2024, and he may also miss the league’s inaugural in-season tournament.