Tony Allen is familiar with the issues and pressure that Grizzlies star Ja Morant is currently facing after his latest off-court incident.
One week ago, Morant appeared to display a gun during an Instagram live video and is currently suspended from team activities pending the NBA’s investigation. Morant’s recent incident comes after he served an eight-game suspension in March when an Instagram Live video showed Morant flashing a gun inside a Colorado nightclub.
Allen, known as the “The Grindfather” for his elite defensive skills, played an integral part in the Grizzlies “Grit and Grind” era from 2010 to ’17. In a recent appearance on Kevin Garnett’s KG Certified podcast, Allen shared his advice on why Morant’s need for a gun should not be taking lightly.
“I’ll definitely tell him [Morant] the guns are not one of those things you play with,” Allen said on the show. “... I just think if he got that fear of holding a gun, he should be in much need of security. … You got to be properly planning in your movements. … When you out and about man, and you definitely think you need a gun or you need places to go that you need a gun, you might not need to be going to those places. I say that from experience.”
Allen was a six-time NBA All-Defensive team selection during his days in a Grizzlies’ uniform. He also won an NBA championship in ’08 with the Celtics. While Allen witnessed the pinnacles and the valleys of being a NBA player, the 41-year-old wants to help Morant avoid some of the pitfalls he endured.
Allen said that he has attempted to reach out to the 23-year-old and has spoken with his dad, Tee Morant, on multiple occasions to offer guidance and support.
“I reach out to his dad every day,” Allen said. “I tell him, ‘Hey man, I’m in y’all corner. I’m around. I’m here if you need me.’ I been through some of everything of what he’s trying to portray. It can get rough.”
As the league continues its investigation, Morant could potentially face a “lengthy suspension” from the NBA in regard to the situation.
