Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been suspended by the franchise for appearing to brandish a gun in a social media video for the second time.
The two-time All-Star, 23, appeared to hold a gun aloft while listening to music in a car during an Instagram Live video.
He was suspended by the NBA for a similar incident back in March when he was seen on Instagram Live with a firearm in a nightclub. He was widely condemned for his actions and he missed eight games.
"We are aware of the social media video involving Ja Morant," A Grizzlies spokesman said. "He is suspended from all team activities pending league review. We have no further comment at this time."
NBA spokesman Mike Bass added: "We are aware of the social media post involving Ja Morant and are in the process of gathering more information.”
Morant - who himself has yet to comment on the video - was punished by the NBA after a March 4 video featured him holding a gun in a Colorado nightclub in the hours after a defeat to the Denver Nuggets, and he received widespread criticism for his actions, with many questioning the point guard's maturity and responsibility.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said Morant's actions in the March 4 incident were "irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous."
He later issued an apology as he prepared to return to the court later that month, revealing he had attended counselling.
"I'm completely sorry," Morant said on March 21. "So, you know, my job now is, like I said, to be more responsible, smarter, and don't cause any of that no more.
"I went there to counselling to learn how to manage stress. Cope with stress in a positive way, instead of ways I've tried to deal with it before that caused me to make mistakes."
Morant – who signed a five-year $194million contract last summer – has been one of the NBA's breakout stars since being taken with the second overall pick in 2019 by the Grizzlies, winning Rookie of the Year and making the All-Star Game in the past two seasons.
He averaged 26 points per game in the regular season as he cemented his place as one of the NBA's top players.
This season ended in disappointment, though, with the Grizzlies eliminated in six games at the hands of the Los Angeles Lakers in April.
