NEW YORK — The NBA is suspending Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant for eight games without pay after he flashed a gun during a live stream video earlier this month.
“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement Wednesday afternoon.
The suspension comes after a face-to-face meeting Wednesday between Morant and Silver at the NBA’s offices in Midtown Manhattan and a league investigation into his conduct.
Morant, a two-time All-Star, has not played since the Grizzlies’ March 3 loss to the Nuggets in Denver. It was at a Denver-area nightclub early the next morning that Morant — described in the league’s statement as “holding a firearm in an intoxicated state” — went live on social media.
The former Murray State star and the second-overall pick in the 2019 NBA draft, was not charged with a crime by Colorado authorities.
The NBA’s investigation found that Morant didn’t possess the gun while traveling with the team or in any NBA facility.
“It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him,” Silver added. “He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior.”
The league said Morant will be eligible to return for the Grizzlies’ game against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, March 20.
