Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has once again made the headlines for the wrong reasons, and Nike have issued a statement following his latest controversy.
Morant released a statement of apology on Saturday after he was reportedly suspended for posting a video on social media - allegedly showing him flashing a gun while posing in a club on Friday night. Morant will miss at least the next two Grizzlies game as a result, and the NBA are still investigating the matter.
Nike are a sponsor of Morant, and recently parted ways with fellow NBA star Kyrie Irving following his own social media controversy while with the Brooklyn Nets. And Nike were quick to release a statement following the Morant video.
"We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support his prioritisation of his well-being," the company’s statement said.
Their response came after Morant apologised for his actions, and it appears as though he's stepped away from social media for the time being as his accounts have gone off the grid. "I take full responsibility for my actions last night," Morant's statement read.
"I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organisation for letting you down. I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being."
It's not the first time Morant has been under the spotlight, as he was investigated by police for allegedly punching a teenager last summer. He also celebrated teammate Desmond Bane’s three-pointer against the Houston Rockets by performing a gun celebration.
Once again, a gun is at the centre of the latest controversy as the alleged clip - which was widely shared on social media - shows what is believed to be Morant dancing topless in a strip club before he appears to lift a firearm to the side of his head. Following this, the NBA confirmed they were investigating the video and the Grizzlies later declared that Morant would be absent for their next two matches.
Morant will miss major clashes against the Los Angeles Clippers and Los Angeles Lakers, and the Grizzlies will be shorthanded without him. Morant is one of the best rising talents in the NBA, and has a $200million contract with the Grizzlies.
The 23-year-old has huge deals already in place with Nike and Powerade, and has been tipped as a future MVP winner. Morant is averaging 27.1 points per game in the 2022/23 NBA season, and the Grizzlies are second in the Western Conference with 38 wins.
