MADRID, 16 Jun. (EUROPA PRESS) –
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended by the NBA for 25 games for “disruptive conduct”, after carrying a firearm during a live broadcast on social networks on May 13, in “alarming” images and bewildering.”
“The NBA today announced that Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended 25 games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league,” the NBA announced in a statement.
The Grizzlies player posed with a firearm in a live broadcast on the Instagram social network on May 13, less than two months after he was suspended for 8 games without pay for appearing, also live, and while intoxicated. at a Denver-area nightclub, with another handgun on March 4.
“The league office discovered that, on May 13, Morant intentionally and prominently displayed a firearm while in a car with several others as they were leaving a social gathering in Memphis,” the NBA reported.
For the competition, Morant drew the firearm “knowing that it was being recorded and that the recording was being broadcast live on Instagram,” despite having committed to the NBA and making public statements that he would not repeat the conduct for which he was previously penalized.
Morant’s suspension begins immediately and will remain in effect for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 NBA regular season in which he is eligible and able to play. He will also have to meet certain conditions before playing again and will not be able to participate in any public league or team activities, including preseason games, during the course of his suspension.
For NBA commissioner Adam Silver, the images of the shooting guard carrying a gun are “alarming and disconcerting.” “The potential for other youngsters to emulate Ja’s conduct is especially troubling. In these circumstances, we believe a 25-game suspension is appropriate and makes it clear that reckless and irresponsible behavior with weapons will not be tolerated,” he said.
According to the NBA, basketball has taken a “second plane” for Morant, so, before playing again, he will be required to “formulate and comply with a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.