Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Suspended For Second Gun-Waving Video

Topline

NBA star Ja Morant was suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies on Sunday after he appeared to flash a gun in an Instagram video, marking the second time he’s posted such a video on social media—and his second suspension for this behavior.

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) plays during the first half of Game 5 in a first-round NBA … [+] basketball playoff series against the Los Angeles Lakers.

AP/Brandon Dill

Key Facts

Morant was suspended from all team activities pending a review, the Memphis Grizzlies said in a statement Sunday.

The video, which is no longer on Instagram, shows Morant in the passenger seat of a car, and when the camera pans to Morant he appears to be holding a gun.

NBA spokesperson Mike Bass told The Athletic: “We are aware of the social media post involving Ja Morant and are in the process of gathering more information.”

What We Don’t Know

The Grizzlies did not specify when Morant’s suspension will end. The team was eliminated from the playoffs two weeks ago.

Key Background

Morant was suspended for eight games in March after posting a similar video at a strip club in Denver, Colorado, following a game against the Denver Nuggets. He waved a gun during an Instagram Live video in the club, which prompted an investigation from local authorities as well as the NBA. Colorado police ultimately decided not to press charges against Morant. While it’s legal for adults to openly carry guns without a permit in Colorado, it’s illegal to possess a firearm while intoxicated. During the investigation the NBA did not conclude “the gun at issue belonged to Morant, was brought by him into the nightclub or was displayed by him beyond a brief period,” The Athletic reported. Morant apologized for his behavior and said he would “take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and [his]

Big Number

$193 million. That’s how Morant is set to earn in the coming years after he signed a five-year extension with the Grizzlies last July, ESPN reported.

What To Watch For

Morant faced an unpaid suspension after the first incident, and NBA commissioner Adam Silver condemned Morant’s behavior, calling it “irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous.” It’s unclear whether Silver will impose similar or harsher punishment for Morant’s second gun video.