Hours after NBA commissioner Adam Silva expressed his shock at the Memphis Grizzlies' star latest antics, the athlete issues a statement in which he acknowledges the disappointment he's caused.
- May 17, 2023
AceShowbiz - Ja Morant has broken his silence after he's suspended again by his team over his second gun incident. The NBA star issued a statement on Tuesday, May 16, in which he acknowledged the disappointment he's caused to those who have supported him.
"I know I've disappointed a lot of people who have supported me," the Memphis Grizzlies star said in the statement. Taking accountability for his action, he is determined to continue to "work" on himself.
"This is a journey & I recognize there is more work to do," the athlete continued. "My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I'm committed to continuing to work on myself."
His statement was issued a mere hours after NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed his shock at a social media video which featured Morant flashing a gun over the weekend. "Honestly, I was shocked when I saw this weekend that video," he told ESPN's Malika Andrews from the NBA's draft lottery on Tuesday in Chicago.
He added, "Now, we're in the process of investigating it, and we'll figure out exactly what happened to the best we can. The video is a bit grainy and all that, but I'm assuming the worst."
Morant has been suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies again after he flashed a gun on Instagram Live over the weekend. In the video, he was seen brandishing his firearm while in a car with his friend Davonte Pack.
"We are aware of the social media video involving Ja Morant," the Grizzlies said in a statement on Sunday. "He is suspended from all team activities pending League review. We have no further comment at this time."
It's his second suspension in two months over a similar incident. Back in March, he was suspended after he livestreamed himself on Instagram holding a gun at a nightclub in Glendale, Colorado. While he was not charged with a crime following police's investigation, he agreed to enter a counseling program in Florida.
"The gun wasn't mine," the basketballer insisted at the time. He continued, "It's not who I am. I don't condone any type of violence, but I take full responsibility for my actions," before noting, "I made a bad mistake and I can see the image I painted over myself with my recent mistakes."
After being suspended for eight games without pay, Morant returned to play with his team on March 22. He thanked fans for their support, saying after the game, "Obviously, I'm thankful and grateful for everybody who's been supporting me during this time." He added, "It definitely helped me a lot, definitely made me feel a little better. Eased everything that was going on. Felt good to be back. Super excited. Glad we was able to get the win."
