Ja Morant sparks controversy with another NBA incident is another suspension coming
Now, following a controversial gesture during a live broadcast of the game between the Golden State Warriors and Memphis, Ja Morant might face yet another suspension. Last time, his behavior led to a suspension of more than 20 games—something the team can’t afford. But Morant’s strong inclinations seem to repeatedly land him in trouble within the NBA.
Ja Morant appears unable to steer clear of trouble. The Grizzlies player has an unusual passion for firearms. The issue isn’t the interest itself, but rather how he publicly displays it. In this case, the NBA is involved, and this association is far from positive.
In 2023, Morant was suspended for 25 games. The reason? Morant brandished a firearm during a live social media broadcast—and this wasn’t the first time.
At the time, the NBA commissioner took swift action and commented: “Ja Morant’s decision to again display a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar behavior in March, which already resulted in an eight-game suspension.”
Now, it seems Ja Morant’s passion for firearms remains unchecked. Despite receiving a hefty suspension, the player continues to make his interests known. The concern is that NBA players are role models for many young fans, raising fears that such behavior could influence impressionable audiences.
“The possibility of other young people emulating Ja Morant’s behavior is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a 25-game suspension is appropriate and makes it clear that reckless and irresponsible conduct involving firearms will not be tolerated,” declared Silver in 2023.
However, it seems the lesson hasn’t sunk in for Ja Morant. Recently, he committed another infraction—less alarming than the previous one. This time, the Memphis Grizzlies sensation made a gesture imitating a pistol aimed at the Warriors’ bench during a game.
While the gesture may seem harmless, it sparked widespread criticism among NBA fans. Many were quick to attack Morant and demand another suspension. “Ja Morant should be suspended for pretending to shoot at the Warriors bench. This guy will never learn,” one fan wrote.
Others pointed out that such actions by Ja Morant not only hurt him but also damage the team’s reputation. “Ja Morant literally pretended to shoot at the Warriors bench. And that’s the guy Memphis wants as their franchise identity? Pathetic. Suspend him again @NBA,” another fan commented.
The constant association of Morant with firearms has been ongoing. When this became widely known in 2023, many blamed the player’s mother for his behavior. One of them was comedian Corey Holcomb, who seemed to have insight into Morant’s family dynamics.
“I didn’t know until recently what happened at a mall where Ja Morant’s mother got into an argument with a shoe store employee. She called her son, Ja Morant, and said: ‘Wow! Wow! Wow!’” Holcomb explained.
Following this, Ja Morant and eight of his friends showed up at the store, reportedly chasing the young employee who had argued with his mother. The worker had to run and lock himself inside the store as his safety was threatened.
So far, there has been no official comment about another suspension for Ja Morant’s gesture. However, many NBA fans believe Morant needs to control his passion and remember the responsibility he holds as a role model for young fans.