Ex-Memphis Grizzlies star Tony Allen has tried to contact Ja Morant to offer guidance
Many of the sports figures and NBA legends who have spoken about Ja Morant's recent viral gun video haven't played for the Memphis Grizzlies, but that's not the case for Tony Allen.
The man who became known as "The Grindfather" as an instrumental piece of the "Grit-and-Grind" era used his experience in Memphis and the NBA to share his thoughts on the scrutiny on Morant's off-court issues. The Grizzlies all-star point guard is suspended from team activities as the NBA investigates a second Instagram Live video where Morant appeared to brandish a gun in a clip streamed from his friend Davante Pack's account.
"I'll definitely tell him the guns are not one of those things you play with," Allen said while joining Kevin Garnett's show, KG Certified. "... I just think if he got that fear of holding a gun, he should be in much need of security."
"More so than anything, you got to be properly planning in your movements," Allen later added. "When you out and about man, and you definitely think you need a gun or you need places to go that you need a gun, you might not need to be going to those places. I say that from experience."
Allen said he has tried to reach out Morant, and he frequently contacts the two-time all-star's father Tee Morant. Allen spent seven seasons with the Grizzlies and finished his career as arguably the most decorated defender in franchise history. He also spent time as a development coach for the Grizzlies' G League affiliate, the Memphis Hustle.
"I reach out to his dad every day," Allen said. "I tell him, 'Hey man, I'm in y'all corner. I'm around. I'm here if you need me.' I been through some of everything of what he's trying to portray. It can get rough."
Allen spent a lot of time around the Grizzlies early in Morant's career, but that changed after Allen was charged in federal court in October 2021 for his alleged role in a multi-million dollar health insurance fraud scheme. The Grizzlies planned to retire Allen's jersey in January 2022, but he asked the team to hold off until the 2022-23 season while he addressed his case. Allen's jersey was not retired this past season.
Garnett and Allen won a championship together with the Boston Celtics in 2008. The two touched on various topics, including the chance Morant gets a suspension of up to half a season. But the biggest points were centered around mentorship.
Garnett suggested the NBA create a big brother program to help assist players like Morant, and he alluded to Morant specifically seeking help from someone who is currently outside of Morant's camp like Allen.
"A lot of these immature acts comes from being wealthy, being young, not knowing nothing," Allen said. "He is the highest paid family member, so it's like he's the boss. A lot of people just ain't giving him the right guidance to tell him about himself, that's all. ... I think this summer is going to be a big summer for him to mature up."
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This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Tony Allen, Kevin Garnett discuss Ja Morant's viral gun video
