Unpacking Ja Morant's suspension after viral gun video: Here's everything we know
A viral video of Ja Morant brandishing what appeared to be a gun on Instagram Live led to the Memphis Grizzlies suspending their star point guard. And now the NBA will weigh in on Morant's fate.
This is the second time the Grizzlies and Morant have been down this road, after he was seen holding a gun in a Colorado nightclub in March. The Grizzlies took swift action to suspend Morant from team activities Sunday, and the two-time All-Star’s silence since the video went viral leaves plenty to unpack on where Morant goes from here.
Here is what we know and what's been reported about Morant's status.
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What’s the latest from the NBA?
The NBA is reviewing the Instagram Live video that surfaced in the early morning May 14. The league has to confirm the video wasn’t altered and the time it was taken, among other things. After Morant's first gun incident in March, 11 days went by before the league issued an eight-game suspension.
Is Ja Morant suspended?
The Grizzlies suspended Morant from all team activities, meaning he is unable to use the facilities to workout or participate in organized team functions. Morant has not been suspended by the NBA for games next season as of May 16. When Morant brandished a gun on an Instagram Live video on March 4, he was suspended eight games due to conduct detrimental to the team. The NBA has levied tougher punishment on players who have had a repeated history in the past. Morant met with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and others in the league office in March, and they felt he was remorseful for his actions.
"Ja has also made it clear to me that he understands his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader NBA community extend well beyond his play on the court," Silver said in March after meeting with Morant.
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Did Ja Morant break any laws?
Morant did not break the law and is not under police investigation after his latest gun incident. In the state of Tennessee, a permit is not required to carry a firearm. Tennessee residents can carry a gun openly in public. The NBA’s approach is more about optics and Morant’s position as one of the game’s young stars.
“It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him,” Silver said in March.
When will an NBA suspension be announced for Ja Morant?
Since it’s the offseason, the NBA doesn’t have to rush through this process. Multiple reports have indicated that a longer suspension could be in store for Morant.
"Ja Morant is facing the very real possibility of a lengthy suspension to start next season," ESPN insider Adrian Wojnarowski said.
With the NBA Finals set to start in June, it's fair to wonder whether the NBA will let its championship round pass before announcing a suspension decision.
Does this affect Ja Morant’s Nike shoe, Powerade sponsorships?
None of Morant’s sponsors have given an indication they’re halting or pausing their relationship with the Grizzlies star.
Nike basketball released a statement after Morant’s first gun incident but has been mute on the second incident.
The statement after the first incident, it should be noted, only came after Morant’s apology, but the Grizzlies star hasn’t made a social media post since before the viral video on Sunday morning.
Morant’s next Ja 1 signature shoe release date is May 25, and the sneakers are currently still expected to be released.
This article originally appeared on Memphis Commercial Appeal: Ja Morant suspended by NBA for gun video? Here's everything we know
