By: Sophie Tian
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was filmed waving a gun in a video released on social media in May. The NBA suspended him for 25 games — or a third of the season. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said, “Engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.” This is the second time Morant has done something like this.
In March, the NBA suspended Morant for eight games after a live stream on Instagram showed him brandishing a gun in a nightclub near Denver. Morant apologized and said he was learning how to better deal with stress. Then, in May, a friend streamed him doing the same thing in a vehicle.
23-year-old point guard Morant, known for his dynamic play, has 12.5 million followers across Twitter and Instagram. He’s led the Grizzlies to playoffs three times, made two All-Star teams in four seasons, and now has his own signature Nike sneaker. Unfortunately, Morant used his influence harmfully.
NBA strives to be seen as progressive on topics like gun violence. Stars like Lebron James and Stephen Curry have spoken out about gun safety. In 2015, the NBA made commercials featuring star players and shooting survivors discussing gun violence. Last year, after a school shooting in Texas, NBA teams that made it into playoffs put up signs in their arenas urging politicians to pass gun safety legislation. Morant’s actions could have undermined those efforts.
However, not all teams agree with the NBA’s progressive stance. Team owners of the Houston Rockets and Orlando Magic have donated to Republican politicians who oppose further gun restrictions. Most of the public agrees with the NBA, though.
“Firearms can kill, maim, and injure other people if not handled or stored properly. Public figures have a responsibility to be held accountable for how they engage on these kinds of life-and-death issues. It’s not a small thing. People could die if they handle firearms in such a cavalier way, and they do every day,” said Kris Brown, President of anti-gun violence nonprofit Brady.
But the NBA players’ union thinks that the punishment the NBA gave was “excessive and inappropriate” given that Morant showed remorse for his actions. Executive director Tamika Tremaglio said the union would “explore with Ja all options and next steps.” She also thought the punishment wasn’t “fair and consistent with past discipline” for other players.
The biggest gun suspension incident was in 2010 when Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton threatened each other with guns in a locker room. Arenas was suspended for 50 games, and Crittenton was suspended for 42. “I think it affected my name really bad. The most disappointing part is I did 100 things right. I did one wrong thing and that’s all everyone remembers,” said Arena.
Other smaller cases include Raymond Felton who was suspended for four games in 2014 and Stephen Jackson for seven games in 2007.
Morant did apologize. “To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all my sponsors I’m going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise,” he said.
“We are pleased Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being. We will continue to support him on and off the court,” Nike said in a statement.
PR director at George Washington University Lawrence Parnell said, “I think there’s an opportunity to have a positive story come out of this for the league and for Ja Morant. But going to counseling and doing a mea culpa is not going to make any difference in his reputation.”