By: Qinwei Wu
Ja Morant, a point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, was recently suspended for 25 games after a video surfaced of him waving a gun in a vehicle. This was his second offense, previously having been suspended for eight games.
Ja Morant is one of the most popular basketball players in the league, with over 12.5 million followers over social media. The NBA, which has made numerous efforts to support the minimization of gun violence in the United States, was concerned that Morant’s video would inspire young people to use weapons carelessly—as he did in the video.
Gun violence has been a very serious issue in the United States for a long time—gun murders increasing even more sharply since the pandemic, increasing 45% between 2019 and 2021, and gun suicides rising 10% more. A new survey had reported that among five American adults, one has had a family member killed by a gun.
Adam Silver, commissioner for the NBA, said in a statement that “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning”. He went on to say that the length of the suspension was to show how “engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”
Tamika Tremaglio, the executive director of the N.B.A. players’ union, thought this punishment was unreasonable and “not fair and consistent with past discipline” since Morant had shown that he was “sorry.”
Kris Brown, the president of Brady, had a different view. She felt that it was “appropriate” that the N.B.A. had taken action to penalize Morant. She added that “Firearms may be a tool in some instances, but they can also kill, maim and injure other people if not handled and stored properly.”
Another incident similar to Ja Morent’s was in 2010, when Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton from the Washington Wizards threatened each other with guns (as a joke, supposedly). Arenas was suspended for 50 games, 12 more than Crittenton,for making gun gestures during a game while the incident was being investigated.
In a statement, Nike said that “We are pleased that Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being. We will continue to support him on and off the court”, showing their support for Morant. The Grizzlies also stated that they respected the NBA’s decision to suspend Morant.
On Friday, Morant apologized to the public, seemingly realizing the weight of his actions. In his apology, he also asked for a chance to prove that “I’m a better man than I’ve been showing you.” He also added that “To all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.”
Even though discussions this week were on the topic of the merger of PGA Tour and the Saudi-backed LIV Golf. Still, Msorant’s case is not easily forgotten by the public.