By: Kerry Ding
Ja Morant, the star of the Memphis Grizzlies, was suspended for 25 games for waving a gun around in a video. This is not allowed because it is a display of inappropriate gun usage. The first time Morant held a gun in a video was in early March. He live-streamed a video on Instagram while holding and brandishing a gun. This video was posted on social media in May. This is the second time that Morant did this.
Right now, the United States is experiencing a huge crisis. Gun violence in the country is out of control. The issue has reached the N.B.A. multiple times as many players have violated rules about gun control. The issue has now reached Morant, the star of the Memphis Grizzlies, and an amazing point guard. Even Morant himself acknowledged that his behavior is harmful toward younger fans.
For years now, the NBA has been trying to seem more anti-gun. Many famous coaches and players have spoken about gun violence and safety. Although Morant didn’t harm anyone. If he did, his punishment would be a lot worse. For example, 2 players brought guns into their locker rooms in 2010. In 2015, the NBA worked with Everytown, a group that wants to implement more restrictions on gun control. They have created ads with star NBA players talking to shooting survivors about gun control. After a school shooting that resulted in dozens of deaths, the NBA started urging their fans to make their legislators put more restrictions on guns. However, the NBA’s teams seem to not be complying. For instance, the owner of Orlando Magic and Houston Rockets have donated money to Republican politicians who hated the idea of stricter gun control.
Many people have also spoken out about Morant’s recklessness. For example, Kris Brown, the president of Brady (A group that wants to put more restrictions on guns), thought it was a public figure’s responsibility to be a role model to their fanbase. Today the NBA continues to crack down on the problem of gun control.
Source:
https://www.nytimes.com/2023/06/16/sports/basketball/ja-morant-grizzlies-suspended-nba.html