By: Abby Huang
Last Friday, Ja Morant was suspended for 25 games after waving a gun around in a video again. The Memphis Grizzlies point guard has a growing sphere of influence with 12.5 million followers over social media platforms.
The NBA has been extremely passionate on the topic of gun safety and violence. Speakers such as Stephen Curry, LeBron James, and other coaches and players have spoken out against gun violence and encouraged safety. While Morant had not broken any of the league’s rules for firearms, his videos contradicted the NBA’s efforts.
Adam Silver, an NBA commissioner, said, “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning.”
Back in March, Morant had been suspended for eight games after streaming a video where he waved a gun around outside a nightclub. This time, his friends filmed Morant holding a gun while riding in an automobile.
Kris Brown supports Morant’s punishment by the NBA, saying, “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.”
However, this is not the first time that NBA players have been punished for gun violence. Back in 2010, after Gilbert Arenas and Javaris Crittenton had threatened each other with guns in a locker room, they were suspended from their games. Crittenton was only suspended for 38 games, while Arena had 50.
Arena said, “It affected it really bad. I said it back then, where the most disappointing part of it all is I did 100 things right. I did one wrong thing and that’s all everyone remembers. That’s what really hurts you the most.”
Less significant gun-related penalties include Stephen Jackson’s 7-game suspension for criminal recklessness and Raymond Felton’s 4-game suspension for felony gun possession.
Tamika Tremaglio, the executive director at NBA Players’ Union, believes that Morant’s punishment was unfair and inconsistent based on the other punishments.
On Friday, Morant also apologized. “To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model,” he said. “I promise I’m going to be better. To all of my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.”