By: Grace Gao

With over 13,000 gun-related deaths this year, the US faces a mounting problem of gun violence. There have been about 184 mass shootings this year, with casualties ranging from one death to 4 generations of a family massacred with many others injured (ABC News).

Now, gun violence has finally touched the heart of the US’s pride and joy —sports. Last Friday, the NBA suspended one of its best players, the Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, for 25 games after a social media video depicted him recklessly waving a gun around.

The NBA has worked to build up an image that depicts their opposition to gun violence. Basketball coaches Lebron James and Stephen Curry have preached against gun violence. The Golden State Warriors have met with officials at the White House for a panel on gun violence.

However, Morant may bring all these efforts crashing down. The speedy 6-foot-2 basketball player has gathered quite a fanbase, with over 12.5 million followers across Instagram and Twitter. Morant has used his sway on public opinion to model behavior that he himself admitted was harmful.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement, “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning” (The New York Times).

Morant’s temporary expulsion is meant to send the clear message that the NBA would not tolerate any sort of “reckless or irresponsible behavior with guns” (The New York Times).

Ja Morant made a statement apologizing to the public, saying that he will be taking the time off to work on his mental health while still preparing physically for when he is allowed to rejoin the team.

Morant said, “I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision-making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. I know my teammates are going to hold it down and I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you at the beginning of the season” (Sporting News).