The NBA has announced that Ja Morant has received an 8-game suspension without pay for conduct detrimental to the league.
This comes because of an investigation by NBA Commissioner Adam Silver over the situation involving Morant with a gun in a Denver nightclub.
Commissioner Silver said there was no evidence that proved the gun Morant was seen holding in the club belonged to him.
Morant confirmed in a sit-down interview with ESPN’s Jalen Rose that the gun did not belong to him.
“The gun wasn’t mine. It’s not who I am. I don’t condone any type of violence, but I take full responsibility for my actions. I’ve made a bad mistake,” said Morant.
As a result, Morant will be sidelined until he can return on March 20th versus the Mavericks.
Morant has already served six games as part of his suspension, but he has since confirmed ahead of time that he and the team do not expect him to return to play on March 20th.
The Grizzlies all-star went to a counseling program in Florida for some time before meeting with Commissioner Silver at the NBA Headquarters in New York.
Commissioner Silver gave his input on Morant’s actions in a statement to the Associated Press. “Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous. It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him,” said Adam Silver.
Morant has been given the green light by Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins to take as much time as he needs to prepare as he has not been on the court in two weeks.
The Grizzlies have since adjusted the team rules.
“The Grizzlies have decided to leave road cities (like Miami) immediately after the game instead of staying overnight,” per The Athletic.
Memphis is currently still in the top 3 in the Western Conference as they battle Denver and Sacramento for the top spot in the conference.
The Grizzlies' next game will take place on Friday in San Antonio as they face the Spurs. The game will be televised on Bally Sports at 7 PM CT.
