NBA star Ja Morant has entangled himself in a gun and gang debacle… AGAIN!
Sports :
Temetrius Jamel ‘Ja’ Morant, who was drafted #2 overall by the Memphis Grizzlies in the 2019 NBA draft, is an incredibly talented basketball player who recently signed a $231 million extended 5-year contract — making him one of the richer players in the league. However, his play and his contract are not what he’s known for these days as Morant has found himself in the news yet again for all the wrong reasons.
In March of this year, Ja Morant was suspended by the NBA for 8 games without pay after brandishing a handgun in public and broadcasting it on Instagram Live.
According to the league, Morant engaged in “conduct detrimental to the league” when he live-streamed a video of himself “holding a firearm in an intoxicated state” at a club near Denver.
“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless, and potentially very dangerous,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement at the time. “It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him.”
(Or, in other words, Morant’s actions were a bad look for the NBA brand due to its desire to be a family-friendly sport).
After losing more than $4 million in salary while suspended due to his reckless act, the 23-year-old Morant apologized to the NBA and its fans, then enrolled in a mysterious “counseling” program that was supposed to help him become a better person.
Fast-forward to a few days ago — and what did the public see on Instagram Live? A brand new video of Ja Morant riding shotgun (pun intended) alongside one of his boys, shouting rap lyrics, flashing gang signs, and, yes… flashing a handgun.
Now, all hell has broken loose with critique and commentary coming from all ends.
Former NBA player Kwame Brown took to social media with a shocking and expletive-laden tirade.
“You got to be the dumbest motherf*cker in the league,” Brown said in a video posted to his YouTube channel. “You got $231 million promised to you and you want to be a f*cking thug?… What the f*ck are you doing?”
ESPN analyst Steven A. Smith ripped Morant a new one during his Monday broadcast.
“Why are you walking around with a gun in broad daylight? What kind of life are you living? Who are you hanging around? What are you subjecting yourself to that you’ve got to worry about what the hell is going on in your life?” Steven A. asked rhetorically.
.@stephenasmith reacts to Ja Morant’s recent video:
— First Take (@FirstTake) May 15, 2023
“Ja Morant has been associated with guns more than he’s been associated with winning.” pic.twitter.com/KvvFSe1N6M
However, it was the warning from an authentic gang member who put the word out for Morant to immediately cease and desist flashing gang signs (when he’s not an actual gang member) that has garnered the most attention.
“He knows what’s up. He ain’t f*ckin’ with the gangland like that,” Crips gang member Bricc Baby said.
“He throwing those N’s up, that’s going to cost you. What do you want to do? To pay the Crips for the rest of your life?” he continued.
Bricc then challenged Morant to meet him in person so he could show him what gang life is really like.
“Start being real with yourself, cuz. You a basketball player. You want to step into this field, we can show you a whole lot about this sh*t.”
For their part, the Memphis Grizzlies have once again suspended Ja Morant from all team activities “pending League review” and until further notice.
The NBA is also expected to issue an additional punishment for the young player. Word on the street is that he could be hit with a 1-year suspension (without pay) as a means to really make it hurt this time so that he reconsiders his actions and his life choices.
OK WASSUP! covers Sports News:
Ja Morant involved in another gun fiasco.
Was hoping you would cover this DJ. Thank you!
There is so much to consider when looking at how this young Black man seems determined to throw it all away. And I’m not talking about money. There is something even more valuable at stake here. His life!
I have a few thoughts on this sad and sorry story. But I would really like to hear from other readers first, especially Black men!