Is Ja Morant a Felon: Memphis Grizzlies Star’s Suspension Amid Viral Gun Flashing Video Raises Serious Questions

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was once again seen flaunting a handgun on an Instagram video. The Grizzlies had suspended Morant for 8 games after a similar incident back in March. This time around, Morant posted another video on Instagram where he was seen with a gun. Morant was seen showing off the gun early in the video after which his friend turned the camera’s focus away.

Morant appeared to have hidden the gun by the time his face appeared on the video again. Shams Charnaia revealed that the Grizzlies had suspended him from all team activities and the NBA was also investigating the matter. NBA Twitter responded with accusations of him being a “felon” with some claiming that is the exact path Morant was headed.

Ja Morant was seen flaunting a handgun on an Instagram video yet again

Considering it is his second similar incident, the NBA and his team might not show him a lot of sympathy this time around. According to Charania, the Grizzlies have responded quickly and have already suspended him from all team activities pending an NBA review. Barstool Sports posted the following video on Twitter:

Ja Morant was seen on live with a gun AGAIN pic.twitter.com/41iL7Hqmes

— Barstool Sports (@barstoolsports) May 14, 2023

The NBA released the following statement on the matter:

“We are aware of the social media post involving Ja Morant and are in the process of gathering more information.”

Grizzlies suspended Morant from all team activities pending NBA review. NBA spokesperson Mike Bass says: “We are aware of the social media post involving Ja Morant and are in the process of gathering more information.” https://t.co/qQZcGNGrA8

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 14, 2023

Morant can be seen flaunting the handgun in the video at the 0:14 mark. The moment his friend realized that the gun was visible, he ended up taking the focus away. Morant could be seen again after a few seconds but it appears he hid the gun by then.

Ja Morant might be in for lengthy suspension following the latest video

Ja Morant had previously posted a video in March after a loss against the Denver Nuggets. Afterward, he apologized profusely and appeared to be aware of his mistake.

NBA spokesperson Mike Bass: “We are aware of the social media post involving Ja Morant and are in the process of gathering more information.”

— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) May 14, 2023

However, the NBA and his team might not show him a lot of sympathy this time around. Considering it is his second similar incident, Morant was lucky to get away with only an 8-game suspension the first time around. The league will be looking to lead by example and might end up responding much more stringently than before.

I grew up around real thugs , killas . My dad is a convicted felon , if you really real you either bout it or you know not to play with that lifestyle . @JaMorant is a clown , I don’t respect him or care what happens to him . That’s not real behavior , he’s a clown

— Loki , BUT NOT REALLY (@1234poopscoop) May 14, 2023

One fan ended up calling Morant a clown. Another claimed that he had exposed himself to multiple charges. Others saw the funny side of the matter, claiming that it was hilarious Morant was being treated as a convicted felon just because he owned a gun.

https://twitter.com/JordyTheVariant/status/1657727466222284801?t=JkmW_NffHuZp2Qf_UKoywg&s=08

https://twitter.com/harmedbyroots/status/1657776562392137729?t=LfAh0EVztV0SSLPGNYunCQ&s=08

The 23-year-old is widely considered to be the future of his franchise. Morant currently has a net worth of $80 million and is one of the most highly-rated young stars in the NBA. It will be a pity if his off-court actions continue to impact his NBA career.