Recently appearing on the Dan Patrick Show, NBA commissioner Adam Silver commented on the recent Ja Morant gun controversy. He also addressed the subsequent “toy gun” excuse. The controversy stemmed from an Instagram Live video posted by the Grizzlies star in May. As per Silver’s comments on the show, it would seem the commissioner was ‘aware’ of the social media reports of the gun being a toy. Skip Bayless and Shannon Sharpe strongly responded to the commissioner’s comments on Ja Morant’s excuse in The Undisputed’s latest episode.
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This is the second instance of Ja Morant flashing a gun. Previously, Morant was issued an eight-match suspension in March after he shared a video of holding a gun in a Denver nightclub. Before returning to the NBA on March 22, Morant reportedly sought counseling. Given the aftermath of this issue, Adam Silver was shocked to see Morant holding a firearm in the latest Instagram Live video.
Skip Bayless calls out Ja Morant’s camp for selling the toy gun to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver
Skip Bayless has been adamant about Ja Morant deserving strict punishment for his deed. He called out Ja Morant’s camp for pushing the credibility of the excuse to NBA Commissioner Adam Silver. Silver did acknowledge that the gun might have been fake in the Dan Patrick Show. However, he was deeply disappointed in Morant. He said that displaying a replica resembling a real weapon was reckless.
Skip was very much surprised by Ja Morant’s camp’s relentless efforts in his defense. In an explosive rant, he said,
“The first point that I found very significant is he gave credibility to the theory that it was a toy gun. So I am going to assume that somebody in Ja’s camp has tried to sell that to the commissioner as a defense.”
Previously, Skip had slammed Ja Morant’s representatives for ‘enabling’ behavior. Reacting to Silver’s comments, Skip interpreted the commissioner’s words as a warning for what was coming next.
“He [Commissioner Silver] is saying, ‘I don’t care whether it’s a toy or not’.You have the first incident, reckless with a gun. And it was a real gun…and now, you have the audacity, even if it’s a toy, to be playing with it.. you know having fun with it in the front seat.”
Skip Bayless’ interpretation and the commissioner’s recent comments signal how the NBA is currently concerned about gun handling and safety. Silver has confirmed that he will take a decision on Ja Morant after the NBA Finals.
Skip Bayless emphasized the need for gun control and safety in the NBA
The Ja Morant controversy has reignited the debate on gun control and safety within the NBA fraternity. Previously, Skip Bayless had claimed some adverse consequences for Morant if he was caught flashing the toy gun in the streets. Reacting to Silver’s quotes, Skip and Shannon discussed the reckless nature of the act and the need for disciplinary measures.
As per Adam Silver’s comments, we will only learn about Ja’s future after the NBA Finals. Nevertheless, it is expected that Morant might face some hefty consequences. The repercussions might range from a brief or year-long suspension to a lifetime ban. He is currently suspended indefinitely from all team activities by the Memphis Grizzlies.
