Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant, 25, evades serious disciplinary action in his apparent on-court finger gun gesture incident as the NBA only issues a warning.
RELATED: Ja Morant Is Seen On Instagram Live Waving A Gun Just Months After His NBA Suspension
During a game on Tuesday (April 1), two-time NBA All-Star Ja Morant directed a finger gun gesture toward the Golden State Warriors’ bench. Some reports stated that the gesture was directed at Warriors player Draymond Green during the final moments of their game.
Subsequently, on Wednesday (April 2) ESPN Senior NBA Insider, Shams Charania, reported that the league was launching an investigation into the incident. Charania tweeted, “The NBA is looking into Memphis’ Ja Morant using finger gun motions toward the Golden State Warriors bench last night, sources tell me and
Tim MacMahon.”
RELATED: Moneybagg Yo Says 23-Year-Old Ja Morant Is Just Going Through A Phase: ‘He’s Gonna Snap Out Of It’
Ja Morant And Stephen A. Smith React To NBA Investigation Finger Gun Gesture
Reacting to the reports, Ja Morant took to his X account and appeared super unbothered. He tweeted, “Ja this… Ja that.” For good measure, he added a crying-laughing emoji.
ESPN analyst Stephen A. Smith also reacted to the controversy. He supported the baller and tweeted, “Come on, NBA, and the rest of us. Totally unnecessary. Let Ja Morant play in peace. Let’s not look for things. The playoffs are about to begin. Let’s enjoy the games. Morant didn’t do anything flagrant. Folks are reaching now.”
RELATED: Video Shows Ja Morant Playing With Toy Gun Day After 2nd Gun Flashing Incident
NBA Issues Warning To Ja Morant Over Finger Gun Gesture, Tell Him To ‘Refrain’ Going Forward
On Thursday (April 3), the NBA opted against serious disciplinary action for Ja Morant and only gave him a warning in the finger gun gesture incident. Charania went on X to update his reporting and reveal the league is not planning to fine or suspend Morant. He tweeted:
“NBA issued warnings – no further penalties – to Grizzlies’ Ja Morant and Warriors’ Buddy Hield along with both teams for gestures on Tuesday night, sources tell ESPN. League ruled the celebrations were not intended to be violent in nature, but inappropriate and should refrain.”
RELATED: Memphis G.M Says He Doesn’t Care About Ja Morant’s Apology For Gun Incidents: ‘Ja Has To Prove It’
Now, if you’re asking if this is déjà vu, it certainly feels like it. Ja Morant has been disciplined by the NBA multiple times throughout his career. Furthermore, many of those punishments stemmed from gun-related incidents.
The first incident occurred in March 2023 during an Instagram livestream. Morant partied at a Denver, Colorado night club after a loss to the Nuggets. On the live, he flashed what appeared to be gun. The NBA issued an indefinite suspension that ended up spanning eight games.
In May 2023, while appearing in a friend’s Instagram live, he waved a gun, just months after his NBA suspension. Subsequently, the NBA handed down a 25-game suspension for his detrimental conduct. Morant missed the first part the 2023-24 season due to the second suspension. Then, in December 2023, when Morant returned to the court, he hit a gun celebration, that caused an uproar on social media.
RELATED: Ja Morant Seemingly Reacts To Reports Of NBA Investigating His Gun Gesture During Game
#Socialites, be sure to check out the post below, then leave us your thoughts in a comment after!
