Report: Ja Morant Could Face Lengthy NBA Suspension for Gun Violation
The Memphis Grizzlies are keeping Ja Morant away from the team while the NBA investigates his actions in Colorado, which include an Instagram live video where he flashed a gun on camera. According to NBA insider Marc Stein, "The NBA’s CBA says a firearm on team premises, including a team plane, is an automatic 50-game suspension." Stein added that the NBA is currently trying to confirm where Morant's gun came from, which would ultimately help determine if he was in violation of this policy.
Update: NBA insider Marc Stein has since corrected his statement, and said, "I stated something incorrectly on today’s podcast. A firearm on team premises is indeed a violation of NBA rules and subjects the player to discipline … but there is NO specific suspension length in league bylaws. Suspension length is imposed at the commissioner’s discretion."
There will of course have to be significant evidence that Morant violated this gun policy for the NBA to suspend him for an extended period, but that investigation is indeed underway. For now, it feels safe to say that Morant will not be returning to the Grizzlies immediately upon their return to Memphis after this LA trip.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins was asked about the siutauon before Sunday's loss to the LA Clippers, and said, "We take it very seriously. There are two elements to this that I want to make very clear. There's a supportive element to somebody that's got to get better and needs some help. There's also accountability to the team that we have to stand for. Obviously nationwide and leaguewide, there's a lot of attention on gun violence. For us internally in this matter, that's the stance we've taken in how we can support Ja throughout this growth opportunity. It's a learning opportunity. Hopefully we can be better from it."
Jenkins added that there is no current timetable for Morant's return, and it now seems as if the Grizzlies are waiting for the league to make a determination on the extent of his actions.
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