Ja Morant's Return Date From Gun Video Suspension Revealed

The NBA released an official statement on Wednesday afternoon, announcing that Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant would be suspended for eight games for flashing a gun during an Instagram live video:

The NBA announced today that Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended eight games without pay for conduct detrimental to the league. The discipline is in response to Morant's live streaming of a video on March 4 in which he is holding a firearm in an intoxicated state while visiting a Denver area nightclub. Morant will be eligible to return for the team's game against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, March 20. A meeting took place today in the NBA's New York offices between NBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Morant to discuss Morant's conduct. NBA Executive Vice President, Head of Basketball Operations Joe Dumars and NBA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio, among others, attended the meeting. The league office conducted an investigation of the March 4 incident. Based on the information obtained during the investigation, the league did not conclude that the gun at issue belonged to Morant, was brought by him into the nightclub or was displayed by him beyond a brief period. The investigation also did not find that Morant possessed the gun while traveling with the team or in any NBA facility, and the Colorado authorities did not find sufficient cause to charge Morant with a crime.

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver also included a statement that read, "Ja's conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous. It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior. Ja has also made it clear to me that he has learned from this incident and that he understands his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader NBA community extend well beyond his play on the court."

Having already missed time, Morant will be eligible to return against the Dallas Mavericks on March 20th. The eight game suspension accounts for the six games he will miss as a result of the Grizzlies holding him out. While it is unclear if Morant is on track to play in that game on the 20th, that is indeed the date he is eligible to return, which has now been officially announced by the NBA.