Rapper Defends NBA YoungBoy Amidst Ja Morant Gun Controversy

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In both of Ja Morant's gun video incidents, the Memphis Grizzlies star was listing rapper NBA YoungBoy. While this should not have led to the rapper's music being blamed for Morant's actions, some have attempted to make that connection. Speaking recently with TMZ, rapper Maino defended YoungBoy and rap music in general, saying every individual has their own decisions to make.
"It don't have nothing to do with NBA YoungBoy, it don't have nothing to do with rap music," Maino said of Morant's actions. "All of us as men, as adults, we have responsibilities and decisions to make. That's like when keeping it real goes all the way wrong."
Maino then shared some of his thoughts on Morant's actions in general, saying the Grizzlies star has way more opportunities than the average person, and should not throw those away by doing some of the things he's been doing. The rapper also shared similar sentiments to what many have said regarding the people Morant has around him. While Maino did not blame those people, he said they may be living in fear of saying something Morant might not agree with, as opposed to telling him what he needs to hear.
While some have attempted to blame NBA YoungBoy and rap music for Ja Morant's actions, Maino pushed back against that narrative, saying it's on the Grizzlies star to make decisions for himself.
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Joey Linn is a credentialed writer covering the NBA and WNBA for On SI. Covering the LA Clippers independently in 2018, then for Fansided and 213Hoops from 2019-2021, Joey joined On SI to cover the Clippers after the 2020-21 season. Graduating from Biola University in 2022 with a Communication Studies degree, Joey served as Biola's play-by-play announcer for their basketball, baseball, softball, and soccer teams. Joey's work on Biola's broadcasts and in the classroom earned him the Outstanding Communication Studies Student of the year award in 2022. Joey covers the NBA full-time, primarily serving as a Clippers beat writer.