Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant faced a major disciplinary action when the NBA handed him a 25-game suspension without pay—the second significant penalty in less than two months—for once again displaying a firearm during an Instagram Live broadcast. The incident occurred on May 13, shortly after Morant left a social gathering in Memphis. According to the league, he was seen brandishing a gun while riding in a car during the livestream.
This followed a previous eight-game suspension in March 2023, when Morant was filmed on Instagram Live appearing intoxicated while holding a firearm at a nightclub in the Denver area. The NBA viewed the latest violation as a serious recurrence of dangerous behavior and implemented the harsher punishment to reflect the gravity of the situation.
The suspension took effect immediately and will keep Morant off the court for the first 25 games of the 2023–24 NBA regular season. During this time, he is barred from participating in any public NBA or team-related activities, including preseason matchups. Before he is allowed to return, Morant must complete an undisclosed set of conditions determined by the league, which are intended to address the behavior that led to the incident.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver condemned Morant’s repeated actions, calling them both “alarming” and “disconcerting.” In a statement, Silver emphasized the league’s responsibility to discourage reckless behavior, especially from high-profile athletes with large youth followings. “Displaying firearms in this manner is unacceptable,” Silver said. “Basketball must take a back seat for Ja. He must work through a program that addresses the root causes of these repeated decisions before returning.”
In response to the suspension, Morant issued a public apology, acknowledging the harm his behavior had caused. “I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I’ve caused,” he said. “To the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates, and the fans in Memphis—I’m truly sorry. I let down Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman, Robert Pera, and all those who believed in me.”
He also addressed his younger fans and corporate sponsors, apologizing for not living up to his role model status and pledging to do better. “I want to be a better example. To my fans and supporters, I will earn back your trust. I’m working on myself this offseason, focusing on my mental health, and making better decisions.”
Morant added that he is continuing physical training in preparation for his return and expressed confidence that his teammates would carry the team during his absence. “I’m heartbroken I won’t be there at the start, but I know the team will stay strong.”
The Memphis Grizzlies released a brief statement acknowledging the league’s decision and reinforcing the importance of professionalism within the organization: “We respect the League’s decision to suspend Ja Morant. Our expectations for conduct remain firm, and we stand by those principles.”
However, not everyone supported the length and nature of the punishment. Tamika Tremaglio, executive director of the NBA Players Association, expressed strong disagreement with the league’s decision, calling the 25-game suspension “excessive and inappropriate.” She argued that the disciplinary action was inconsistent with previous punishments and noted that the conditions of Morant’s reinstatement were unclear. “We will work with Ja to consider all available options and next steps,” Tremaglio said.
In May, Morant took responsibility during a public statement, admitting he had let down many people who supported him. “This journey has its challenges, and I’m not where I want to be yet,” he said. “But I take full accountability and remain committed to growing and improving.”
At the time of the incident, the Grizzlies suspended Morant pending the outcome of the NBA’s investigation, which ultimately led to the league’s final decision.
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