Ja Morant Faces NBA Investigation Following Social Media Post, Takes Leave From Grizzlies For at Least Two Games

Photo: Instagram/Ja Morant 

The NBA has launched an investigation into a social media post made by Ja Morant, the star guard of the Memphis Grizzlies, after he streamed himself holding what appeared to be a gun at a nightclub.

The Grizzlies subsequently announced that Morant would be away from the team for at least two games. In response, Morant issued an apology on Saturday.

The video was streamed on his Instagram page and was not archived once he stopped the stream.

Photo: Instagram/Ja Morant 

The Grizzlies played in Denver on Friday night and are due to play the Clippers and the Lakers in Los Angeles.

The Grizzlies did not provide any further information regarding Morant's absence, and it remains unclear if he will accompany the team to Los Angeles.

If the NBA finds evidence of wrongdoing, Morant could face fines or suspension.

Memphis is currently ranked second in the Western Conference standings, with Morant leading the way as a two-time All-Star who is averaging 27.1 points and 8.2 assists per game.

This is not the first time that Morant has been subject to an investigation by the league in recent weeks.

After a Jan. 29 incident in Memphis, Morant's actions were investigated, and he said it led to a friend of his being banned from home games there for a year.

Unnamed sources cited in The Indianapolis Star and USA Today said that members of the Pacers saw a red dot pointed at them, while a Pacers security guard believed that a laser was attached to a gun.

However, the NBA found no evidence that anyone was threatened with a weapon.

Morant is a rising superstar who was the second pick in the 2019 NBA draft.

He recently signed a five-year, $194 million extension with the Grizzlies, which will rise to approximately $230 million if he makes an All-NBA team this season.

Morant is also a sought-after endorser, with Nike unveiling his first signature shoe on Christmas, and Powerade announcing a multi-year endorsement deal with him earlier this week.

However, The Washington Post published a story on the same day as the Powerade deal, based on police records it obtained, detailing how Morant and some associates had been accused of threatening and even violent behavior.

Read Next: NBA Star Ja Morant Sparks Controversy With Strip Club Instagram Video And Gun Celebration at Game

Source: NBA