Adam Silver: Ja Morant Conduct ‘Reckless;’ NBA Suspends Grizzlies Star Eight Games

The NBA has suspended Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant for eight games without pay for what it deemed conduct detrimental to the league.

Morant met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver on Wednesday, shortly before the suspension was announced. Clearly, Silver was not pleased with a social media post in which Morant was spotted flashing a gun at a Colorado club.

“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,” Silver said in a statement.  “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.”

Morant, of course, had already been away from the Grizzlies and going to counseling in Florida, per reports. The Grizzlies never officially used the word “suspended” when discussing Morant or in any of their press releases.

As noted by Adrian Wojnarowski of ESPN, Morant will be eligible to return to the team and play on Monday.

Police in Glendale, Colo., where the incident took place, have already investigated andsaid that Morant will not be charged with a crime.

Morant, 23, is averaging 27.1 points, 8.2 assists and 6.0 rebounds, shooting 46 percent from the field in 53 games this season.