Grizzlies lengthen Ja Morant’s suspension as gun controversy continues: report

Memphis Grizzlies star level guard Ja Morant will stay away from the group, and ESPN reviews he’ll miss at the very least the following 4 video games. 

Those video games are in opposition to the Golden State Warriors, the Dallas Mavericks in back-to-back video games and the Miami Heat. 

Glendale Police in Colorado concluded their investigation into Morant after he allegedly brandished a gun whereas at a nightclub on his Instagram dwell. 

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies warms up earlier than a sport in opposition to the Chicago Bulls at FedEx Forum Feb. 7, 2023, in Memphis. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

In a press launch, Glendale Police stated they had been “not in a position to decide that possible trigger existed for the submitting of prices.”

“In this case, it ought to be famous that, on the night time in query, the GPD didn’t obtain any requires service on the nightclub concerning a weapon of any kind,” the division stated. “Subsequently, no disturbances had been reported, and no residents or patrons of the membership got here ahead to make a criticism. 

GRIZZLIES STAR JA MORANT COULD FACE SUSPENSION OVER GUN DRAMA

“The investigation additionally concluded that nobody was threatened or menaced with the firearm and, in truth, no firearm was ever situated. Although the video was regarding sufficient to immediate an investigation, there was not sufficient accessible proof to cost anybody with a criminal offense.”  

However, Morant might nonetheless face a league suspension on prime of the Grizzlies’ punishment. 

NBA journalist Marc Stein appeared on the “This League Uncut” podcast Tuesday and stated there are “a few components” the league and legislation enforcement in Colorado are wanting into. 

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up courtroom throughout a sport in opposition to the New Orleans Pelicans at FedEx Forum Dec. 31, 2022, in Memphis. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

“This was achieved on the street,” Stein stated, referring to Morant allegedly brandishing the gun. “This was at a membership in Denver, I consider. And so there’s questions of, ‘Did he personally carry the pistol in himself?’ And then, being on the street, there’s a query as to did he have the pistol on the group aircraft?”

The league’s CBA states {that a} gun on group premises would end in a suspension, although the size is “imposed on the commissioner’s discretion,” in line with Stein. 

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Laura Ehret, the Grizzlies’ vice chairman of communications and basketball data technique, instructed USA Today the group follows all TSA rules.

Morant issued an apology Saturday after receiving backlash for the incident, saying he would take time to “get assist.”

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies throughout a sport in opposition to the Los Angeles Lakers at FedEx Forum Feb. 28, 2023, in Memphis. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

“I take full accountability for my actions final night time. I’m sorry to my household, teammates, coaches, followers, companions, the town of Memphis and the whole Grizzlies group for letting you down,” Morant stated. “I’m going to take a while away to get assist and work on studying higher strategies of coping with stress and my general well-being.”

The Grizzlies have misplaced the 2 video games Morant has missed to date, falling 135-129 to the Los Angeles Clippers Sunday and 112-103 to the Los Angeles Lakers Tuesday. 

Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and Joe Morgan contributed to this report.