Ja Morant incident got here after players-only assembly about exhibiting ‘higher self-discipline’ on highway: report

Memphis Grizzlies veteran heart Steven Adams reportedly spoke up at a players-only assembly and informed teammates they need to buckle down whereas on the highway for video games given their dismal away file.

The assembly occurred earlier than Ja Morant was seen on a livestream showing to brandish a gun at a nightclub following the Grizzlies’ sport Friday evening in opposition to the Denver Nuggets, The Athletic reported Monday. NBA reporter Shams Charania elaborated on the subject on Bally Sports’ “The Rally.”

“There was a gamers solely assembly the place Steven Adams, their veteran heart, he spoke out about how the crew wants to point out higher self-discipline on the highway. How they should avoid going out after they’re on the highway,” Charania stated.

Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies and Steven Adams #4 of the Memphis Grizzlies rejoice collectively through the sport in opposition to the San Antonio Spurs at FedExForum on February 28, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee.  (Justin Ford/Getty Images)

“From these within the room, when Steven Adams spoke out they knew precisely who he was directing this to — it was nobody apart from Ja Morant. Clearly, nonetheless, Ja Morant went out within the early hours of Saturday. That video was posted with a gun and there’s questions. Was the gun his? Did he have a license? Was he touring with the gun? Where did the gun come from? Was it a buddy’s? How many different weapons had been there? Is it even authorized to hold a weapon within the space they had been at?”

Memphis is 12-20 on the highway.

Morant is now beneath a police investigation in Colorado stemming from the incident. Glendale police Capt. Jamie Dillon informed The Associated Press authorities didn’t obtain any calls or complaints about Morant’s actions however started trying into them Saturday after studying concerning the video that circulated on social media.

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Ja Morant #12 and Steven Adams #4 of the Memphis Grizzlies work together within the second quarter of the sport in opposition to the Minnesota Timberwolves at Target Center on November 30, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.  (David Berding/Getty Images)

Police are probing whether or not Morant broke any legal guidelines.

There isn’t any timetable for Morant’s return to the crew, coach Taylor Jenkins stated Sunday earlier than they took on the Los Angeles Clippers. The celebrity level guard was going to be away from the crew for no less than two video games.

Jenkins stated that Morant has made “tough selections and poor decisions” that he needs to be accountable for.

Mar 3, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles through the first quarter in opposition to the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. (Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY Sports)

“He’s undoubtedly embracing the errors that he’s made, however solely time will inform. We’re going to help him, and we’re going to carry him accountable to make these modifications,” Jenkins stated, declining to put out the precise steps Morant wanted to perform to return to the Grizzlies.

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“We love him, we wish what’s greatest for him, we help him. It’s going to be a tough course of, however we’ve bought an excellent group to get by way of this.”

Jenkins added that it was “an ongoing therapeutic course of.”

Morant issued an apology for the incident.

Steven Adams #4 appears on in opposition to the Philadelphia 76ers at Wells Fargo Center on January 31, 2022 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)

“I take full accountability for my actions final evening,” Morant stated. “I’m sorry to my household, teammates, coaches, followers, companions, the town of Memphis and your entire Grizzlies group for letting you down. 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.”