Placing timetable on Ja Morant’s return after showing to flash gun is “disrespectful,’ Grizzlies coach says

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant missed his second consecutive recreation Tuesday night time as his staff misplaced to the Los Angeles Lakers, 112-103. 

Morant is “away from the staff” after video surfaced Saturday morning of him showing to show a gun in an Instagram Live video whereas at a nightclub following a recreation towards the Denver Nuggets. 

Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies through the Western Conference Semifinals towards the Golden State Warriors on May 7, 2022, at Chase Center in San Francisco. (Garrett Ellwood/NBAE by way of Getty Images)

The video has prompted an investigation by the NBA and by police in Colorado. 

JA MORANT INCIDENT CAME AFTER PLAYERS-ONLY MEETING ABOUT SHOWING ‘BETTER DISCIPLINE’ ON ROAD: REPORT

In his pregame press convention in Los Angeles, Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins addressed Morant’s absence, declining to say when he would return to the staff. 

“We’re in contact with him each single day,” Jenkins stated. “He’s nonetheless an enormous a part of what we do. As I stated the opposite day, we love him. We need what’s finest for him. We assist him…. It’s a therapeutic course of, so if everybody expects one thing to alter in a single day, we have to (do) due diligence and be respectful in that. We’re speaking about Ja being in a greater place personally and likewise professionally, so to place a timetable on it’s disrespectful, for my part.”

Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins listens to a query about Ja Morant throughout a information convention on Sunday, March 5, 2023, in Los Angeles. (AP Photo/Mark J. Terrill)

The video in query circulated on social media Saturday morning following the Grizzlies’ 113-97 loss to the Nuggets Friday night time.

Morant may be seen within the video displaying what seems to be a gun whereas dancing and not using a shirt on. 

The video appeared on social media days after a police report stated Morant allegedly uncovered a gun after punching a young person “12 or 13 occasions” throughout a pickup basketball recreation final summer season.

Morant apologized on Saturday, saying he would take a while away to “get assist.” 

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant dribbles towards the Nuggets at Ball Arena in Denver on March 3, 2023. (Ron Chenoy-USA Today Sports)

“I take full accountability for my actions final night time. I’m sorry to my household, teammates, coaches, followers, companions, town of Memphis and the complete 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.”

Memphis has now misplaced three video games in a row and can play the Golden State Warriors on Thursday. 

Fox News’ Ryan Morik and The Associated Press contributed to this report