Update: Ja Morant Won’t Face Charges Over Instagram Gun Incident But ‘Will Remain Away From The Team For At Least The Next Four Games’

Ja Morant

Update: Ja Morant Won’t Face Charges Over Instagram Gun Incident But ‘Will Remain Away From The Team For At Least The Next Four Games’

Update: (Mar. 8, 2023): Ja Morant has received good and bad news surrounding his controversial Instagram live stream where he flashed a gun while out at a nightclub on March 4. in Colorado.

Reportedly, It is illegal to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol in Colorado but, with the exception of Denver County, it is an open-carry state. The Memphis Grizzlies player was not seen drinking alcohol during the video but people around him reportedly were.

Yesterday (Mar. 8) The Glendale Police Dept. announced that although Ja Morant’s video was “concerning” he will not face charges.

“Although the video was concerning enough to prompt an investigation, there was not enough available evidence to charge anyone with a crime.”

Morant may have been cleared legally, but he’s still dealing with some repercussions from his team. Initially, he was facing a two-game suspension for his actions. However, Memphis Grizzlies recently announced Morant will be away from the team for at least four more games.

“Ja Morant will continue to remain away from the team for at least the next four games.”

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Original story: (Mar. 8, 2023):  Ja Morant, who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies, is getting some tough love from an NBA legend. 

During Tuesday’s (Mar. 7) show of NBA on TNT, Shaquille O’Neal addressed reports of Ja Morant being suspended for (at least) two games for flashing a gun on his Instagram live stream over the weekend. 

Shaquille O’Neal said,

 

“It was a bad choice. It was a bad decision.” 

Shaquille O’Neal continued,

“We have to stop putting ourself in positions to where they can take away what we’ve worked so hard to get to. You should always believe in a higher power. I’ve always had the ability to stop time and say ‘if I do this, what’s going to the outcome?’ It’s no excuse for what he did. But remember, he pressed the button on his phone. He went Live. [If] you don’t go Live then nobody knows he has a weapon.”

Shaquille O’Neal then encouraged Ja Morant to think about his family and parents who will also be impacted by the decisions he makes. 

Shaq added,

“You got to have enough common sense to know that wasn’t going to go the way you wanted it to go. You’re not a rapper, you’re an NBA player.”

Following the gun incident, Morant, who is an All-Star player, deleted his social media accounts and released an apology. 

“I take full responsibility for my actions last night I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down. I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”

According to reports, an investigation is currently taking place in which the NBA may decide to give the 23-year-old harsher penalties if they discover that the weapon was brought onto the Grizzlies’ premises. 

What do you think of O’Neal’s reaction? Do you agree? Tell us in the comments!