Suspended NBA player Ja Morant Is Speaking On His Recent Controversies & The Gun Incident That Got Him Benched: ‘I Made A Bad Mistake’
Suspended NBA player Ja Morant Is Speaking On His Recent Controversies & The Gun Incident That Got Him Benched: ‘I Made A Bad Mistake’
NBA star Ja Morant is opening up about the incident that got him suspended for 8 games.
During a recent interview with ESPN’s Jalen Rose, Ja Morant revealed that the gun he flashed in an Instagram Live video earlier on March 4 was not his.
Morant said,
“The gun wasn’t mine. It’s not who I am. I don’t condone any type of violence, but I take full responsibility for my actions.”
“I made a bad mistake and I can see the image I painted over myself with my recent mistakes. But, in the future, I will show everybody who Ja really is, what I’m about and change this narrative.”
As previously reported, after losing a game to the Denver Nuggets earlier this month, the point guard went to Shotgun Willies — a gentlemen’s club in Colorado — to have fun. While there, he appeared on Instagram live shirtless and flashed a gun. Following an investigation, the Glendale Colorado police decided not to charge Ja after finding no “probable cause.”
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement:
“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,”
He added,
“It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him.”
As punishment for his actions, Morant was suspended for 8 games without pay. The athlete will reportedly forfeit about $669,000 in salary.
Ja Morant said that since the controversial moment, he has spent time speaking with therapists, getting reiki treatment, and working on anxiety breathing to help manage stress.
During the interview, Ja Morant also addressed an incident that took place at his sister’s volleyball game that led to a police investigation. According to reports, Morant, his family, and a group of men were investigated for simple assault back in September after they were accused of confronting a high schooler who allegedly called his sister a “b*tch.”
He explained,
“That’s my baby sister. I received a call and was checking on her safety…Once I found out she was safe, I left the scene.”
Morant continued,
“Obviously, I realize Ja showed up and that’s all everybody needed to paint whatever picture they want. I realize now that’s a problem and I put myself in those situations.”
Despite the various controversies, Morant said he still takes pride in being a role model.
“I realize I have a lot of kids who look up to me. Even probably some adults, a lot of fans.”
He continued,
“I realize my past mistakes isn’t being a good role model. So, just gotta be better in that area and be more responsible, be smarter and make better decisions.”