The Memphis Grizzlies spoke with star player Ja Morant about his off-court behavior before Morant was seen on video that appeared to show a gun while out at a nightclub in Colorado.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters before Thursday’s game against the warriors of the golden state that members of the organization had spoken with their top scorer before the latest incident.
Ja Morant, #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies, during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
«We’ve had conversations in the past trying to guide him and help him continue to evolve as a person and a player,» Jenkins said of the discussions before the incident in Glendale, Colorado. «Obviously this came to a head the other day, so we put this process into action.»
GRIZZLIES EXTEND JA MORANT’S SUSPENSION AS GUN CONTROVERSY CONTINUES: REPORT
Memphis announced Saturday that Morant would be out of the team for at least two games after video surfaced in which Morant appeared to display a weapon while singing shirtless at a nightclub.
Morant apologized and said he would take time to «get help.»
Ja Morant, #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies, celebrates making his three-point basket against the Minnesota Timberwolves in the first quarter of the game at the Target Center on November 30, 2022 in Minneapolis. (David Berding/Getty Images)
«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 them down,» Morant said. «I’m going to take some time to get help and work on learning better ways to deal with stress and my overall well-being.»
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On Wednesday, the Glendale Police Department in Colorado announced that it had concluded its investigation into the incident and would not charge anyone with a crime.
«In this case, it should be noted that on the night in question the GPD did not receive any calls for service at the nightclub regarding a weapon of any kind,» the department said in a news release. «Subsequently, no disturbances were reported, and no citizen or club patron came forward to file a complaint.
Ja Morant, #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies, reacts during the second quarter against the Philadelphia 76ers at the Wells Fargo Center on February 23, 2023 in Philadelphia. (Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
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«The investigation also concluded that no one was threatened or threatened with the firearm and, in fact, no firearm was ever located. Although the video was concerning enough to prompt an investigation, there was not enough evidence available to charge no one of a crime».
Following the news, the team said Morant will remain out of the team for at least the next four games, meaning the star will miss six straight contests.
Associated Press contributed to this report