Memphis Grizzlies have suspended superstar guard Ja Morant from all team activities, after a social media video emerged showing the two-time All-Star holding what appears to be a gun.
The announcement comes roughly two months after a similar incident that saw Morant suspended for eight games, when he appeared in a live-streaming video on Instagram holding a firearm at a nightclub.
How long the latest suspension will last is not immediately clear. The Grizzlies, who were knocked out of the opening round of the NBA playoffs by Los Angeles Lakers, say the disciplinary move is pending league review.
"We are aware of the social media post involving Ja Morant and are in the process of gathering more information," said NBA spokesperson Mike Bass.
Earlier this year, Kiwi centre Steven Adams tried to warn his Grizzlies teammates that their wayward behaviour on road trips was undermining a successful start to their NBA campaign, which had them challenging for the Western Conference lead midway through the season.
"I'm told there was a players-only meeting recently, where Steven Adams - their veteran centre - spoke out about how the team needs to show better discipline on the road… how they need to stay away from going out," experienced NBA journalist Shams Charnia told NBACentral.
"When they are on the road, this team is 12-20. They're stellar at home, but that's a poor road record.
"I'm told those in the room, when Steven Adams spoke out, knew exactly who he was directing this to - it was no-one other than Ja Morant."
Veteran NBA journalist Skip Bayless claimed Adams' warning would have fallen on deaf ears.
"There's not a veteran leader on the Grizzlies, except for Steven Adams, and I'm not sure he counts, because he's not good enough," Bayless told Undisputed. "He's not a rising star.
"When he made his comments, I'm sure ears were opened, but when Ja is listening to those comments, they don't just go in one ear and out the other... I don't even think they go in one ear, because I don't think Ja is going to listen to Steven Adams."
Ultimately, Memphis fell away over the final weeks of the regular season, with Morant undergoing counseling for his social habits and Adams sidelined by a knee injury.
Reuters/Newshub
