Ja Morant went viral for pulling a gun out on Instagram Live on May 13. A day later, he had been suspended from all team activities by the Memphis Grizzlies. Morant had already served an eight-game suspension for pulling a gun out while streaming at a strip club in March. Despite Morant appearing truly repentant after the March incident, it didn't appear to stop Morant from doing it again just two months later.
Despite an apology from Morant, the league's punishment is expected to be harsh. NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said he was "shocked" by the footage. However, Silver revealed that he would not be announcing Silver's punishment until the conclusion of the NBA Finals. However, Morant is expected to be suspended for double-digit games, maybe even as much as a full season suspension. Morant is set to start a five-year, $194 million contract next season. Away from the court, a large amount of concern for Morant has been raised. A cryptic Instagram post resulted in a police welfare check at Morant's Tennessee residence. Furthermore, a recent statement from Stephen A. Smith voiced concern that Morant "wouldn't be alive in 5 years."
Morant Unfollows Childhood Friend
Ja Morant has been relatively quiet in recent weeks. Beyond his apology and cryptic Instagram post, the guard has been on radio silence. When speaking with police during the welfare check, Morant said he was simply taking a break from social media. However, he does appear to be making some moves on his socials, even if he isn't posting.
Reportedly, Morant has unfollowed his childhood friend, Davonte Pack. Pack is the individual who was driving and filming Morant during the second gun-flashing incident. To Pack's credit, he did attempt to turn the camera away from Morant when his gun became visible. However, if the unfollow is true, it appears that Morant is leveling some of the blame for the incident with Pack.
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