MIAMI — Ja Morant found himself in the spotlight for the wrong reasons once again. The NBA has fined Morant $75,000 after he mimicked using a gun as a celebration gesture. This action comes only a day after the star player from the Memphis Grizzlies used the gesture to celebrate his 3-pointers. This incident marks the second time within a week that Morant faced the league’s reprimand for similar actions, following a history of issues involving actual firearms.
The NBA labeled the gesture as “inappropriate” and pointed out that Morant had previously received a warning from the league regarding how such behavior could be perceived negatively. Earlier in the week, the warning was issued after a game between the Grizzlies and the Golden State Warriors, where both Morant and Buddy Hield were involved in similar behavior. Despite being warned, Morant repeated the gesture in the next game on Thursday.
In that particular game, the NBA highlighted that the gesture occurred twice, although it appeared to follow each of his three successful 3-pointers. The third instance, however, was not captured in the TNT broadcast of the game. Throughout the season, both Morant and other Grizzlies players have been seen making similar gestures, including during their recent matchup at Miami. After sinking a 3-pointer in the first quarter, Morant turned to his team’s bench with his left arm extended, mimicking a firearm with his fingers.
Morant’s history with the NBA concerning firearm-related conduct is notable. In 2023, he faced two suspensions that collectively cost him 33 games and approximately $8.3 million in earnings. The first suspension was an eight-game ban, resulting from a live-streamed video where Morant displayed a gun while appearing intoxicated at a nightclub near Denver. The second suspension lasted 25 games, following an incident where Morant was seen with a firearm in a car during another live stream, despite assurances to the NBA that he wouldn’t repeat such actions.
After scoring a game-winning shot at the buzzer against Miami, Morant addressed the criticism regarding his behavior. He’s now familiar with the negative attention and scrutiny surrounding him. “I’m kind of used to it,” Morant remarked. “I’ve pretty much been portrayed as a villain for two years now. Anything negative that can be said about me is amplified. So, yeah, I don’t care anymore.”
The Grizzlies are gearing up for their next game against Detroit on Saturday.