Ja Morant‘s father, Tee, issued a strongly-worded statement to participants of the Up Next Elite Camp in New Orleans about the Memphis Grizzlies star’s off-the-court troubles.
"“I’m coming from speaking for my son. Make sure, anytime, anywhere, you know the capabilities of everybody around you. My son didn’t get in trouble cause of the people around him,” Tee Morant said in the now-viral video. “He got in trouble because of his decisions.”"
The Morant made costly decisions that jeopardized not only his NBA career but his life.
The superstar flashed two guns in Instagram Live videos within two months. The first incident happened in March in a nightclub in Denver following a road game. He was suspended for eight games and received counseling in Florida. Two months later, Ja Morant again showed a gun in another Instagram Live video while he was in a car.
The latest incident cost the two-time All-Star a 25-game suspension that will take effect next season.
"“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in the league’s statement on June 16.“The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”"
Tee Morant wants the next generation of players to learn from his son’s bad decisions.
"“So always be mindful of every decision you are going to make because it will pretty much take of you, consume you and make you think who you are not,” he said during the Up Next Elite Camp. “Anytime, everywhere, just think everyone is looking at you. Everything is magnified. The smallest thing you can do can make the biggest difference in your life.”"
“My son didn’t get in trouble cause of people around him. He got in trouble because of his decisions.”
— REL (@relmyers) August 19, 2023
Tee Morant speaks to the attendees at the Up Next Elite Camp in New Orleans. One of the topics the kids asked about today was how to handle when people are talking about you. pic.twitter.com/DNtfLfmzBy
Morant is required to undergo another counseling program with the NBA’s approval before he can return to playing again.
"“For Ja, basketball needs to take a backseat at this time,” Silver added in the league statement. “Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”"
The Grizzlies cornerstone will be eligible to return on December 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
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