NBA Fines Ja Morant $75,000 for Inappropriate Gun Gestures
In a controversial move, the NBA has imposed a $75,000 fine on Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant following his use of an imaginary gun gesture during recent games. This incident represents the second monetary penalty issued to Morant in a matter of days due to similar behavior that the league deems unacceptable.
Details of the Incident
Morant drew the league’s ire after he celebrated three-pointers by mimicking the act of aiming a gun, a gesture that the NBA has labeled as “inappropriate.” This action follows a warning issued earlier in the week after Morant and Buddy Hield of the Golden State Warriors exchanged similar gestures during a matchup. The league had cautioned Morant that such actions could lead to negative interpretations.
- In Thursday’s game against Miami, Morant appeared to make the gesture multiple times after hitting three-pointers.
- The NBA confirmed that the fine was a direct result of his failure to heed prior warnings.
History of Suspensions
This recent fine marks another chapter in Morant’s troubled relationship with league conduct rules, having previously faced two suspensions in 2023 due to firearm-related incidents. These suspensions cost him a total of 33 games and approximately $8.3 million in salary. The nature of those incidents includes:
- An eight-game suspension for live streaming a video that showcased Morant displaying a firearm at a nightclub in Denver.
- A subsequent 25-game suspension for a different incident where he posed with a gun during an Instagram Live stream, despite having vowed to the league and public not to repeat such conduct.
Morant’s Response to Criticism
Following a commendable performance in which he made a buzzer-beater to secure a victory over Miami, Morant addressed the ongoing criticism surrounding his behavior. He stated, “I’m kind of used to it. I was pretty much a villain for two years now. Every little thing, if somebody can say something negative about me, it’s going to be out there. So, yeah. I don’t care no more.”
Upcoming Games
The Grizzlies are scheduled to face the Detroit Pistons in their next game, a critical matchup as they continue to navigate the challenges of the season.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the league will further address player conduct and the implications it may have on the sport’s reputation.
