Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant has promised to take on more responsibility and be smarter on the court after receiving an 8-game suspension
The 23-year-old was suspended by the league for 8 games without pay due to the controversial action of brandishing a firearm in an Instagram Live at a Colorado strip club.
Following the incident, former Lakers legend Shaquille O’Neal slammed the Memphis stating “you are not a rapper“, albeit some ex-players and admirers came in support of the young star.
What did Ja Morant tell the media after getting suspended for 8 matches?
The Memphis young star Ja Morant opened up to the media for the first time after undergoing mental health and life counseling in Florida.
The veteran PG disclosed that his therapy and counseling session was not over as it is an ongoing process.
“Obviously, I’ve been there for two weeks, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely better. So that’s an ongoing process for me that I’ve still been continuing since I’ve come out”, Morant stated.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant speaks publicly for the first time since his eight-game suspension ended. The two-time All-Star was suspended by the NBA after a social media post showed him holding a gun at a strip club. pic.twitter.com/pUm8DDOg3x
— AP Sports (@AP_Sports) March 21, 2023
Morant also denied the news of being an alcoholic, instead, he remarked dealing with stress was the reason for going to counseling.
“Never had an alcohol problem. I went for counseling to learn how to manage stress, cope with stress in a positive way instead of ways I’ve tried to deal with it before that caused me to make mistakes”, he told.
The PG later regretted his infamous action and vowed to be ” more responsible, more smarter” in the future to avoid any controversy.
“I’ve made mistakes in the past that cause a lot of negative attention – not only to me, but my family as well, my team, the organization. I’m completely sorry for that. My job now is to be more responsible, more smarter, and don’t cause any of that no more,” he added.
The Memphis head coach Taylor Jenkins also opened up to the media disclosing how the team supported Mortant throughout his bad phase. Taylor also ensured Morant’s comeback stating the young PG had some light practices earlier and is going to join the squad in the next match against the Houston Rockets.
WATCH: Head coach Taylor Jenkins joined the media and discussed Ja Morant's return to the team, how the organization has supported him throughout his suspension and when Grizzlies' fans can expect Ja back.
Full availability link 👇https://t.co/qMNCf6bj0S pic.twitter.com/62cnoElIir
— Grizzly Bear Blues (@bcmGrizzlies) March 22, 2023
Morant is eager to return to the court and make amends for his actions, both on and off the court. Fans and teammates alike will be watching closely to see how strongly the 23 years old comes back on the court and whether he can help lead the Grizzlies to success in the postseason.
Are you also excited to witness the Memphis star glorifying the basketball court again? Tell us in the comments.
