Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is no new to controversy, and his most recent streak of problems may have gotten him into trouble with the sports drink company Powerade. NBA supporters have begun to wonder whether the company will continue to support the budding star after removing an ad starring Morant from its Instagram page.
Morant was scheduled to feature in Powerade commercials, billboards, and events as part of his contract with the company, including the impending relaunch before to the NCAA March Madness basketball tournament. Although the financial details of the agreement were not made public, it is assumed to be a multi-year arrangement. The company hasn’t made any official statements about its arrangement with Morant, though.
Morant’s latest gun incident, which resulted in a minimum 50-game suspension, might have caused his Powerade contract to fall through. The sports drink company has historically demonstrated little reluctance to distance itself from sportsmen who are involved in scandals that could damage the brand’s reputation. 2016 saw the company sever ties with athlete Maria Sharapova after she tested positive for drugs.
Along with the potential termination of his partnership with Powerade, Morant’s previous troubles have also cost him multiple Grizzlies games. Morant is expected to miss at least four more games, according to NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski, and there are rumors that he might miss more throughout the season. Despite his absence, Morant has been putting up stellar numbers this season, averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game.
Taylor Jenkins, the head coach of the Grizzlies, has backed Morant and called the incident a “healing process.” But, the young athlete’s career may suffer long-term repercussions as a result of the suspension and probable ramifications with Powerade. Since joining the NBA, Morant has demonstrated tremendous promise, and in 2020 he was voted the league’s Rookie of the Year. His future is promising, although it is unclear how the recent controversies will affect his professional development.
Morant’s financial future may be impacted by the potential Powerade ramifications, but the NBA as a whole may also be affected. The success and profitability of the league depending on brands and sponsors, and any affiliation with controversial athletes might damage the NBA’s reputation.
In conclusion, given the recent incident involving the young athlete, it makes sense that there is speculation about Morant’s relationship with Powerade. Although there has been no formal announcement addressing the status of their agreement, it is obvious that his suspension and off-court problems may have long-term effects on his career and possible business deals. In order to maintain success and league expansion, the NBA and its players must be conscious of their behavior and public image.
*Police clear Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant of charges due to lack of evidence*
After Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant was spotted on an Instagram live feed exhibiting what seemed to be a gun at a nightclub on Saturday, Glendale Police Department (GPD) in Colorado declared there was not enough evidence to prosecute anyone with a felony.
The GPD reported receiving information of an incident involving “a well-known NBA player singing and holding what looked like a handgun at the butt end of a gun” at Shotgun Willies, a nearby club, and conducting an investigation.
After the Grizzlies stated they would punish him for at least two games, Morant missed Sunday’s game against the Clippers and Tuesday’s game against the Lakers, averaging 27.1 points, 8.2 assists, and 6.0 rebounds in 53 games this season.
On Wednesday, the team announced that Morant would miss at least the next four games. In the Western Conference, the Grizzlies are currently third.
