Ja Morant supporters, including those who were formerly close to him, reportedly think that the NBA planned a campaign to damage his character, which culminated in the current 25-game suspension. The guard’s side has also claimed that the media has supported the league in its portrayal of his conduct problems, including times when he reportedly got into a fistfight with a child in 2022 and showed a pistol.
These allegations raise concerns about the interactions between the player, the league, and media narratives around Morant’s activities since they imply a perception of prejudice and purposeful efforts to discredit him.
Ja Morant camp reportedly believes media, NBA out to get them
Ja Morant’s recent 25-game ban from the NBA may have appeared to put an end to his most recent off-court problems, but there have been signs that his friends and family think they are the target of a plot. According to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon, members of Morant’s inner circle who may no longer be a part of it believe they are being singled out by the NBA and the media.
Ja Morant’s camp reportedly feels like the NBA and the media are out to get them
“I have heard indirectly that Ja and people close to Ja, perhaps people formerly close to Ja, have this feeling that the NBA out to get them. That the media is out to get them.”
(Via… pic.twitter.com/aheFNkJw7m
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) June 19, 2023
“I have heard indirectly that Ja and people close to Ja, perhaps people formerly close to Ja, have this feeling that the NBA is out to get them. That the media is out to get them,” MacMahon disclosed.
It’s crucial to remember that Morant’s actions have received most of the attention from the NBA and the media, not those of his teammates. The bulk of his followers and the media aren’t familiar with his close friends or the details of his contentious Instagram Live video.
The wisest course of action for Morant’s camp would be to avoid provocative behaviors and social media posting if they actually want to stay out of the NBA and media’s crosshairs. The guard and others around him must ultimately use greater judgment if they want to avoid attracting further unfavorable attention.
Ja issued statement following his ban
With the long-awaited announcement of his suspension, the NBA delivered the death blow to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. It was revealed in a statement that included comments from Commissioner Adam Silver that the Memphis guard will miss the first 25 games of the 2023–24 season without pay due to “conduct detrimental to the league.”
After the ban was made known to the public, the guard released a statement expressing regret and stating his goals for personal development during his time away from the court.
“I apologize to all those I have let down and disappointed,” he stated. “During this suspension, I will focus on my mental health and decision-making, ensuring that I am better prepared when I am able to resume playing.”
Ja Morant concluded his statement with a plea for understanding and a commitment to personal growth: “I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.”
The league’s decision to suspend Ja Morant was the result of two high-profile events, including an eight-game ban for displaying a gun in a Denver nightclub in March. In addition, a prior incident in May in which the guard purposefully displayed a pistol as he left a social event in Memphis played a role in the league’s decision to punish him.
Beyond the first 25 games, the precise suspension period is still unknown because he must fulfill certain requirements before he can play again.
