Memphis Grizzlies’ rookie point guard Ja Morant has been the center of attention recently, but for all the wrong reasons. A video surfaced on social media showing him holding what appears to be a gun, prompting concern from both the team and fans.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins spoke to reporters on Wednesday, saying that there is no timetable for Morant’s return to the team. He did not give a specific reason for the absence, only saying that Morant is dealing with a personal matter.
Some NBA analysts are speculating that Morant’s absence may be related to the video, which gained widespread attention on Tuesday. Despite the concerns, the Grizzlies organization has not released an official statement on the matter.
This isn’t the first time Morant has made headlines for the wrong reasons. In a recent game against the Phoenix Suns, he was called for a technical foul after throwing the ball at an opponent’s head in frustration.
The incident drew criticism from NBA fans and analysts, with some calling on Morant to show more maturity on the court. However, others have defended him, saying that young players often make mistakes and need time to learn and grow.
Nike, which sponsors Morant, has also been caught up in the controversy. The company faced backlash on social media after continuing to support Morant following their decision to drop Kyrie Irving, who has been vocal about his opposition to COVID-19 vaccinations.
MLB star Trevor Bauer also weighed in on the controversy, calling Nike “trash” for standing by Morant. Bauer has been a controversial figure himself, facing allegations of sexual assault earlier this year.
As the situation continues to unfold, it remains unclear when Morant will return to the court and what consequences he may face for his actions.