Last week, the Washington Post published an article about Memphis Grizzlies two time All-Star player Ja Morant, in which it was claimed that he was involved in three separate incidents, two of which included firearms.
After becoming the target of an NBA investigation related to his behavior during a Saturday morning Instagram Live, the team announced on Saturday that he would be missing at least two games.
Morant’s IG Live video showed him flashing a gun in a club. The live stream was then recorded and spread like a wildfire on social media.
Later, NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in a statement, “We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating.”
Soon to follow, the Grizzlies issued a statement announcing that the 23-year-old would miss at least two games. Memphis is scheduled to play the Los Angeles Clippers tonight and the Lakers on Tuesday.
Through his agent, Morant released the following statement:
“I take full responsibility for my actions last night. I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down. I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”
Morant’s previous accusations of having a firearm and other incidents couldn’t be corroborated or substantiated. But there’s no denying he had a weapon on IG Live. This time there was proof, and the consequences followed.
Morant is a budding superstar with everything to lose, so why would risk losing it all?
Criticism and judgment is coming his way on social media, TV, and other places.
Indeed, he needs to pull himself together. The fact that he is still so young explains why he has made such a baffling choice. And some even question the stress he spoke about in his statement.
But we all need to understand that he’s a 23-year-old with pressure to be great, pressure to provide for others, pressure to bring a championship to the city of Memphis in front of the entire world.
Yes, he is participating in his own sabotage, but there’s a lot of weight on his shoulders at such an early age.
Make no mistake, I’m not condoning his actions. But, I understand. I have a 23-year-old son who does things that baffle my husband and I. But as he matures, he will make the right decisions. He doesn’t have the visibility or occupy the same financial class as Morant; however, he’s a typical young adult who hasn’t figured out life just yet.
For athletes like Morant, many people tell them how terrific they are without caring about them as individuals, but as entertainment. Some just can’t take the pressure to live up to expectations, and it may lead to exhibiting behaviors that hasten their demise.
Morant’s blundering actions are easy to dismiss as naive on the surface. Of course, we may all discuss what we would do if we were as gifted and successful as he is. We don’t believe that we would blow such a great opportunity. What would happen to our behavior if the burden of expectations were placed upon us?
Despite the fact that we’ve had numerous conversations over the years, I don’t know Morant on a personal level. I won’t cast judgment on the young man because I have no idea what he’s exactly going through.
However, I want him to make better choices and seek the help he needs if he’s indeed going through a mental crisis.
Someone sent me a link yesterday of a video in which Morant talked about his mental health in 2021. It was heartbreaking to watch.
Morant said he was used to getting through things on his own. He said in the clip, “you don’t realize you’re drowning until you’re trying to be everyone else’s anchor.”
Here’s the video:
After watching that, it put his statement in perspective. Morant needs to put his well-being at the forefront and seek the necessary help. And Nike agrees:
I don’t know if the NBA will impose a harsher suspension and/or fine on Morant.
Holding Morant responsible for his acts is acceptable, and he will undoubtedly face the results of his actions.
For a young man who has come so far and still stands to lose everything, this must be a humbling and instructive lesson.
