NBA suspends Morant for 8 games after gun incident

Morant has been suspended by the NBA for eight games following its investigation into a social media post showing Ja at a nightclub holding a gun.

Morant, 23, is suspended without pay for “conduct detrimental to the league,” the NBA said in a statement.

The point guard is eligible to return for Memphis’ game against the Mavericks on March 20, meaning his suspension is retroactive to when he first stepped away from the team on March 4.

Morant met with commissioner Adam Silver and other league executives at the NBA’s New York offices Wednesday to discuss his conduct.

The league said it “did not conclude that the gun at issue belonged to Ja, was brought by him into the nightclub or was displayed by him beyond a brief period.”

Bigger picture

The NBA found Morant didn’t possess the gun while travelling with the Grizzlies or in any NBA facilities. In addition to the NBA’s investigation, Colorado authorities did not find “sufficient cause” to charge Ja with a crime, the league said in its statement.

Adam Silver on Morant

“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous,” Silver said in a statement.

“It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere repentance and remorse for his behavior.”