NBA stays Ja Morant’s 25-Game ban despite appeal

• Ja Morant’s 25-Game Suspension will stand despite opposition from NBPA
• He was captured twice on tape in two separate incidents displaying a gun
• The NBA requires him to fulfill a set of requirements before his return

Memphis Grizzlies fans received disappointing news as NBA executive vice president and head of basketball operations, Joe Dumars, confirmed that Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension will remain unchanged.

Despite opposition from the National Basketball Players Association (NBPA), Morant’s suspension was not reduced.

The suspension was imposed on Ja Morant due to two separate incidents where he was captured on video displaying a gun. The first incident occurred in March when Morant was filmed on Instagram Live inside a Denver-area nightclub.

This resulted in an initial eight-game suspension. The second incident took place in May when he was again recorded, this time inside a vehicle, which led to the 25-game suspension that will take effect at the beginning of the 2023-24 season.

In response to the suspension, NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio issued a statement opposing the decision. She described the suspension as “excessive and inappropriate for a number of reasons, including the facts involved in this particular incident”.

Ja Morant. Photo/AP Photo/David Zalubowski

Tamila further stated that it is “not fair and consistent with past discipline in our league.” Tremaglio also mentioned that they would explore all available options and next steps in support of Morant.

Despite the opposition from the NBPA, the league has chosen to maintain the suspension. Joe Dumars discussed the situation in a recent interview, highlighting the challenges faced by a 24-year-old player navigating his early career in the NBA.

He recognized Ja Morant’s incredible talent and suggested that entirely isolating the player from his team would not be beneficial. Dumars emphasized the importance of Morant continuing to practice and interact with his teammates to aid his personal growth.

Dumars mentioned the ongoing collaboration between the league, the Players Association, Ja Morant, and his representatives. He indicated that discussions regarding Morant’s return and his reintegration into the team were taking place behind the scenes, despite the details remaining undisclosed to the public.

The goal was to ensure a smooth transition for the young player, allowing him to practice with the team and participate in team meetings while serving his suspension.

Ja Morant.[Credit/espn.com]

The specifics of this program and the conditions associated with it were not publicly disclosed, and Dumars did not provide further details during the interview.

While Ja Morant will serve a 25-game suspension, it is anticipated that, provided he complies with the return-to-play conditions set forth by the league, his suspension will not be extended beyond the initial 25 games.

This would make him eligible to return to the court on December 19 when the Memphis Grizzlies play against the New Orleans Pelicans.

The Grizzlies, their fans, and Morant himself undoubtedly look forward to his return to the team, with the hope that this experience contributes to his personal growth and development both on and off the court.