Already in the spotlight after the story of his altercation with a teenager, Ja Morant is this time the subject of an investigation for possession of a firearm.
Police in Glendale, Colorado, announced on Monday that they have opened an investigation into Grizzlies star Ja Morant after his video broadcast live on Instagram Friday night in which he brandished what looks like a pistol.
«The Glendale Police Department is aware of the incident, footage of which is circulating online, involving an NBA player in a nightclub with what appears to be a gun in the early morning hours of March 4 2023“, confirmed captain Jamie Dillon, in a press release sent to AFP. “We confirm the incident took place at a bar in Glendale and are investigating the matter“, he added, without giving further comment.
Carrying firearms is not illegal in Colorado. On the other hand, it is illegal to be in possession of a weapon under the influence of alcohol. At the start of the video, we see the double All-Star (27.1 points and 8.2 average assists), shirtless, briefly holding a gun in his left hand, before removing it from the field. A few hours earlier, he had just lost with Memphis in Denver in what constituted the shock of the Western conference, between the leader and his dolphin. The 23-year-old, who has since suspended his Instagram and Twitter accounts, also apologized, saying “take full responsibility for his/her actions“, adding to want”take some time to get help and work on better ways to manage (his) stress and (his) general well-being».
Morant is also under investigation by the NBA and his Memphis franchise has announced his sideline for at least two games. He did not play the lost meeting with the Clippers on Sunday and will therefore be absent from Tuesday’s meeting against the Lakers. But his absence could be prolonged, according to his coach Taylor Jenkins who said there was no set date for Morant’s return to the team. “The goal is for Ja to take responsibility and get the help he needs to feel better, in general, but also to be able to perform as a member of this team. That’s what we’re talking about. We will support him, but we will also hold him to account“, he said Sunday.
