NBA Commissioner Adam Silver provided an update on Memphis Grizzlies’ guard Ja Morant’s, set to return after serving a 25-game suspension. Silver, present in Las Vegas for the In-Season Tournament championship, shared insights during a press conference touching upon various league matters, specifically addressing the Morant situation.
Silver intends to meet directly with Morant before his anticipated return on December 19. Emphasizing Ja Morant’s compliance, Silver noted the league’s constant engagement with Morant, his team, and the Players Association, ensuring regular check-ins and a structured program for Morant’s adherence to league directives. The Commissioner stressed Morant’s cooperation with the league’s requirements and planned a review before his comeback, aiming to establish optimal conditions for a successful return.
The suspension, initiated in June, stemmed from Morant’s involvement in firearm-related incidents. A prior instance in March, where Morant was observed with a gun at a strip club outside Denver, resulted in an eight-game suspension and counseling in Florida. Following the Grizzlies’ playoff exit, another instance of Morant displaying a gun on Instagram led to the subsequent 25-game suspension. Silver underscored concern over Ja Morant’s repeated actions, emphasizing the suspension as a clear message against reckless behavior with firearms.
Beyond the suspension, Morant has been embroiled in other contentious incidents, including a physical altercation during a pick-up basketball game and a subpoena in a civil lawsuit alleging his involvement in assaulting a then-17-year-old.
The Grizzlies, currently at a 6-15 standing, anticipate Morant’s return on December 19 as they prepare to face the New Orleans Pelicans. Silver’s comprehensive remarks provide context around Morant’s compliance, the suspension’s background, and the circumstances surrounding his impending return.
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