MEAWW.COM / NEWS / CRIME & JUSTICE

Ja Morant suspended after video shows him flashing gun at strip club just days after punching 17-year-old boy

'We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating,' NBA spokesman Mike Bass said

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE: NBA star Ja Morant was suspended after a video showed him displaying a gun for a second time. This incident comes days after he was accused of flashing a handgun at a teen over the summer. In a viral Instagram live video posted on Saturday, March 4, the 23-year-old is seen shirtless inside a strip club, rapping as the music played in the background, with a gun in his left hand.

Morant later said in a statement that he takes “full responsibility for my actions last night.” “I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis, and the entire organization for letting you down,” he said, according to New York Post. “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.”

READ MORE

Former NBA player Anthony Morrow arrested for assaulting, kidnapping and strangling ex-girlfriend

'NBA needs to take action': Internet furious after Ja Morant allegedly flashed gun at 17-year-old boy after punching him multiple times

Ja Morant to be 'away from the team'

It has been reported that the Memphis Grizzlies All-Star point guard will be “away from the team” for at least their next two games. The NBA has confirmed that it is now probing the incident. “We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said.

Soon after, Morant deactivated his Twitter and Instagram accounts. The clip was reportedly shot hours after he and his Grizzlies lost 113-97 to the Denver Nuggets. This incident is the latest among other controversies the star has been in the middle of. Morant was the 2019-2020 NBA Rookie of the Year.

Ja Morant hit a 17-year-old boy

In September last year, Morant was sued after he hit a 17-year-old boy in the face during the pickup game at his Tennessee mansion, according to Washington Post. Morant, however, has claimed it was self-defense. According to the victim, Morant hit him more “like 12 to 13 times." He then allegedly went into his own home and stepped out holding the handle of a gun seen tucked in his waistband. “His dad was yelling at him, like: “No, no, no! Go back. Go back in the house,” the teen reportedly told cops.

Prosecutors, however, have maintained they do not have enough evidence to pursue criminal charges in the case. Morant went on to file a police report of his own and accused the teen of threatening to return to the home and “light this place up like fireworks.” The boy is a top Memphis-area basketball prospect.