Nike Is Standing By Ja Morant Through Suspension

Nike will continue to produce Ja Morant's signature sneakers.

After a hot start to the 2022-23 NBA season, Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant began to unravel in the public eye. After multiple incidents involving firearms, the NBA announced on Friday that Morant will serve a 25-game suspension to start next season.

In addition to losing out on prestigious league awards that come with contract incentives, there was concern that Morant would lose his signature sneaker line with Nike. However, the American sportswear company will stand by its first-ever Gen-Z signature athlete.

Nike put out the following statement of support for Morant, "We are pleased that Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being. We will continue to support him on and off the court."

View of Ja Morant's Nike shoes / © Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports

Fans can decide if Nike's decision was a merciful move or a more calculated financial assessment. But there is no denying that Morant moves the needle with the youngest generation of basketball fans.

Morant's first signature shoe, the Nike Ja 1, was originally scheduled to release on April 1, 2023. However, the launch date was pushed back to April 19 due to Morant's nine-game suspension in March. 

Despite Morant's controversies, his shoes have been released in three colorways, all of which sold out almost immediately. Still, some influential voices in the sports world are not so forgiving. ESPN analyst Michael Wilbon will not allow his son to wear Morant's shoes.

With Morant's signature sneaker line moving forward, fans will soon be faced with their own moral dilemma. The Nike Ja 1 is scheduled to release in the 'Ember Glow' colorway for $110 in adult sizes on July 3, 2023.

We will keep our readers updated as we learn more about this story. Stay locked into FanNation Kicks to learn more about what your favorite athletes wear on and off the court.

Recommended For You

Look: Nike slashes prices on NBA Swingman jerseys.

News: Kyrie Irving signs sneaker deal with Anta.

Rankings: The top ten sneakers of the 2023 NBA Playoffs.