Grizzlies’ Ja Morant Takes Humble Tone in First Public Comments Since Suspension

The NBA star says he learned about himself during his punishment.

Ja Morant is counting down the days until he returns to an NBA court. 

The Grizzlies star spoke to the media Friday for the first time since his 25-game suspension. Morant was penalized by commissioner Adam Silver in June after appearing in an Instagram video holding a firearm. He is eligible to make his 2023-24 debut on Tuesday versus the Pelicans.

The suspension was Morant’s second involving his showing of a gun. He previously served an eight-game punishment last season after being filmed at a Denver nightclub with a firearm.

Morant said that the suspension included some “horrible days,” but gave him time for self-reflection and addressing some issues through therapy. 

“I feel like I learned some stuff about myself during that process,” he told reporters. “Very eye-opening. Kinda gave me a new look on life with how I go about my days, how I carry myself. Just being grateful and thankful that I’m still here in the position that I’m in.”

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Morant has been allowed to be with the team and practice during his suspension. He said that support was helpful for his mental well-being. However, the Grizzlies have struggled without their star on the court, compiling a 6–17 record thus far, tied for the fourth-worst record in the NBA. He feels responsible for that.

“There’s some guilt in that. Obviously, I’m not on the floor,” said Morant. “Decisions I made didn’t allow me to be out there to go to battle with my team.” 

Silver told reporters that Morant has “complied with everything he’s been asked to do” and checked in with the player directly this week. Additionally, Morant has met with the league office weekly during the suspension.