The image of Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant took a major hit recently after he posted an Instagram Live that showed him toting a gun at a Colorado nightclub.
The NBA suspended him for eight games as a result, but that suspension has ended, and he was back with his team on Monday when they hosted the Dallas Mavericks.
Ja Morant is in the building for the Grizz-Mavs game. pic.twitter.com/rlhh3fXy1j
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) March 21, 2023
The response from fans on Twitter was mixed.
Some aren’t happy, and some even wish the league would’ve come down a lot harder on Morant.
Those 10 days really helped Ja… he prob learned a lot
— Tino (@Santinobambino3) March 21, 2023
Did security check him prior to the game?
— Michael (@Matthews1526) March 21, 2023
Arrest that criminal
— Millenial Boomer (@Erc0210) March 21, 2023
He should be in jail!
— Lou Best (@KingAMG63) March 21, 2023
But there are also those who are willing to give him a second chance.
Those 10 days really helped Ja… he prob learned a lot
— Tino (@Santinobambino3) March 21, 2023
While he was away from the Grizzlies, Morant reportedly started a counseling program in Florida, something which he pledged to do when he issued an apology statement shortly after the Instagram Live incident.
He also did an interview with former NBA player and current ESPN analyst Jalen Rose in which he claimed the gun he displayed wasn’t his.
There is no doubt that Morant is already one of the NBA’s biggest stars at age 23, as he’s averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and 8.2 assists per game this season.
He’s one of the game’s most athletic and explosive players, and he has reminded some of a young Derrick Rose with his ability to throw down emphatic dunks in the face of defenders.
The Grizzlies need him back as soon as possible, as they have been struggling over the last two months after looking like the league’s hottest team in mid-January.
Reportedly, the team wants him to go through a practice, and it is hopeful he will return to game action on Wednesday when they will host the Houston Rockets.
NEXT:
NBA Insider Names A Potential Return Date For Ja Morant
