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The NBA has officially handed Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant an eight-game suspension for conduct detrimental to the team. The news comes on the heels of Morant allegedly checking out of a counseling program in Florida. Shams Charania broke the news via social media on Wednesday.
It was also revealed that the league has found no evidence that Morant owned or brought the firearm he displayed on social media on the team plane. As a result, he avoided a 50-game suspension.
Morant will now be eligible to return to action when the Grizzlies take on the Dallas Mavericks on March 20th.
The 23-year old has averaged 27.1 points, 8.2 assists and six rebounds in 53 games.
Is the Ja Morant saga finally coming to a close?
This season has been an absolute rollercoaster ride for Ja Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. While they have found great success on the court, it’s the off-court activities of the young superstar that have raised eyebrows around the league.
Although it wasn’t reported until just recently, during the offseason, Morant was involved in two altercations. Most notable was an altercation during a pickup game with a teenager that ultimately saw Morant punch the teen in the face before going inside and retrieving a gun.
In addition, right around the same time, Morant and a large group were involved in a heated verbal altercation that saw threats made. Allegedly, after the superstar’s mom got into a verbal spat with a Finish Line employee, Morant and a large group arrived, resulting in police being called.
Once the season kicked off, Morant and his associate, Devonte Pack, were both a part of a heated altercation after the Grizzlies-Pacers game. After things escalated between the two teams, Pack, who was court-side, seemed to get involved in the mix. After the game, a car allegedly carrying Morant traced a red dot to the Pacers' traveling party.
The situation ultimately resulted in the Pack receiving a year-long suspension from Grizzlies home games, and highlighted ties many believe he needs to cut. When he returns from his current suspension, it will be interesting to see if things have changed.
You can see the Pacers-Grizzlies altercation above, as well as Pack’s involvement.
