“The gun wasn’t mine” - Ja Morant comes out and explains his recent actions

Ja Morant has finally opened up for the first time following his controversial gun-toting incident that he posted on Instagram. The Memphis Grizzlies All-Star forward is currently under suspension by the NBA due to the said incident.

Here's "G12" in an interview with former NBA player and ESPN analyst Jalen Rose:

"The gun wasn’t mine. It’s not who I am, I don’t condone any type of violence, but I take full responsibility for my actions. I made a bad mistake and I can see now the image that I painted over myself with my recent mistakes.

"In the future, Imma show everybody who Ja really is and what I’m about and change this narrative."

Morant refused to name the owner of the gun he brandished but accepted full responsibility. The controversial incident happened after the Memphis Grizzlies lost to the Denver Nuggets.

Prior to the loss to the Nuggets, Morant's teammate, Steven Adams, reportedly led a players-only meeting. The main topic that night was discipline when they're on the road as Memphis is only 13-22 away from FedEx Forum.

"Those in the room, when Steven Adams spoke out, they knew exactly who he was directing this to. It was no one other than Ja Morant. Clearly, Ja Morant still went out in the early hours of Saturday that video was posted with the gun."

The Memphis Grizzlies promptly suspended Morant for two games before deciding that he needs to stay away for four more matches. The NBA handed down its punishment, suspending him without pay for eight games.

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Ja Morant could return sooner rather than later

Ja Morant underwent counseling in Florida. He is reportedly finished with that and could return to the NBA sooner rather than later. The former Rookie of the Year winner was rumored to have met with commissioner Adam Silver in New York for a dialog.

Morant has been suspended by the NBA for eight games without pay "for conduct detrimental to the league." The point guard's suspension, however, already includes the five games he has already missed.

"G12" could return on Mar. 20 against the Dallas Mavericks, but may still need some time to ramp up his conditioning.

Shams Charania reported why Morant was handed only an eight-game punishment:

"NBA investigation into Ja Morant did not conclude that the gun belonged to Morant, was brought by him into the nightclub or was displayed by him beyond a brief period... "also did not find that Morant possessed the gun while traveling with the team or in any NBA facility."

Earlier yesterday, Adam Silver had this to say about Morant's suspension:

“Ja has also made it clear to me that he has learned from this incident and that he understands his obligations and responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader community extend well beyond his play on the court.”

Ja Morant has realized what's at stake for him and for the Memphis Grizzlies. It's up to him to change the narrative around him by being at his best on and off the court.

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