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Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been suspended for eight games without pay for detrimental conduct to the league. The announcement was reported by ESPN NBA insider Adrian Wojnarowski earlier on Wednesday.
The Grizzlies franchise star has been seeking assistance to improve his "overall well-being" regarding life on and off the court. Morant found himself in the news after an Instagram Live session showed Morant holding up a handgun at 5:19 a.m. ET.
After the incident, the NBA opened an investigation into the matter. NBA commissioner Adam Silver stepped in, reportedly meeting with Morant on Wednesday.
Silver said:
"Ja's conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous."
Detrimental conduct is considered any activity that can be viewed as a distraction or nuisance for an organization, or in this case, the NBA.
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant suspended for detrimental conduct
The story involving Ja Morant has been one of the top developments of the 2022-23 season. Morant is one of the league's brightest stars and looked to be a potential face of the game of basketball.
The latest developments for Morant have stressed a desire for change. Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies have taken the steps necessary to get help for their franchise star. But Morant's actions have fallen under detrimental conduct for the league. It remains to be seen if Morant can stay on the right path and hopefully put this behind him.
Morant will be eligible to play on March 20 against the Dallas Mavericks. That is also the first day Morant will be able to rejoin the Grizzlies in the "team environment."
On the court, Morant has been the engine that makes the Memphis Grizzlies thrive. Memphis currently have an overall record of 41-26 this season. That now places them second in the Western Conference, just one game ahead of the Sacramento Kings.
While the Grizzlies are hoping to get their superstar back on the court before the start of the NBA Playoffs, this has become a situation that is more important than basketball.
Morant has had another sensational season on the court for the Grizzlies. He's averaging 27.1 points, 6.0 rebounds and a career-high 8.2 assists per game. Morant is also shooting 46.3% from the field and 31.6% from three-point range.
The Grizzlies have won their last three games and will take on the Miami Heat on Wednesday before a Friday showdown with the San Antonio Spurs.
Guess the Lakers players!
