Ja Morant ditches gun celebration and throws ‘grenade’ at fans after Adam Silver warning

Adam Silver's NBA just issued a $75K fine on Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant for reenacting his finger guns celebration.

Ja Morant ditches gun celebration and throws ‘grenade’ at fans after Adam Silver warning

Memphis Grizzlies Ja Morant

Adam Silver and the NBA have been observing Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant. He invited that scrutiny on to himself for bringing back the finger gun celebrations. Considering how it is tied to his past, the league wants to ensure that violence is not a part of celebrations anymore.

That is why they issued a warning the first time around. But the 25-year-old did not seem to care, and he brought out a second one in their very next game. This time, the NBA decided to slap him with a $75K fine.

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Even though he was fined that amount, Ja Morant does not seem to care. He believes the league and the media will paint him as a villain even if he does not do anything. It has been that situation for the past few years, and he believes it will continue to be the same way.

This seemed like he was being defiant of his actions that netted him a 25-game suspension. But those were real guns, and this is just using his fingers. Now that those are being reprimanded, he decided to get creative.

Today the Memphis Grizzlies were playing against the Charlotte Hornets. Right before the half, Morant’s rookie teammate Jaylen Wells had to be stretchered off after crashlanding headfirst onto the court. In the second half, the Grizzlies had to find a way to continue their momentum.

Late in the third quarter, Ja Morant scored a big three against 6′ 9″ forward Taj Gibson. Knowing his shot was good, he gestured as if he used his teeth to unhook the pin off a grenade and threw it in the stands. Then he covered his ears while ducking down, suggesting he blew the away fans.

Adam Silver’s NBA can step in again

This celebration might be harmless in Ja Morant’s eyes. But children watching the game could refer that celebration to something that is violent. Considering the young fanbase they have, the league could investigate into this grenade celebration.

They know him throwing it towards opposition fans indicates he will only use it at road games. But even then, it gives the idea that the Grizzlies superstar prefers those type of celebrations rather than the standard docile ones used by the rest of the league.

However, Adam Silver and his top officials could reprimand Morant. It might be a warning in the beginning. Then later if he continues to show that side, they could fine him again. Either way, this grenade celebration is linked to violence, therefore the league will likely step in.

Ja Morant taking inspiration from former All-Star

This celebration has gone viral now that Ja Morant has displayed it. Naturally him performing it will bring a lot of interest. But at the same time, some marveled at the creativity. However, former All-Star Gilbert Arenas believes he was the creative mind behind this.

The host of Gil’s Arena were discussing Ja Morant’s fine and subsequent comments about the media painting him a villain. Gilbert Arenas initially suggested that Morant could tweak the finger guns celebration by not pointing at another player or fan.

He could draw them out and put them back into the saddles. Then he goes on to show the grenade celebration. This was on the April 7th episode of Gil’s Arena, and Morant recreated it on April 8th. Therefore, Arenas believes the Memphis Grizzlies star was inspired by his idea.