“Tough time for the young kid,” Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins makes his HARSH stand clear on Ja Morant’s situation and provides information on his return
Memphis Grizzlies' Ja Morant Takes Leave of Absence to Seek Help After Posting Gun on Instagram Live
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The Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant has been away from the team since posting a controversial Instagram Live video in which he displayed what appeared to be a gun at a nightclub. The NBA is currently conducting an investigation into the incident, and the team has not provided a definitive timeline for Morant’s return. Initially, it was announced that he would be absent for at least two games while seeking help.
Coach Taylor Jenkins of the Memphis Grizzlies considered Ja Morant’s predicament and pressed his top player for responsibility. For the past several months, Morant’s off-court problems have attracted attention.
According to Drew Hill of The Daily Memphian, Jenkins made the following remarks before the team’s first game without the suspended Morant, which was on Sunday against the Los Angeles Clippers. “This is a tough time for a young kid that has to grow and get better. He has huge responsibilities, not just for the team, but for the city,” he started.
“We have said that it’s going to be at least these two games,” Jenkins said. “I mean, this is going be an ongoing healing process. … It’s really not a timetable situation,” Jenkins said.
He added, “We’re taking this very seriously. There’s a supportive element for someone that’s got to get better and needs some help. But then there’s also accountability to the team that we’ve got to stand for.
Morant has been involved in several incidents involving firearms, including two incidents this summer that resulted in police reports but no arrests. However, Jim Tanner, Morant’s agent, stated that “any and every allegation involving a firearm has been fully investigated and could not be corroborated.”
Following the Instagram Live video, Morant issued a statement taking “full responsibility for my actions” and apologizing to his family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis, and the entire organization. He deactivated both his Instagram and Twitter accounts and stated that he would take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and his overall well-being.
Grizzlies players express support for Morant
Despite the seriousness of the situation, Morant’s teammates expressed confidence in his ability to take the necessary steps toward accountability and the team’s ability to move forward.
“He’s a resilient guy, tough-minded guy,” said Desmond Bane. “Whenever he’s ready to come back, we’ll welcome him with open arms.”
Tyus Jones, who said he’s talked with Morant a couple of times since the incident, described the situation as “an emotional time” and “something we’re dealing with in-house.”
“I’m confident that Ja is going to handle his business and continue to do what he needs to do to get himself in the right place,” Jones said. “When it’s time to continue to play basketball, he’ll be ready … whenever it may be.”
Players are not allowed to carry firearms while on league business or when visiting NBA facilities, according to the collective bargaining agreement. If the league discovers misconduct, Morant may be fined or suspended. Gilbert Arenas of the Washington Wizards was given an indefinite suspension by the NBA in 2010 for carrying guns into the team’s locker room.
Morant’s Instagram Live video and the subsequent investigation are a reminder of the seriousness of gun violence and the importance of accountability. While the Grizzlies support Morant in his efforts to get help and improve his overall well-being, they also understand the need to hold him accountable for his actions and to stand against gun violence.
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Vivek Yadav
(624 Articles Published)