This is shaping up to be a week with non-stop Ja Morant updates. The 23-year-old Memphis Grizzlies star has been roped up on legal issues after purportedly flashing a firearm at a teen during a pick-up game. It was also alleged that Morant assaulted the teen, and then last week, while on Instagram Live, the baller showed off a gun. This has sent a shockwave through the NBA, and now, Morant is being investigated by the Glendale Police Department in Colorado. He was said to have been at a bar during the Livestream. In Colorado, it is illegal to possess a firearm while under the influence of alcohol, reports ESPN.
The ongoing investigations have gained several hot takes from commentators and former basketball stars. Stephen Jackson chimed in with a bit of advice for Morant during this challenging time, especially as people claim his NBA career is over. “Y’all ain’t got no experience with this situation. I’ve made mistakes. I’ve made bad choices. It’s about what you do after those bad choices,” said Jackson.
Stephen Jackson Delivers Advice
“The only thing I would tell Ja: have the people around you, that care about you and care about your job the way you care about it. Don’t have people around you that care about your job because they care about what you gon’ do for them.” Additionally, “Have the people around you that care about your job enough that they don’t want you to lose it. They don’t want to put you in a position to lose your job and everything you worked for. That’s the people that you need to have around you.”
Jackson doesn’t want Morant to get caught up in making a careless decision. “Understand this Ja,” he further stated. “Don’t let nobody make you feel like the world is over. You made a mistake, bro!” Jackson also said that if a situation ever happened and Morant needed to protect himself, his critics would be the same people who would get online to say he should have been armed.
Statements From The Coach
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said that Morant if feeling the effects of the controversy. “The focus right now is that Ja’s taken on the responsibility,” said Jenkins. “To really get the help he needs to get into a better place, generally speaking. But also on the flip side, to be in a better place to embrace the responsibilities and expectations as a member of this team.” He added, “That’s what we’re dialoguing about. That’s what we’re going to support him through. We’re also going to hold him accountable, too.” Check out Stephen Jackson above.