Ja Morant Toy Gun Claims Addressed By NBA Commissoner

Ja Morant is still awaiting to his punishment for a May 13 live stream in which he was seen flashing a gun while driving around Memphis. Commissioner Adam Silver, who was “shocked” by the video, has refused to disclose Morant’s punishment until the conclusion of the NBA Finals. However, the suspension is expected to be lengthy. Many pundits believe Morant will not only be punished for his actions, but also for seemingly rebuking the league. Morant was briefly suspended for a similar incident in March but preached reform and contrition after returning to the court.

However, a report from Claudia Jordan of The Breakfast Club has added a new twist to the saga. Sources from within Morant’s camp told Jordan that the gun Morant was seen with was a toy gun. Furthermore, the sources claimed that the NBA is aware the gun was fake. However, they allege that the NBA is still preparing to hand down a suspension in the range of 30 games. Now the NBA has fired back about these allegations through Commissioner Adam Silver.

Adam Silver Dismisses Significant Of Gun’s Authenticity

Appearing on The Dan Patrick Show, Silver made it very clear where he stood on the new claims from Morant’s camp. “It’s interesting,” Silver said. “The very issue for Ja, certainly in the first incident, was treating a gun as a toy. That’s what we’re talking about and that’s what I think the danger is to society. Taking a gun, live streaming it without getting into gun issues in terms of the propriety of owning guns and the use of guns. I think everyone agrees that gun safety is critically important and that guns aren’t toys. “It’s something that I’m thinking a lot about because, again, I’m not going to get into specifics about the investigation. But in fact, if you’re live streaming something to the world that looks exactly like a gun and in a frankly reckless manner, should it matter whether or not it’s a real gun?”

It’s clear that the intention of Morant’s camp was to try and sway public opinion. By claiming the gun was fake, they were attempting to downplay the severity of what Morant did. However, that has backfired spectacularly thanks to this collected response from Silver. A basic rule of PR is don’t tee up your detractors. Furthermore, this saga should become a textbook example of what not to do. Silver put his, and by extension the NBA’s, foot down and the latest claims from Ja Morant’s camp may have done more harm than good to his pending case.

[via]

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Charles Barkley Grills Adam Silver About In-Season Tournament

Charles Barkley can be a bit of an old-school guy as it pertains to the NBA. Overall, he believes that his era was the best, and there is very little you can do to change that. Although he does like some of the players that play today, he can still be a bit of a curmudgeon. Ultimately, this extends to some of the newer things that the NBA has been proposing over the years. For instance, next season, the league is going to have an in-season tournament. This is brand-new, and it will see the NBA going in a more European soccer direction.

Although this could be a whole lot of fun, some are confused as to how it will work. Charles Barkley is one of those people who isn’t so sure that this is a great idea. However, Barkley got to speak to Adam Silver about it directly last night. Essentially, Silver explained that some regular season games will count as part of the tournament. Every team is eligible, and based on the performances of each team in these tournament games, there will be seeding for the knockout stages. Subsequently, the team that wins will receive $500K per player.

Read More: Charles Barkley Trolls Skip Bayless

Charles Barkley Is Not Convinced

Despite this explanation, Barkley was still quite skeptical about it all. “Well, ok, so, we already got the load management issue, ok?” Barkley said. “Why would I risk — if I’m one of the teams who’s trying to win the Larry O’Brien trophy — what’s in it for me to play in that tournament? We’re already having a hard time getting these guys to play.” Overall, Chuck makes a very good point. Half of the players in the league are already sitting out games for no good reason. This tournament could embolden player to not try or just sit out altogether. That said, Silver believes players will want to compete, especially with the cash prize.

Silver has brought some good ideas to the table as commissioner. For instance, the play-in tournament has proven to be a huge hit with a lot of people. Hopefully, this new tournament works and stays around for a while. Let us know what you think of this idea, in the comments section below.

Read More: Charles Barkley Expresses Frustration Over LeBron Rumors

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Moneybagg Yo Says Ja Morant’s Online Behavior is ‘Just a Phase’

Moneybagg Yo Says Ja Morant's Online Behavior is 'Just a Phase'

Ja Morant is currently being scrutinized after flashing another gun on Instagram. Speaking about the situation is fellow Memphis celebrity Moneybagg Yo, appearing on 360 with Speedy and chalking the Grizzlies guard’s actions as “just a phase.”

“Unfortunately, the situation going on with it right now… He 23, I feel like it’s just a phase,” Moneybagg said. “When I was 23…. It was like I was just doing stuff and people had to tell me, or I had to bump my head. So I’m grateful to make it out those situations. Some people don’t even shake back from certain situations, you feel me.”

READ MORE: Moneybagg Yo Pens Personal Letter Announcing Two Projects This Year

He added, “Ja gonna snap out of it, and of course I gave him encouraging words. He was like, ‘I appreciate that big bro, I got you. I’m gonna get it right.’”

On Wednesday (May 24), Tennessee police conducted a welfare check on Ja Morant after he issued concerning messages on social media in the wake of controversy over a recent gun incident. According to ESPN, Morant says he is just taking a break from social media.

READ MORE: Memphis Royalty Moneybagg Yo And GloRilla Team Up For Duet “On Wat U On”

On Wednesday, Ja Morant was trending after posting concerning messages to his Instagram. In a series of pictures, Morant shared love messages to his mother, father, and daughter before following with “Bye.”

The messages sparked reactions from analysts and well-wishes from fans.

The post Moneybagg Yo Says Ja Morant’s Online Behavior is ‘Just a Phase’ appeared first on The Source.

Police Visit Ja Morant’s Home After Concerning Instagram Posts Trend Online

Ja Morant Will Not be Charged by Colorado Authorities, Will Miss Next 4 Games

Tennessee police conducted a welfare check on Ja Morant after he issued concerning messages on social media in the wake of controversy over a recent gun incident. According to ESPN, Morant says he is just taking a break from social media.

On Wednesday, Ja Morant was trending after posting concerning messages to his Instagram. In a series of pictures, Morant shared love messages to his mother, father, and daughter before following with “Bye.”

The messages sparked reactions from analysts and well-wishes from fans.

Last week, Ja Morant issued a statement after being suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies for flashing another gun on Instagram Live.

“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me,” Morant said in a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”

The post Police Visit Ja Morant’s Home After Concerning Instagram Posts Trend Online appeared first on The Source.

Ja Morant Raises Fan’s Concerns After ‘Bye’ Message on Instagram Stories

Ja Morant Will Not be Charged by Colorado Authorities, Will Miss Next 4 Games

Ja Morant is trending after posting concerning messages to his Instagram. In a series of pictures, Morant shared love messages to his mother, father, and daughter before following with “Bye.”

The messages sparked reactions from analysts and well wishes from fans.

Last week, Ja Morant issued a statement after being suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies for flashing another gun on Instagram Live.

“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me,” Morant said in a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”

The post Ja Morant Raises Fan’s Concerns After ‘Bye’ Message on Instagram Stories appeared first on The Source.

‘Terrorized’ Strippers at Denver Club Say They Are Still Waiting on Ja Morant’s Apology

Ja Morant Will Not be Charged by Colorado Authorities, Will Miss Next 4 Games

The strippers present at Shotgun Willie’s gentleman’s club, the location of Ja Morant’s first gun incident, are still awaiting an apology from the star guard.

The New York Post detailed the dancers as “terrorized.”

“I don’t foresee an apology [anytime] soon,” one stripper stated. “He’s a boy.”

She added, “He’s clearly begging for attention and trying to be a baller. He should be banned from all clubs and get his NBA career taken away given our country’s current circumstances on gun violence.”

During Morant’s time at the strip club in March, he flashed a gun and received private dances. In his two-night run at the strip club, Morant is believed to have spent over $50,000 in tips.

A second dancer said, “I just wonder how he’s still on the team.”

Last week, Ja Morant issued a statement after being suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies for flashing another gun on Instagram Live.

“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me,” Morant said in a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”

Appearing in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews before the NBA Draft lottery, league commissioner Adam Silver gave his reactions to the Ja Morant news over the weekend.

The Memphis Grizzlies have already suspended Morant from team activities, but there are believed to be more issues on the way for the star guard.

During the interview, Silver stated he was “shocked.”

“Honestly, I was shocked when I saw this weekend that video,” Silver said. “Now, we’re in the process of investigating it, and we’ll figure out exactly what happened to the best we can. The video is a bit grainy and all that, but I’m assuming the worst.”

After Morant’s first event, Silver issued an eight-game suspension and conversed with the guard. In Tuesday’s (May. 16) interview, Silver revealed more of his conversation at that time. “Frankly, most of our conversation as about how incredibly serious the first incident was of waving a firearm on social media.”

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[WATCH] Stephen Jackson Calls Ja Morant’s Latest Gun Video a ‘Moron Move’

Stephen Jackson Calls Ja Morant's Latest Gun Video a 'Moron Move'

Ja Morant can’t even look to Stephen Jackson for support. On a recent episode of the Paper Route show from I Am Athlete, Stack said, “Can’t nobody defend him.”

“I’ve been a guy who was thrown a lot of money at a young age and made a mistake,” Jackson said. “I’m totally different from the person I was. It’s not what you do, it’s what you do after. And, what you do after is not do the same thing again, like what he just did.”

He added, “This was a moron move. His parents should be embarrassed. His friends around him, like we said from the last incident, ain’t really his friends. It’s just a fucked up situation. You gotta really put everything in his lap and let him deal with it.”

Ja Morant issued a statement after being suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies for flashing another gun on Instagram Live.

“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me,” Morant said in a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”

Appearing in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews before the NBA Draft lottery, league commissioner Adam Silver gave his reactions to the Ja Morant news over the weekend.

The Memphis Grizzlies have already suspended Morant from team activities, but there are believed to be more issues on the way for the star guard.

During the interview, Silver stated he was “shocked.”

“Honestly, I was shocked when I saw this weekend that video,” Silver said. “Now, we’re in the process of investigating it, and we’ll figure out exactly what happened to the best we can. The video is a bit grainy and all that, but I’m assuming the worst.”

After Morant’s first event, Silver issued an eight-game suspension and conversed with the guard. In Tuesday’s (May. 16) interview, Silver revealed more of his conversation at that time. “Frankly, most of our conversation as about how incredibly serious the first incident was of waving a firearm on social media.”

The post [WATCH] Stephen Jackson Calls Ja Morant’s Latest Gun Video a ‘Moron Move’ appeared first on The Source.

Ja Morant Releases Statement on Recent IG Live Incident: ‘I’m Committed To Continuing To Work on Myself’

Ja Morant Will Not be Charged by Colorado Authorities, Will Miss Next 4 Games

Ja Morant has issued a statement after being suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies for flashing another gun on Instagram Live.

“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me,” Morant said in a statement to ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski. “This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”

Appearing in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews before the NBA Draft lottery, league commissioner Adam Silver gave his reactions to the Ja Morant news over the weekend.

The Memphis Grizzlies have already suspended Morant from team activities, but there are believed to be more issues on the way for the star guard.

During the interview, Silver stated he was “shocked.”

“Honestly, I was shocked when I saw this weekend that video,” Silver said. “Now, we’re in the process of investigating it, and we’ll figure out exactly what happened to the best we can. The video is a bit grainy and all that, but I’m assuming the worst.”

After Morant’s first event, Silver issued an eight-game suspension and conversed with the guard. In Tuesday’s (May. 16) interview, Silver revealed more of his conversation at that time. “Frankly, most of our conversation as about how incredibly serious the first incident was of waving a firearm on social media.”

The post Ja Morant Releases Statement on Recent IG Live Incident: ‘I’m Committed To Continuing To Work on Myself’ appeared first on The Source.

Adam Silver “Shocked” By Ja Morant Video

The Memphis Grizzlies placed Ja Morant on an indefinite suspension on May 14. The decision came after a video of Morant flashing a gun on Instagram Live went viral on social media. Morant served an eight-game suspension during the 2022/23 regular season for the same offense.

However, the NBA declined to comment on the video, opting only to say that they were investigating. It was clear that the league was unwilling to let the latest Morant drama derail one of the biggest NBA Draft Lotteries in recent years. Despite this, the league finally broke its silence on the Morant situation when Commissioner Adam Silver sat down with ESPN.

Silver “Shocked” And Disappointed

PARIS, FRANCE – JANUARY 19: Adam Silver, Commissioner of the NBA speaks prior to the NBA match between Chicago Bulls v Detroit Pistons at The Accor Arena on January 19, 2023 in Paris, France. (Photo by Dean Mouhtaropoulos/Getty Images)

There were two aspects to Silver’s reaction – shock and disappointment. “We talked directly about the consequences first,” Silver told ESPN on Tuesday, in regard to Morant’s original suspension. “Before we got to a subsequent potential to have done something wrong, we were very focused on the misconduct that was in front of us at the time. Frankly, most of our conversation was about how incredibly serious the first incident was of waving a firearm on social media. Again, the consequences there — an eight-game suspension — was pretty serious and something that he, at least to me, seemed to take incredibly seriously in that time. And we spoke for a long time about not just the consequences that could have on his career, but the safety issues around it.”

This background led to a frank and candid reaction from Silver about the latest incident involving Morant. “Honestly, I was shocked when I saw this weekend that video,” Silver said. “Now, we’re in the process of investigating it, and we’ll figure out exactly what happened to the best we can. The video is a bit grainy and all that, but I’m assuming the worst.” It’s unclear what punishment the NBA will hand down for this latest incident. Morant is one of the league’s biggest young stars and a major draw for fans and viewers. However, the NBA cannot afford to look as those its players can openly flaunt the league’s disciplinary policies. This is a developing story and any updates can be found here on HotNewHipHop.

[via]

SOURCE SPORTS: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Says He Was ‘Shocked’ to See Latest Ja Morant Gun Video

Adam Silver on Ja Morant's latest IG Live with gun I’m assuming the worst.” 😬 0 1 screenshot

Appearing in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews before the NBA Draft lottery, league commissioner Adam Silver gave his reactions to the Ja Morant news over the weekend.

In case you missed it, Ja Morant has found himself in trouble again. The star guard for the Memphis Grizzlies has been suspended again after flashing yet another gun on Instagram while listening to NBA YoungBoy.

The Memphis Grizzlies have already suspended Morant from team activities, but there are believed to be more issues on the way for the star guard.

During the interview, Silver stated he was “shocked.”

“Honestly, I was shocked when I saw this weekend that video,” Silver said. “Now, we’re in the process of investigating it, and we’ll figure out exactly what happened to the best we can. The video is a bit grainy and all that, but I’m assuming the worst.”

After Morant’s first event, Silver issued an eight-game suspension and conversed with the guard. In Tuesday’s (May. 16) interview, Silver revealed more of his conversation at that time. “Frankly, most of our conversation as about how incredibly serious the first incident was of waving a firearm on social media.”

The post SOURCE SPORTS: NBA Commissioner Adam Silver Says He Was ‘Shocked’ to See Latest Ja Morant Gun Video appeared first on The Source.