Ja Morant Receives New Back Tattoo Featuring Salute to Kobe Bryant

Ja Morant Receives New Back Tattoo Featuring Salute to Kobe Bryant

Ja Morant has some new ink. Hitting Instagram, @Ortega_Ink has displayed Morant’s new tattoo, a back-spanning piece that brings in his Nike logo, AAU team, jersey number, and logos associated with Kobe Bryant. One portion of his back is the number “24” with “Mentality” inked across the top.

Additional parts of the tattoo are the Memphis Grizzlies logo, his home state of South Carolina, and the words “Life’s a Gamble.”

The post Ja Morant Receives New Back Tattoo Featuring Salute to Kobe Bryant first appeared on The Source.

The post Ja Morant Receives New Back Tattoo Featuring Salute to Kobe Bryant appeared first on The Source.

Ja Morant Pays Tribute To Kobe Bryant With Massive Back Tattoo

Ja Morant is finally making headlines for something other than Instagram Live drama or fighting teenagers. The Memphis Grizzlies star linked up with @inkednba to showcase his new tattoos. Morant’s latest is a full-back tattoo showcasing various chapters of his life. This includes images representing all the teams he’s played for (Crestwood High School, Murray State University, the Grizzlies). However, there is also a prominent tribute to Kobe Bryant.

Taking pride of place on Morant’s lower back are two images in memory of the late Lakers legend. One is a large replication of the iconic Mamba logo. The other is a large 24 with the word “mentality” written over it. Other new additions to Morant’s ink include several gambling motifs, such as dice and cards, along with the phrase “life’s a gamble”. The series of images shared by @inkednba also include Morant gifting the artist behind the designs, Andreas Ortega, with one of his jerseys.

Read More: Nike reveals Ja1 “EBYL”

Of course, this isn’t the first link to Kobe for Morant. In April 2022, Shaq said that Morant reminded him of his former teammate. “He has the ‘it’ factor. He knows he’s the best guy on the court,” the legendary big man said. “I made this statement a couple of months ago that he reminds me of Kobe — and he does.” However, it was not a comparison that Morant necessarily wanted to endorse. “ I appreciate the love from OG, but I ain’t Bean,” Morant said when asked about the comparison. “There will never be another Kobe.”

However, new tattoos or not, Morant will begin the season on the bench as he serves his 25-game suspension for flashing a gun on Instagram Live. He will rejoin a Grizzlies team that didn’t do a whole lot in the offseason as they look to continue their Western Conference rise. The Grizzlies added Derrick Rose in free agency, while also looking to minimize the drama by shipping Dillon Brooks to Houston. Meanwhile, the team acquired Marcus Smart, Josh Christopher, and Isaiah Todd via trades.

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Ja Morant Claims Self-Defense In 2022 Fight Lawsuit

Before Ja Morant was the guy who couldn’t stop waving a gun on Instagram Live, Ja Morant was the guy allegedly beating up minors. In July 2022, Morant reportedly got into an altercation with Joshua Holloway, who was 17 at the time. Holloway had been attending a pick-up game at Morant’s home in Tennessee. There, he claims he was assaulted by Morant and Morant’s friend Davonte Pack. An initial investigation was opened and quickly closed, with no charges filed.

However, a Washington Post report, released alongside a civil suit filed by Holloway, revealed a lot of questionable details in the original investigation. Morant is now embroiled in that suit, which alleges assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. However, Morant has filed a countersuit for slander, battery, and assault. However, the suits now hinge on a legal maneuver from Morant’s team that has been described as a “Hail Mary”.

Morant Invokes Stand Your Ground Law

LOS ANGELES, CALIFORNIA – APRIL 28: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies leaves the court after Game Six of the Western Conference First Round Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at Crypto.com Arena on April 28, 2023 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)

Per new court filings, Morant’s team is arguing that Morant has immunity under Tennessee’s Stand Your Ground law. This allows an individual to act with force in self-defense if threatened on their own property. This stems from the claim that Morant only hit Holloway after Holloway struck Morant in the chin with a basketball. While Morant’s team has claimed that this was deliberate, Holloway’s team has argued that the then-teenager was simply performing a “ready check”. However, it is important to clarify that Morant’s team does not deny that Morant did indeed hit Holloway. Instead, it’s the circumstances and reasons for the assault that they dispute.

Circuit Court Judge Carol Chumney has ruled that attorneys from all sides, including the Tennessee Attorney General, may present arguments in the Stand Your Ground defense. While Morant and Holloway’s team will argue for and against it, the state AG will determine whether the law is actually applicable. Holloway’s attorney, Rebecca Adelman, called the move the “Hail Mary of Hail Marys.” Furthermore, Pack was arrested earlier this week on a misdemeanor assault charge linked to the incident. However, Judge Chumney scheduled an October 12 hearing for the arguments, meaning the story is on hold for the moment.

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SOURCE SPORTS: Warrant Issued for Davonte Pack, Friend of Ja Morant, Over Pick-Up Game Beatdown

Ja Morant Unfollows Friend Who Put Him on IG Live

Davonte Pack, the friend of Ja Morant, is the subject of an arrest warrant out of Shelby County, Tennessee. According to CBS Sports, the warrant is over a fight at Morant’s home involving a teenager.

The teenager, Joshua Holloway, who is now 18, has been accused of beating Pack and Morant after a basketball game.

“The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office obtained a warrant for the arrest of Davonte Pack, who has been charged with simple assault in relation to the July 2022 altercation involving Mr. Pack, Memphis Grizzlies basketball player Ja Morant, and a juvenile basketball player at Mr. Morant’s residence in Eads,” the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office said in an a statement. “The SCSO consulted with the SCDAG before obtaining the warrant.”

In June, according to The Blast, Morant unfollowed his childhood friend on Instagram after the second Instagram Live gun flash.

The childhood friend is Davonte Pack, the person on IG live who caught Mroant with a gun in the background. Pack would attempt to drop the camera and hide when Morant flashed the weapon.

In addition to unfollowing Pack, Morant also no longer follows the MBNO clothing brand. MBNO was owned by Pack and stands for My Brothers, No Others.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Warrant Issued for Davonte Pack, Friend of Ja Morant, Over Pick-Up Game Beatdown first appeared on The Source.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Warrant Issued for Davonte Pack, Friend of Ja Morant, Over Pick-Up Game Beatdown appeared first on The Source.

Ja Morant Responds To Isaiah Thomas’ Next Year Comments

Isaiah Thomas offered his two cents on the Ja Morant situation, with the young NBA star dealing with flashing guns on his Instagram Live multiple times. Thomas threw this out on his Twitter: “Watch what type of season Ja has next year with D Rose connected to his hip all year long.” He’s referring to Derrick Rose, a veteran NBA player who was the youngest season MVP winner of all time back in 2011. “Once he gets off suspension, he will have his best season yet,” Thomas continues.

Ja Morant is serving a 25-game suspension, handed down by Adam Silver, for violation of the league’s policy around guns and gun violence. He plays for the NBA franchise Memphis Grizzlies, which suspended Ja for a few games last year for his first incident. He allegedly went to therapy during that suspension and claimed to be feeling better. However, a second Instagram Live in which he flashed a piece made people not so sure. (He has since proved that the second incident was a fake gun.)

Read more: Ja Morant Lawsuit Depositions Reveal New Details About Gun Incident, 2022 Fight

Ja Morant’s Recent Gun Issues

 

 
 
 
 
 
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Isaiah Thomas finishes his Ja comments with, “That D rose presence going to have him on some MVP sh*t… Watch!” To which Ja Morant replied: “[You] too loud, OG. [They] gon feel me fasho.” He seems to agree with Isaiah that he is putting the off-the-court issues behind him and getting focused on basketball. The Memphis Grizzles signed Derrick Rose, announcing the signing on July 3rd. Deal terms were not disclosed to the public, per team policy. Ideally, Rose will help guide the young guard through a more successful era of his career.

Ja Morant is one of the most talented players in today’s NBA. Drafted number two overall in 2019, the point guard was the Rookie of the Year in 2020. That year’s rookie class might go down as one of the most talented in quite some time. Zion Williamson went number one overall, but injuries have derailed his career so far. Other than that, RJ Barrett, De’Andre Hunter, and Darius Garland round out the top five. They all play pivotal roles on playoff-caliber teams.

Read more: Ja Morant Allegedly Feels Like The NBA Is “Out To Get Him”

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Ja Morant Lawsuit Depositions Reveal New Details About Gun Incident, 2022 Fight

A 25-game suspension from the NBA is somehow the least of Ja Morant’s worries right now. Morant will be away from the league until at least early December after a second instance of the young star flashing a gun on Instagram Live. However, Morant is facing other problems off the court as well.

In July 2022, Morant was allegedly involved in a fight with 17-year-old Joshua Holloway during a pick-up basketball game. The police investigated, ruled that Morant had punched Holloway in self-defense, and then closed the case. However, now Morant’s friends and family are being pulled into depositions because Holloway has filed a lawsuit in civil court.

If things weren’t already bad enough for Morant, it appears that the documents being filed in this suit are intriguing enough to warrant the investigation into him being reopened. Debra Fessenden, who handles public records for Tennessee’s Shelby County, told The Washington Post that certain documents relating to the case were no longer publicly available due to an “active investigation.”

Related: Stephen A. Smith slams Ja Morant’s apology

Lawsuit Reveals New Details On Morant Fight And Gun Incident

Per Holloway’s attorneys, their new investigation has revealed affidavits “we now know to be inaccurate” and has accused Morant’s legal team of a “lack of accountability.” Police closed the case based on the testimony, or lack of testimony, from eight witnesses. Except at least two of those witnesses say they never spoke to the police. Meanwhile, the police used affidavits provided by Morant’s legal team, all of which contained similar or near-identical wording.

Another key piece to everything is Davonte Pack, the long-time friend of Morant’s. Pack and Morant have been friends since childhood. Furthermore, it was Pack who filmed the second gun incident in May. Pack was present for the 2022 fight but his name was barely present in the police investigation. Additionally, two of the witnesses to the 2022 fight claim to have been in the car during the second gun incident. Both men have reiterated the claim from Morant’s camp that the gun was actually lighter.

Unlike Morant, Pack did not claim self-defense in the altercation. In fact, during his May 23 deposition, his response as to whether there was any reason he did not attempt to avoid conflict was “No, there’s really no reason.” As the suit continues, both Holloway and Morant are expected to be deposed in late July.

Related: Ja Morant proved gun from second live stream was fake

Ja Morant Allegedly Feels Like The NBA Is Out To “Get Him”

But the new lawsuit isn’t the only reason that Morant is making headlines. A few days after receiving the news of his suspension, and issuing yet another generic apology, Morant was reportedly making slightly more heated comments.

According to Tim MacMahon of ESPN, Morant’s camp felt like the deck was stacked against Morant. “I have heard indirectly that Ja and people close to Ja, perhaps people formerly close to Ja, have this feeling that the NBA is out to get them. That the media is out to get them.”

However, the claims were largely met with derision. Many people pointed out that the league is a business that is simply protecting its brand. Furthermore, many others argued that Morant got what he deserved for openly challenging the league the way he did. After all, he could have simply not gone on a live stream holding what appeared to be a gun. He especially could have simply not done that two months after saying he was very sorry for going on a live stream with a gun.

Related: Adam Silver slams Ja Morant, asks why it matters whether the gun was real or not

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SOURCE SPORTS: Grizzlies GM Says Ja Morant’s Punishment is ‘Appropriate’

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

Memphis Grizzlies General Manager Zach Kleiman is cosigning Ja Morant’s suspension. Speaking in a media scrum, Kleiman believes the 25-game suspension is “appropriate.”

“We’re certainly disappointed with the behavior that transpired as we got into the off-season, Kleiman said. “The discipline from the NBA was appropriate, and I think the thing to focus on at this point, and there is an ongoing discussion with the league union and his representatives, but what Ja is going to commit to going forward?”

He added, “We did acknowledge early on this would be ongoing, and Ja wasn’t going to be the best version of himself overnight, and there are many serious steps he needs to take. There are no strains in the relationship, but we have high expectations in the standard that Ja will have to hold himself to.”

Ja Morant has received his suspension, but some of his true feelings are coming out. Following his suspension, Morant and his team is said to believe that he thinks the NBA and media are out to get him.

According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Morant thinks there is a coordinated effort against him.

“I have heard indirectly that Ja and people close to Ja, perhaps people formerly close to Ja, have this feeling that the NBA out to get them,” McMahon said. “That the media is out to get them.”

Following the announcement of a 25-game suspension, Nike released a statement supporting Ja Morant. The statement came minutes after Silver’s decision, offering support during his forthcoming suspension.

“We are pleased that Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being,” Nike said. “We will continue to support him on and off the court.”

The NBA Players Association is speaking out against the length of the suspension received by Ja Morant.

The post SOURCE SPORTS: Grizzlies GM Says Ja Morant’s Punishment is ‘Appropriate’ appeared first on The Source.

Nike Ja 1 “Ember Glow” Officially Unveiled

The Nike Ja 1 is getting another edition, this time it’s the “Ember Glow.” Despite Ja Morant’s controversies off the basketball court, Nike is still releasing new colorways. Ja’s signature sneaker debuted in late 2022 and has been a top basketball sneaker ever since. The Nike JA 1 showcases a sleek and futuristic design, incorporating modern technologies to enhance performance on the court. The “Ember Glow” is a brighter take on the Nike Ja 1 and will certainly be a fan favorite.

NBA players have long been synonymous with basketball sneakers, serving as influential ambassadors for various brands. These athletes, including Ja Morant, are not only exceptional on the court but also trendsetters off the court. From exclusive editions to custom kicks, NBA players have access to an array of sneakers that showcase their individual styles and personality. Fans of the NBA and specific players love to rep the same shoes as their heroes.

Read More: The 7 Best NBA Finals Of All Time, Ranked

“Ember Glow” Nike Ja 1

Nike Ja 1
Image via Nike

Nike has outfitted the Nike Ja 1 “Ember Glow” with an all-red body. The sneaker has a mesh upper which allows players to perform in comfort on the court. Also, the Swoosh on both sneakers is a vibrant blue, matching the tongue. The Ja Morant logo can be found on the tongue, in purple on the left shoe, and blue on the right. The sneakers feature a black outsole and a white midsole. Morant’s number, 12, is also displayed on the heel. The sneaker is definitely decked out in a bright color scheme. Ja Morant is a flashy player, and it seems like Nike is trying to imitate that flashiness with this Nike Ja 1 “Ember Glow.”

More Photos

Sneaker Bar Detroit reports that the Nike Ja 1 “Ember Glow” will release on July 3rd. Also, the sneakers will have a retail price of $110 when they drop. As always, make sure to let us know what you think about these kicks in the comments below. Additionally, stay tuned to HNHH for the most recent updates and news from the sneaker community. We’ll make sure to offer you the newest products from the most notable brands.

Image via Nike
Image via Nike
Nike Ja 1
Image via Nike

Read More: Stephen A. Smith Reveals His Top 5 NBA Title Contenders For Next Season

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NBA Superstar Ja Morant Suspended 25 Games For Brandishing Firearm

Ja Morant

The NBA has issued a significant suspension to rising star Ja Morant, who has been suspended for 25 games following an incident involving the reckless brandishing of a firearm during an Instagram Live video. This is the second time Morant has been seen exhibiting such behavior on social media.  On June 16, the NBA announced […]

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SOURCE SPORTS: Ja Morant and His Team Reportedly Believes NBA and Media are ‘Out To Get Them’

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

Ja Morant has received his suspension but now some of his true feelings are coming out. Following his suspension, Morant and his team is said to believe that he thinks the NBA and media are out to get him.

According to ESPN’s Tim McMahon, Morant thinks there is a coordinated effort against him.

“I have heard indirectly that Ja and people close to Ja, perhaps people formerly close to Ja, have this feeling that the NBA out to get them,” McMahon said. “That the media is out to get them.”

Following the announcment of a 25-game suspension, Nike released a statement supporting Ja Morant. The statement came minutes after Silver’s decision, offering support during his forthcoming suspension.

“We are pleased that Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being,” Nike said. “We will continue to support him on and off the court.”

The NBA Players Association is speaking out against the length of the suspension received by Ja Morant.

Ja Morant is suspended by the NBA for the first 25 games of the 2023-24 NBA season. The suspension is said to have conditions for his return to the Memphis Grizzlies.

As part of the suspension, Morant cannot participate in any public league or team activities, including preseason games. Morant will lose just over $300,000 per game. He will need to complete a league-created program before he can return.

“Ja has expressed his remorse and accepted responsibility for his actions, and we support him unequivocally as he does whatever is necessary to represent himself, our players and our league in the best possible light,” NBPA executive director Tamika Tremaglio said in a statement. “As to the discipline imposed … we believe it is excessive and inappropriate for a number of reasons, including the facts involved in this particular incident, and that it is not fair and consistent with past discipline in our league.”

In a statement, the NBA said Morant “wielded the firearm while knowing that he was being recorded … despite having made commitments to the NBA and public statements that he would not repeat the conduct for which he was previously disciplined.”

“I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I’ve caused,” Morant said in a statement issued Friday. “I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and Robert Pera — who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me — I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done. To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all of my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.

“I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. I know my teammates are going to hold it down and I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you at the beginning of the season. I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.”

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