NBA suspends Ja Morant eight games for conduct detrimental to league

The following is a press release from the NBA:

NEW YORK – The NBA announced today that MemphisGrizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended eight games withoutpay for conduct detrimental to the league. The discipline is inresponse to Morant’s live streaming of a video on March 4 in whichhe is holding a firearm in an intoxicated state while visiting aDenver area nightclub. Morant will be eligible to return for theteam’s game against the Dallas Mavericks on Monday, March 20.

A meeting took place today in the NBA’s New York offices betweenNBA Commissioner Adam Silver and Morant to discuss Morant’sconduct. NBA Executive Vice President, Head of BasketballOperations Joe Dumars and NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio,among others, attended the meeting.

The league office conducted an investigation of the March 4incident. Based on the information obtained during theinvestigation, the league did not conclude that the gun at issuebelonged to Morant, was brought by him into the nightclub or wasdisplayed by him beyond a brief period. The investigation also didnot find that Morant possessed the gun while traveling with theteam or in any NBA facility, and the Colorado authorities did notfind sufficient cause to charge Morant with a crime.

“Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially verydangerous,” said Silver. “It also has serious consequences givenhis enormous following and influence, particularly among young fanswho look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorsefor his behavior. Ja has also made it clear to me that he haslearned from this incident and that he understands his obligationsand responsibility to the Memphis Grizzlies and the broader NBAcommunity extend well beyond his play on the court.”