Ja Morant again finds himself in the midst of controversy. Morant stirred a major storm in March 2023 after flashing a gun on social media while he was at a club. He was suspended by the NBA and the Memphis Grizzlies for his actions. Morant later apologized and vouched to be a better version of himself. A few months after the incident, Morant is now in hot waters again for reportedly holding a gun during an Instagram Live yet again. ESPN analyst Michael Wilbon recently talked about the incident and did not hold back on the 23-year-old.
After the latest shocking incident, the Memphis Grizzlies have suspended their All-Star from all team activities. The team announced the suspension is pending a league review and declined to comment further.
Michael Wilbon’s take on Ja Morant
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Wilbon talked about people arguing that this won’t be Morant’s last controversial deed. He stated that the point guard is old enough and has the necessary support system to help him out of the situation. However, he labeled Morant’s previous rehab in Florida as a “joke” and a “PR stunt“. The analyst added Morant can ease the situation with PR this time as well. But he wondered whether the two-time NBA All-Star is willing to work on himself to avoid finding himself in situations like this.
"What's going to happen now? Nike gonna pull that shoe? Is Powerade gonna pull that drink? I know in my house, I told [my son] you can't have the shoe… Our money as a family is not going toward that."
Michael Wilbon on Ja Morantpic.twitter.com/3dXiIerHnZ
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) May 15, 2023
Wilbon then touched on Morant’s endorsement deals. He said, “What?s going to happen now? Nike going to pull that shoe? Is Powerade going to pull that drink? I know in my house, I told Matthew, ?You can?t have the shoe. I?m not buying that shoe. You?re not buying that shoe. Our money, as a family, is not going toward that.'”
READ MORE – ?That?s Bulls***?: 27 Y/o Star?s Banishment From Ja Morant and Co Leaves Former NBA Champion Furious
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Nike unveiled Morant’s first signature shoe, the JA 1s, in December 2022 and it was released in April 2023. Interestingly, Ja’s signature shoe line was announced after Nike terminated Kyrie Irving’s contract.
Is Morant’s relationship with?Nike in jeopardy?
After Kyrie Irving left Nike and the announcement of the Ja Morant signature line, many believed Morant could be one of the faces of the brand for years to come. The 2022 Most Improved Player’s high-flying style was seen as a huge match with the brand. Furthermore, after Morant’s suspension in March for flashing a gun, Nike stood firm with him and showed support. However, the brand is yet to comment on the current situation. But some reports claim Nike could “pause” its relationship with Morant.
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Only time will tell whether Morant will face a more severe punishment than the 8 games he was suspended for in March. The Grizzlies’ problems don’t seem to be going away despite getting eliminated a couple of weeks ago in disappointing fashion against the Los Angeles Lakers.