17 Years after Facing Felony Charges, 2003 NBA Champion Jumps in to Defend Ja Morant Days after Nike?s Big Move

Ja Morant is now the talk of the town in the NBA world, as he landed in a second firearm controversy in three months. A week back, the Memphis Grizzlies star was seen holding what appeared to be a firearm in his hand during an Instagram Live session. The 23-year-old’s recent antic has seemingly caused damage to his lucrative deal with Nike. Besides, numerous NBA veterans have been calling out and advising the All-Star guard after seeing him land in trouble once again. Nonetheless, a former NBA champion has now extended his support to Morant.

The going has become extremely tough for Ja Morant now. However, that does not mean nobody has got Ja Morant’s back. A 2003 NBA champion, who once landed in a firearm controversy, has now spoken up for the Memphis Grizzlies guard.

Former NBA champion defends Ja Morant amid the recent controversy

Back in 2006, the 2003 NBA champion Stephen Jackson had landed in hot waters for a firearm incident. During his days with the Indiana Pacers, Jackson got involved in a fight outside a strip club based in Indianapolis. Jackson had reportedly shot a gun in the air five times. The NBA star then told authorities that he fired to defend his teammates who accompanied him. Nonetheless, Stephen Jackson faced felony charges of criminal recklessness and misdemeanor, as per reports. Now that Ja Morant got caught in a firearm controversy, Jackson recollected this 2006 incident.

Stephen Jackson began sharing his thoughts on the ongoing controversies by asking how many people in the NBA had landed in similar trouble. Jackson recollected the strip club incident and emphasized that he has the consequences of his conduct. He revealed that he had to pay millions of dollars in fine and faced suspension for long tenures. The 2003 NBA champion, then went on to give a message and also defend Ja Morant.?“I’ve made mistakes. I’ve shot a gun. But I bounced back. It’s not about what you do, it’s what you do after. Ja gonna be good,” Stephen Jackson said.

Jackson is indeed optimistic about Ja Morant. However, Morant, meanwhile, is facing a lot of backlash. It has not been hours since Morant’s sneaker partner Nike gave a shocker to the 23-year-old.

Nike makes a big move after Ja Morant landed in trouble

As Ja Morant’s latest controversy has taken center stage in the hoops world, Nike has made a big move with respect to their sneaker partner Morant. The shoe-manufacturing giant has removed Ja Morant’s signature ‘Hunger Ja 1’ sneakers from its app and all other related apps. As reports suggest, Morant has a $193 million deal with the sports apparel company. He is now facing the risk of losing millions as Nike made the same move before terminating their deal with Kyrie Irving.

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Tumultuous times are not going to end any time soon for Ja Morant as the possibilities of Nike terminating the deal with him cannot be overlooked. Besides, Morant reportedly is likely to face a lengthy suspension. Anyhow, veterans like Stephen Jackson have faith in the youngster. Just like Jackson said, fans too will be waiting for Ja Morant to bounce back.

WATCH THIS STORY: Ja Morant gets a stern lesson from Shaquille O?Neal.