Ja Morant Under NBA Investigation For Seemingly Flashing Gun

BYGabriel Bras Nevares1.7K Views
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The Memphis Grizzlies point guard allegedly brandished a firearm during an Instagram Live video, following previous accusations that he threatened a teen with a gun.

The NBA opened an investigation into Ja Morant after he seemingly flashed a gun on his Instagram Live. Moreover, these accusations come after serious allegations that he threatened a 17-year-old with a firearm during an altercation at a pick-up game. Furthermore, the Grizzlies star went live on Friday night (March 3) after their loss to the Denver Nuggets, and seemed to be out at a strip club. In the clip, Morant danced around shirtless and rapped along to YoungBoy's "Bring 'Em Out." Briefly, he held up what seemed to be a gun to the camera.

While it's unclear whether it was a real firearm or not, the league sought to investigate the incident. "We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating," wrote an NBA spokesperson in a statement. Also, they must have the alleged pick-up game at Morant's Tennessee home in mind as well, as he faced accusations of threatening a young man with a gun. However, following a police investigation, officials declined prosecution in the end due to a lack of evidence. While this next one might seem like a small point, he also did finger gun celebrations during a game against the Houston Rockets.

Ja Morant Under NBA Investigation

MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - FEBRUARY 28: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum on February 28, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)

Such actions and expressions could still fall out of line with league standards of behavior and decency. Still, it's hard to argue that Ja is anything but a star at this point. As people reacted to the threat allegations, many still stood by his incredible playing. So far in his Memphis career, he helped bring them to two playoff appearances with a 22.5 points per game average. However, that visibility also comes with responsibility, and as such his actions are falling under heavier scrutiny from many.

Meanwhile, the 23-year-old recently responded to accusations of wrongdoing and similarly reckless behavior against his friend group, denying all claims. Moreover, people alleged that someone in his group pointed a red dot at a gaggle of Indiana Pacers fans. Whether it's the wrong crowd or the wrong mentality, it seems like the star guard will have to work hard to clean his image. Regardless, check back in with HNHH for updates on these allegations and the latest from Ja Morant.

About The Author
Gabriel Bras Nevares is a staff writer for HotNewHipHop. He joined HNHH while completing his B.A. in Journalism & Mass Communication at The George Washington University in the summer of 2022. Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Gabriel treasures the crossover between his native reggaetón and hip-hop news coverage, such as his review for Bad Bunny’s hometown concert in 2024. But more specifically, he digs for the deeper side of hip-hop conversations, whether that’s the “death” of the genre in 2023, the lyrical and parasocial intricacies of the Kendrick Lamar and Drake battle, or the many moving parts of the Young Thug and YSL RICO case. Beyond engaging and breaking news coverage, Gabriel makes the most out of his concert obsessions, reviewing and recapping festivals like Rolling Loud Miami and Camp Flog Gnaw. He’s also developed a strong editorial voice through album reviews, think-pieces, and interviews with some of the genre’s brightest upstarts and most enduring obscured gems like Homeboy Sandman, Bktherula, Bas, and Devin Malik.
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