As a former NBA star, Matt Barnes knows all too well the repercussions that arise from destructive behaviors. Whether those infractions occur on the court, on reality television, or surface online, it's difficult for sports players to recover from the backlash. The beginning of 2023 shaped up to be a rough season for Ja Morant, but the young baller is determined to turn things around. Several basketball veterans have stepped forward with advice, and Barnes adds his name to the list of those with words of wisdom.
TMZ ran into the former Los Angeles Lakers star while he was out and about and asked him if he believed Morant could bounce back. "I hope so," he said. "One of my favorite players in the league. I love Ja and what he brings to the table. You know, got a little ahead of himself with some stuff, and that happens when you're young with the world in the palm of your hand. I just want to send him love, let him know we love him. We miss him. And we need him back." The All the Smoke podcast host also dished out advice for other NBA players who may want to enjoy themselves a bit too much off-court. "Don't tell on yourself, man."
Matt Barnes Issues a Warning
"Watch out for cameras," Barnes added. "It was a different—we were just talkin' about in the interview. Everything is—the second you step out of your house, you're being recorded these days. Stay cognizant and aware of your surroundings." It's advice Morant could have used before his unraveling of scandals unfolded. He was accused of brandishing a firearm during an altercation with a 17-year-old during a pick-up game. Later, the Memphis Grizzlies star flashed a gun while on Instagram Live. As if that wasn't enough, amid the controversy, images of Morant receiving a lapdance, surrounded by cash, were leaked to social media.
In a recent interview with Jalen Rose for ESPN's NBA Countdown, Morant seemed determined to prove naysayers wrong. “The gun wasn’t mine,” he told Rose. “It’s not who I am. I don’t condone any type of violence, but I’ve taken responsibility for my actions. But in the future, I’m going to show everybody who Ja really is, what I’m about, and change this narrative that everybody got.” Check out more from Matt Barnes above, including his take on the Sacramento Kings.
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