Author: Monojit Mandal
Ja Morant, the Memphis Grizzlies’ standout player, is in trouble again after appearing to be holding a pistol in a live video on Instagram. This current incident could result in a lengthy ban from the NBA, as well as legal ramifications.
The video, which was shared on Saturday, shows Morant sitting inside a car, but the location and other information are unknown. Regulations governing firearms vary greatly between states and even within localities. It is uncertain whether the pistol in the video belongs to Morant, whether he has permission to carry it and whether carrying it in that scenario was legal according to the rules of the jurisdiction.
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Morant could risk criminal prosecution if it was discovered that he was in the wrong state or city. As a result, the Grizzlies immediately suspended Morant from all actions. The NBA also responded, with interpreter Mike Bass stating that the organization is actively gathering facts about the event.
Morant has already faced possible legal difficulties involving firearms. In March, the Glendale Police Department in Colorado investigated him after another live video on Instagram showed him with a pistol inside Shotgun Willie’s, a renowned gentlemen’s club. Despite the fact that the police finally decided not to press charges, Morant faced repercussions from the NBA. He was punished for eight games, resulting in a salary loss of US$669,000. NBA commissioner Adam Silver called Morant’s actions “careless, reckless and possibly very risky”, expressing concern about this effect, especially among teenage fans.
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The NBA takes gun control seriously, having collectively negotiated a clause (Section 9 of Article VI) that expressly prohibits players from carrying any type of firearm, in specific contexts. Players must inform their teams about weapons and provide proof of registration. Commissioner Silver has extensive knowledge to punish and suspend players for anti-association behavior.
As this is a repeat offense, Silver can choose to apply a harsher penalty. With the current focus on gun control concerns as a result of recent mass shootings, the NBA could risk tarnishing its brand and its relationship with fans and corporate partners if players are associated with questionable gun use.