Memphis Grizzlies General Manager, Zach Kleiman, has conveyed his lack of enthusiasm regarding Ja Morant's recent apologies for his gun-related incidents, asserting that Morant must demonstrate his sincerity through tangible actions.
Morant, a 23-year-old basketball player, found himself facing two suspensions from the NBA in recent months due to his posting of firearm images on social media platforms, according to reports.
Consequently, Morant will be subjected to a 25-game suspension at the commencement of the 2023-24 NBA season as a consequence of his second offense in May. This penalty follows an initial eight-game suspension that was imposed on him in March.
Despite issuing apologies on both occasions, with Morant acknowledging his disappointment in letting down his supporters and expressing a strong commitment to personal growth, Kleiman dismissed the significance of these apologies unless they are accompanied by concrete and substantial changes.
During the NBA Draft, Kleiman candidly shared his belief with The Associated Press that Morant deserved the 25-game suspension, citing discussions he had with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver subsequent to the initial suspension in March. These conversations emphasized the gravity of the matter at hand.
In response, Commissioner Silver expressed his shock and dismay upon witnessing the video footage of Morant repeatedly displaying firearms. He underscored the potential dangers associated with such actions and highlighted the negative influence they could have on Morant's global fan base, particularly among impressionable young viewers.
It is worth noting that the recent gun-related incidents are not isolated events in Morant's off-court history. The Washington Post reported previous accusations against him, including threatening a security officer at a Memphis mall and allegedly punching a teenage boy during a pickup basketball game at his residence.
Kleiman perceives these gun-related incidents as part of a larger pattern of problematic behavior. He firmly asserts that Morant's future ultimately rests in his own hands. The general manager places significant importance on Morant's commitment to personal growth and expresses his desire for his success moving forward, underlining the necessity for sustained positive change without any further setbacks.
Read Also: Ja Morant Reportedly Enters Counseling After Gun Incident
Morant, a 23-year-old basketball player, found himself facing two suspensions from the NBA in recent months due to his posting of firearm images on social media platforms, according to reports.
Consequently, Morant will be subjected to a 25-game suspension at the commencement of the 2023-24 NBA season as a consequence of his second offense in May. This penalty follows an initial eight-game suspension that was imposed on him in March.
Despite issuing apologies on both occasions, with Morant acknowledging his disappointment in letting down his supporters and expressing a strong commitment to personal growth, Kleiman dismissed the significance of these apologies unless they are accompanied by concrete and substantial changes.
During the NBA Draft, Kleiman candidly shared his belief with The Associated Press that Morant deserved the 25-game suspension, citing discussions he had with NBA Commissioner Adam Silver subsequent to the initial suspension in March. These conversations emphasized the gravity of the matter at hand.
In response, Commissioner Silver expressed his shock and dismay upon witnessing the video footage of Morant repeatedly displaying firearms. He underscored the potential dangers associated with such actions and highlighted the negative influence they could have on Morant's global fan base, particularly among impressionable young viewers.
It is worth noting that the recent gun-related incidents are not isolated events in Morant's off-court history. The Washington Post reported previous accusations against him, including threatening a security officer at a Memphis mall and allegedly punching a teenage boy during a pickup basketball game at his residence.
Kleiman perceives these gun-related incidents as part of a larger pattern of problematic behavior. He firmly asserts that Morant's future ultimately rests in his own hands. The general manager places significant importance on Morant's commitment to personal growth and expresses his desire for his success moving forward, underlining the necessity for sustained positive change without any further setbacks.
Read Also: Ja Morant Reportedly Enters Counseling After Gun Incident
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