How long could the NBA suspend Ja Morant for the gun incident?
The Memphis Grizzlies announced that Ja Morant will be out for four more games, following a police statement that he wouldn’t be charged for carrying a gun.
The Memphis Grizzlies have announced that Ja Morant will be out for four more games, as the NBA continues its investigation into an incident where the star point guard appeared in a video flashing a gun.
Morant has been away from the Grizzlies since March 3 following a loss to the Denver Nuggets, after initially being ruled out for two games.
Colorado police close their investigation
The 23-year-old point guard was investigated by the Glendale, Colorado Police Department for the firearm incident but was not charged with any crime. The police determined that the video was broadcast from the Shotgun Willies nightclub during its established hours of operation.
“The Glendale Police Department was unable to determine any cause to file charges,” according to the police statement. “No disturbances were reported, and no citizens or patrons of the club came forward to file a complaint.”
The GPD investigation concluded that no one was threatened with a firearm and no firearm was found.
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Ja Morant ruled out for four more games
After the police made their announcement, the Grizzlies issued a statement saying that Morant will be away from the team for four more games. The Memphis team has lost both games which the guard sat out. The two matches took place in Los Angeles: 135-129 against the Clippers and 112-103 against the Lakers.
The extension of Morant’s absence means the two-time All-Star won’t play the Golden State Warriors on Thursday, the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday and Monday, and the Miami Heat next Wednesday.
NBA could suspend Morant indefinitely
The lack of police charges does not get him off the hook with the NBA. The league is still investigating whether Morant violated provisions of the collective bargaining agreement between the NBA and the NBPA that pertain to weapons.
A section of the CBA states that players are not allowed to bear firearms while traveling on NBA-related business, or while they are at a league facility. There is now the question of whether Morant carried the gun with him while he was on team premises.
If he is found to have violated the CBA, NBA commissioner Adam Silver would have the power to slap him with a fine, or suspend him either indefinitely or for a specified period.
If he is not suspended by Silver, Morant’s possible return would be on March 17 against the San Antonio Spurs.