Ja Morant was simply hit with an 8-game suspension with out pay for flashing a gun at a strip membership earlier this month … with NBA commissioner Adam Silver calling his conduct “irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous.”
Ja — who met with Silver and different NBA execs in NYC on Wednesday — can be eligible to return to the Memphis Grizzlies on March 20 towards the Dallas Mavericks.
The league carried out an investigation into the incident … and decided Ja was “in an intoxicated state” when he confirmed the firearm on his Instagram Live.
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The league says the investigation couldn’t decide Ja owned the gun, introduced it to the membership, and even had it “beyond a brief period.”
The league additionally says its investigation didn’t discover that Morant had the gun whereas touring with the Grizzlies or at any NBA facility.
Morant apologized shortly after the video surfaced … and sought therapy at a counseling program in Florida.
Silver did not maintain again when addressing Morant’s actions … saying, “Ja’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous.”
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“It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him. He has expressed sincere contrition and remorse for his behavior.”
Silver says Morant has “made it clear” he used the incident as a studying expertise … and he now understands his position as one of many faces of the NBA.
The suspension consists of the video games Morant has already missed throughout his time away from the workforce … and sources inform ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski his “ramp up to return” will begin on Monday.