Memphis Grizzlies star JA Morant is not expected to be punished by the NBA for making gun-related gestures in a recent game.
According to ESPN, the league warned Morant but did not intend to fine or suspend him with a finger gun gesture, a two-time NBA All-Star game that targeted the Golden State Warriors' bench.
this”[l]EAGUE ruled that the celebrations are not inherently violent, but are inappropriate and should be avoided. ” ESPN reported.
Click here for more sports coverage on FoxNews.com
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant reacted after a second quarter against the Golden State Warriors’ rim. (Petre Thomas/Imagn image)
Warriors guard Buddy Hield also received an NBA warning.
Warriors star Stephen Curry almost set a three-point record as he scored 52 points to help Golden beat Memphis 134-125.
2025 NBA Games: Brackets, Schedule, Points, Rules
Throughout his career, the NBA has been disciplined several times, with some of the punishments being due to gun-related incidents. The league suspended eight games in 2023 after Morant appeared to be a gun on a social media stream at a Colorado nightclub.
Later that year, Morant seemed to have his weapons flashing while riding in a car in another social media video. He was suspended for 25 games.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) defended Golden State Warriors guard Brandin Podziemski (2) in the first quarter on the FedEx forum. (Petre Thomas/Imagn image)
“Ja Morant's decision to wield a gun on social media again was shocking and disturbing, as his similar behavior in March had been suspended for eight games,” NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said during a second pause.
“The potential of other young people to follow JA’s behavior is particularly worrying. In this case, we believe that 25 games suspension is appropriate and it is clear that reckless and irresponsible behavior is not tolerated.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) beat the Golden State Warriors Center (21) in the FedEx Forum in the second quarter. (Petre Thomas/Imagn image)
“For JA, basketball needs to go backwards at this point. Before he returns to the game, he will be asked to develop and fulfill the league's plans to directly address the situation that led to his repetition of this destructive behavior.”
Click here to get the Fox News app
Morant was also placed under a microscope after a game in January 2023, in which an unidentified person from the NBA star was accused of illuminating the laser pointer on the Indiana Pacers bus. This happened after some of the Morant entourage members confronted a group of people at the Pacers’ travel party.
The Grizzlies entered Thursday's game against the Miami Heat in the eighth place in the Western Conference rankings.
Follow Fox News Numbers Sports Reports on Xand subscribe Fox News Sports Grocery Newsletter.
