LOS ANGELES – The timetable for Ja Morant’s return to the Memphis Grizzlies is unofficially as long as it takes, as the guard is facing a police investigation over a video posted on social media in which he appeared to brandish a firearm, Colorado police said on Monday.
The Glendale Police Department confirmed it was investigating the circumstances surrounding the video, which led to the National Basketball Association star (NBA) being suspended and facing possible sanction from the league.
The video went up a few hours after the Grizzlies lost on the road to the Denver Nuggets last Friday.
“The Glendale Police Department is aware of the incident circulating on the Internet involving an NBA player at a nightclub with a what appears to be a gun in the early morning hours of March 4, 2023,” captain Jamie Dillon said in a statement.
“We have confirmed the incident took place at a bar in Glendale and we are investigating the matter. The Glendale Police Department does not comment on ongoing investigations.”
It is not against the law to carry a firearm in Colorado, although it is illegal to possess a gun while under the influence of alcohol.
In the video posted on Instagram early last Saturday, Morant could be seen holding a handgun. The 23-year-old later deleted both his Instagram and Twitter accounts.
The NBA has launched an investigation into the matter, while the Grizzlies said on Saturday that Morant would not be selected for at least two games. The league ultimately will have a say in when he returns.
Morant later issued an apology saying he planned to “take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being”.
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said on Sunday there was no timeline for Morant’s return.
“The focus right now is Ja’s taking responsibility to really get the help he needs, to be in a better place to embrace the responsibility and expectations as a member of this team,” he said.
“That’s what we’re dialoguing about. We want what’s best for him, that’s why we’re going to support him through, but we’re also going to hold him accountable, too.”
One of the faces of the league and a contender for NBA Most Valuable Player, Morant’s video surfaced just days after a report in The Washington Post said he had been accused of assaulting a teenager and threatening him with a gun after a neighbourhood pickup game.
Less is known about other alleged incidents involving Morant and his family or associates, including alleged threats made to a mall security guard after his mother was involved in a disagreement at a Finish Line store.
Morant’s teammates, meanwhile, said they are ready to accept and welcome him back as soon as he is ready.
“We’re a big family. We’re wrapping our arms around him and showing our love to him. Whenever he’s ready to return, we’ll welcome him with open arms,” guard Desmond Bane said. AFP, REUTERS
