SINUSPINDE ng NBA si Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant ng 25 laro dahil sa “conduct detrimental to the league.”
Noong Mayo, si Morant ay binawalang lumahok sa team activities makaraang maglabas ng baril sa isang Instagram Live video.
Hindi ito ang unang pagkakataon na naglabas ng baril si Morant. Noong nakaraang Marso ay sinuspinde rin siya ng NBA ng walong laro makaraang makita siya sa isang Instagram Live video na may hawak na baril sa isang nightclub sa Glendale, Colorado, isang suburb ng Denver.
“I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I’ve caused,” pahayag ni Morant sa isang statement. “I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. To (NBA Commissioner) Adam Silver, (Grizzlies General Manager) Zach Kleiman and (team owner) Robert Pera – who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me – I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done.
“To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all of my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.
“I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making. I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. I know my teammates are going to hold it down and I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you at the beginning of the season.
“I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.”
Ayon sa liga, ang unpaid suspension ni Morant ay ipatutupad sa unang 25 laro ng 2023-24 regular season.
Hindi siya papayagang lumahok sa anumang “public” team activities, kabilang ang preseason games, hanggang maalis ang suspensiyon.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,” sabi ni Silver sa isang statement.
“The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.
“For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time. Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”
Nirerespeto naman ng Grizzlies ang desisyon ng liga na suspendihin si Morant.
“Our standards as a league and team are clear, and we expect that all team personnel will adhere to them,” ayon sa koponan.
