'Inside The NBA' Crew Shared Their Unfiltered Thoughts On Ja Morant's Situation

The sports world has been openly talking about Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant's gun controversy, so it was only a matter of time before we heard from Shaquille O'Neal, Charles Barkley, and Kenny Smith of "Inside the NBA" on TNT.

When Smith was asked by Ernie Johnson what an appropriate punishment would be, he said before talking about punishment, "we need to understand the situation, the levity of the situation." Many are arguing if it's a big deal that Morant flashed a gun since he didn't break any laws.

"The NBA has a morality clause in everyone's contract, let's start there, that expresses about violence, racism, all types of different things that could be morality," Smith explained. "Flashing guns will be part of that."

Smith also discussed everyone saying that Morant, 23, needs new friends.

"It gets to the point that it's not your friends, it's you. It isn't your friends, or maybe you're the friend that they shouldn't be around because you have the access, the power and the money," he continued.

"And Ja Morant is just at a point in his life where he has to make a decision, am I going to be holding myself accountable to a higher standard? And if he chooses to do that he can move on because he hasn't hurt anyone to this point yet, he's only looked foolish. That's his only crime right now, is being foolish, and possibly influencing NBA followers."

Smith explained that the next step could be that something does happen because "he's putting himself in a world where you're saying I'm flashing guns because I'm gonna use them."

Next, it was time for Barkley to give his thoughts on the situation. He didn't waste any time letting his thoughts flow saying, "We got some idiots, some fools, some jacka**** on television that really just pi** me off talking about Ja should make a stance saying he didn't break any laws, he didn't do anything wrong, we're in a state where you can carry a gun. Those guys are just freaking idiots."

Barkley didn't hold back on his frustration about the situation.

"When you're making $100 million a year to play sports, your life changes. There are certain rules and regulations you have to live by, plain and simple. You can't do stupid stuff; that's the tradeoff," he said. "You can't make money on the NBA doing this stuff."

Barkley then explained that Morant "hit the lottery" to be able to do something he loves and get paid well for it.

"There's people out there who work 9-to-5, 80-90 hours a week gonna make $25,000 a year," he continued. "They would kill to be in our situation."

Barkley also agreed with Smith about the fact that maybe it's not his friends and it's just him.

"You got to look in the mirror and say you know what, maybe I'm the problem," he said. "It's disappointing because the kid is a great player, but to be a fool already, then be a bigger fool a couple months later, and this is like your fifth or sixth gun thing."

"I said last time, WE can do things to put ourselves in jeopardy," O'Neal began. "Last time the incident happened that was a mistake, and I'm trying to explain to people there's a difference between a mistake and a choice."

O'Neal said he made a choice to turn the camera on in the club last time around. This time, his friend made the choice to put the camera on but Morant knew what was going on.

He then talked about the morality clause and the kids who look up to Morant.

"Kids want to be like you. Ever since the absence of the other guy, they're talking about you having the highest selling sneaker. You have a responsibility," he said. "When you're in that position, you got a responsibility."

Morant, who's been silent throughout all of this, recently released a short statement on the situation he's currently dealing with.

"I know I've disappointed a lot of people who have supported me," his statement began. "This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I'm committed to continuing to work on myself."

This Instagram Live gun incident comes only two months after the last one that got him suspended for eight games. He also spent two weeks at a Florida counseling center to help him learn how to properly manage his stress. After the last incident, he promised to "be more responsible," so this incident comes as a shock to many in the league and NBA fans.

At this time, Morant is suspended from all team activities, and an investigation is currently happening.