If you’re looking forward to getting a pair of Ja Morant’s signature shoes, you might have to do some serious searching.
Just a few days after his second gun incident on Instagram Live, Nike has pulled all the Ja 1’s from their website and SNKRS app.
Nike Removed Ja Morant’s Signature Shoes From Their Website And App
On April 19, the Ja 1 athletic shoes were released and became a popular sneaker choice. But a search of Nike’s website now turns up empty. As of Thursday, none of Morant’s shoes appear on the website or the app.
But not all is lost just yet. A quick search on Nike’s SNKRS app reveals that the Ja 1 “Hunger” colorway set to be released on May 25 at 10 a.m. is in the “Upcoming” section.
Some retailers and resellers, such as StockX, still sell the 23-year-old’s signature shoes; you won’t find them on Nike’s site and app.
The Memphis Grizzlies star signed the multi-year deal with Nike in 2019, but it remains to be seen what will happen to that deal after he was caught on another Instagram Live waving a firearm. Nike has yet to release a statement.
And while Nike isn’t saying anything yet, others have spoken out about Morant’s recent string of incidents.
ESPN commentator, Michael Wilbon, shared his thoughts on Morant’s controversy and added that his shoes are not welcome in his house. He also made sure to tell his son Matthew that.
“What’s going to happen now? Is Nike going to pull that shoe? Is Powerade going to pull that drink? I know in my house; I told Matthew you couldn’t have the shoe,” Wilbon said earlier in the week. “I’m not buying THAT shoe. You’re not buying THAT shoe. Our money, as a family, is not going toward that.”
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Official NBA Buzz shared the news about the shoes being removed from the app and website on Instagram, and many people dropped into the comment section to leave their thoughts.
“At least Kyrie made millions from Nike for several years before he got dropped; Ja screwed up before he got started. Even his 200 million NBA contract doesn’t start until next season. One follower wrote that this is an all-time’ fumble the bag case.
Another added, “Good @nike, his shoe deserves to be dropped. You cannot act in that manner, especially with kids watching you. When you sign an NBA contract, NBA specifically states no firearms. Suppose you are playing in the NBA or any other professional sport. There is such a thing as a morality clause. Ja needs to be punished for his actions, and I hope he can learn what he did not the first time. Without severe punishment, he will continue these childish acts.”
Ja Morant Issued A Short Apology, But Many Are Calling Him Out On It
Earlier in the week, Morant issued a short apology for his actions.
“I know I’ve disappointed many people who have supported me. This is a journey, and I recognize there is more work to do,” Morant’s statement reads.
“My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my action. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”
Many people are calling him out on the apology accusing him of using ChatGPT to write it.
According to some people online, if you put “make an apology paragraph that you got caught again” into ChatGPT, you’ll allegedly get, “I deeply know I’ve disappointed many people who supported me. This is a journey, and I recognize 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.”
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Playmaker HQ shared the ChatGPT theory on Instagram, and many shared jokes in the comments.
“Nah, this is funny AF if it’s real,” one person wrote. “JA Morant PR Team? No. Just ChatGPT 😂,” wrote another.
