NBA Commission Adam Silver Gives Update On Ja Morant Investigation

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver gave an update on Ja Morant's current investigation just before Game 1 of the 2023 NBA Finals began on Thursday night.

The Memphis Grizzlies star has been suspended from all team activities pending the investigation, and Silver revealed that a decision has been made as to the consequences of Morant's second Instagram Live gun incident.

Before the start of Game 1 of the NBA Finals between the Denver Nuggets and Miami Heat, Silver gave a much-anticipated update in Morant's investigation after weeks of silence.

"In assessing what discipline is appropriate, if that's the case, we look at both the history of prior acts, but then we look at the individual player's history as well. And the seriousness of course, of the conduct, so those are all the things that get factored," he said.

"It's not an exact science. It comes down to judgement at the end of the day on the part of me and my colleagues in the league office."

Silver continued to address the press and reveal that they have come to a conclusion but won't be announcing it at this time.

"In terms of the timing, we've uncovered a fair amount of additional information, since I was asked about the situation, I would say, we probably could've brought it to a head now, but we made the decision, and I believe the Players Association agrees with us that it would be unfair to these players and these teams in the middle of the series to announce the results of that investigation," he continued.

"And given that we're of course in the off season he's now been suspended by the Memphis Grizzlies indefinitely, so nothing would have changed anyway for the next few weeks. It seemed better to park that at the moment, at least any public announcement and my sense now is that shortly after the conclusion of the finals we will announce the outcome of that investigation."

Speculation among fans is that he could be suspended for the entire next season.

"Lmao bruh, it’s got to be a long suspension if he’s building it up like this," one person wrote in the comments of Clutch Points' tweet with a video clip of Silver's announcement. "Yeah they're about to suspend him the whole szn," wrote another.

This incident is the second time Morant, 23, has been seen on an Instagram Live flashing a gun. The first time was earlier this year and landed him an 8-game suspension. He also went to a counseling center in Florida for two weeks to learn how to better handle his stress.

The second incident happened the weekend of May 13. He was suspended from all team activities pending further investigation into the incident. After the second incident, he issued an apology.

"I know I've disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do," his statement reads.

"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."

Morant was quiet on social media after the incident, but then on May 24, the NBA star shared four cryptic Instagram Stories that had people concerned for his well-being. One photo was of him with his mom, another with his dad, and one with his daughter, with messages to each. The final photo simply said "bye."

Shortly after sharing the Stories, he deleted them, and police were called to a do a welfare check. According to TMZ Sports, a spokesperson for the Shelby County Sheriff's Office said that police visited Morant's Tennessee home and he told them "that he is taking a break from social media." A spokesperson added that "he is fine."