Ja Morant Issues A Statement Regarding His 25 Game Suspension

Ja Morant has issued a statement regarding the announcement of his suspension following his second Instagram Live gun incident that occurred in May.

After sharing a second Instagram Live video in mid-May where the NBA star, 23, is seen brandishing a firearm, the Grizzlies suspended him from all team activities. He was suspended for eight games earlier in the year for a similar event when he was seen on an Instagram Live with a gun while at a Denver strip club.

While the investigation into the second Instagram Live was completed at least a week ago, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver didn't want to announce any decision until the 2023 NBA Finals were completed.

It was announced on Friday morning that Morant is suspended for 25 games at the start of the 2023-2024 NBA season and will be ineligible to participate in any public league or team activities, including preseason games, during the suspension.

According to ESPN, Morant gave a statement shortly after his suspension was announced.

"I've had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I've caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and 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," his statement began.

"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."

The NBA star continued to talk about working on himself and said he hopes everyone will give him another chance.

"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," he said.

"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."

Silver also spoke about Morant's suspension and the reasoning behind the decision of 25 games.

"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," Silver said in a 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."

This suspension also includes conditions for his return.

"For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time," Silver said. "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."