Grizzlies' Ja Morant Hit With Massive 75k Fine Over Finger Gun Celebration

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Ja Morant has been the face of the Memphis Grizzlies since being the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft. He is supposed to be one of the bright, young superstars in the NBA.

Morant has the reputation of being a high-flying player who will attack the rim at will. His style of play has gotten him young fans from all across the country.

Unfortunately for him, injuries have been a big part of his story. He hasn't been able to stay healthy for the last few years of his career.

Ja Morant
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during the first half against the Golden State Warriors at FedExForum. Morant has been fined $75,000 for another gun gesture he made on the court. Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images

Another issue for him has been his behavior off the court. Morant has had issues with guns, including posting one on Instagram Live while at a club and in a car with a friend.

Recently, Morant was warned against using a gun gesture as a celebration in a game. He clearly didn't listen to the NBA's warning because he did it again against the Miami Heat.

The NBA did not like that he did it once again. They have fined him $75,000 for the gesture.

Morant continues to self-sabotage for reasons that remain unclear. This is another incident that was completely avoidable for him.

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To start last season, Morant was suspended for the first 25 games of the season due to his repeated offenses when it comes to guns. That's not the only issue he's had off the court.

Morant has also had allegations of assaulting a 17-year-old kid during a pickup basketball game. The NBA also investigated him and his entourage for shining lasers at Pacers players in the parking garage following a game.

Read more: 76ers' Joel Embiid Set to Undergo Second Surgery on Knee

It's clear that whatever lessons Morant was supposed to have learned are ones he hasn't learned yet. He is still acting very immature for someone who is supposed to be the face of a franchise, which is concerning for Memphis.

If the Grizzlies expect to contend for a championship anytime soon, they have to get Morant to grow up. Otherwise, they might have to look ahead to possibly move him in a trade.

So far this season, Morant is averaging 22.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. He is shooting 45.5 percent from the field and 30.3 percent from beyond the arc.

More Newsweek NBA stories: Grizzlies' Ja Morant Responds to NBA Investigation Over Controversial Celebration

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About the writer

Ryan Stano is a Newsweek contributor based out of Columbus, Ohio. His focus is on sports and entertainment content. Ryan has been with Newsweek since December 2024 and previously worked at Fansided. He is a graduate of The Ohio State University. You can get in touch with Ryan by emailing r.stano@newsweek.com.


Ryan Stano is a Newsweek contributor based out of Columbus, Ohio. His focus is on sports and entertainment content. Ryan ... Read more