NBA players are known for their aggression on the basketball court, where they are trying to score a winning streak for their teams. However, things have worsened for the famous American Basketball player Ja Morant.
Not only is the player known for his dribbling skills and shots on the court, but the player has also gained an extensively bad reputation for the controversies he has been in.
If you are a fan of the NBA and have been curious to know more about Ja Morant’s list of controversies and legal issues, we have all the relevant information in this article.
Who is Ja Morant?
Surprisingly, people on the internet know Jo Morant for his long list of legal issues and controversies but don’t know about his career and the kind of fame he has acquired in the NBA.
So, let us get the basics straightened out first.
Ja Morant is a renowned American professional basketball player. He is known for playing for the Memphis Grizzlies of the National Basketball Association (NBA). He’s widely considered one of the most exciting young players in the league, known for his electrifying athleticism, dazzling playmaking skills, and scoring prowess.
How Extensive is Ja Morant’s Career?
Ja Morant is undoubtedly known for his aggressiveness off the court and the kind of legal complications he has been in. However, you can’t deny the fact that the man has gained an extensive amount of fame throughout his career. His hard work in growing his basketball career is also quite impressive.
Here’s a rundown of his career:
College standout
Ja Morant got an early start in his career, especially when playing for the Murray State Racers. During his sophomore season, Morant scored over 20 points and ten assists per game, making him one of the first players in the history of the NCAA to achieve that.
NBA rookie of the year
Morant’s extensive popularity as a basketball player during college was probably just the tip of the iceberg. In 2019, Morant was drafted second overall by the Memphis Grizzlies, thanks to the impressive record of 17.8 points, 7.4 assists, and 3.9 rebounds per game. This ended up fetching him the title of the “NBA Rookie of the Year.”
Consistent growth
Despite the kind of growth that Morant gained right from the initial days of his career, he didn’t let that pull him down. Instead, he channeled that to improve his skills on the field. In 2022, he was named an All-Star starter and even won the NBA Improved Player in the same year.
Future NBA star
At 24, Morant is a franchise cornerstone for the Memphis Grizzlies and a rising star in the NBA. He has not let his age be a factor that stops him from achieving extensive growth in the career that he has chosen for himself.
However, despite being quite extraordinary in the court, it isn’t surprising that Morant has not managed to showcase the same zeal off the court. He has found himself amid several controversies and legal complexities, further pulling down his career.
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Breakdown of the Ja Morant Controversies – A Timeline
Given that Ja Morant has been in various controversies in his career until now, it is safe to say that he has gained a lot of pushback for them.
To better make you understand the list of controversies, we have sorted them out based on a timeline.
May 14, 2022 – Twitter Debacle
The first controversy with Morant happened when he responded to a Twitter user who called him “p**** whipped.” Enraged with the accusation, Morant replied, “It’s free to see how hollows feel.” In hindsight, it might not seem like a lot, but it was later revealed that Morant might have allegedly shot the user with hollow bullets, sparking controversies.
July 22, 2022 – Memphis-area Mall Altercation
Just two months after the initial controversy, reports surfaced that Morant threatened the security head at a mall near the Memphis area while they were in the middle of an altercation. For his safety and to ensure that Morant faces the consequences, the security filed a police report. Although no arrests were carried out, the victim reported to the Washington Post that Morant shoved him, hitting him in the head.
Besides this single incident at the Memphis-area mall, there was another report file a few days prior. During that time, Morant’s mother called her son to the mall because she wasn’t satisfied with the service she was being provided. Morant came to the mall with his friends, leading to many heated exchanges and leaving the employee hiding for his safety.
July 26, 2022 – Altercation with a 17-year Old Boy
Just four days after the mall incident, Morant ended up punching a 17-year-old boy in the head while they were playing pickup basketball at their home. The incident was reported by the Washington Post, where the victim alleged that Morant was aggressive, and after going inside the house, he came out with a weapon in his hand.
Photo: Getty Images
September 22, 2023 – Altercation at Sister’s School
Morant, along with his friends and a few family members, barged in on his sister’s ongoing volleyball tournament when he heard some kind of misunderstanding and heated verbal exchange between Morant’s sister and another teenager. Despite the school administration trying to mellow down the situation for the student’s safety, one of Morant’s friends breached security, and altercations were involved.
Morant clarified the allegations, saying he was looking for his sister’s safety during that period and didn’t mean any harm.
January 20, 2023 – Altercation between Morant’s Father and Shannon Sharpe
This one doesn’t directly involve Morant in the picture; however, it deserves a mention. According to reports, during a game against the LA Lakers, Morant’s father, Tee Morant, got into a verbal altercation with Shannon Sharpe, who happens to be a renowned news reporter and FOX Sports host.
March 04, 2023 – Instagram Live Controversy
During an Instagram live session on the day, Morant shamelessly waved a loaded gun at a Colorado strip club. This went viral on the internet, and when the NBA got the news, they suspended Morant for eight consecutive games without pay. Addressing the situation, Colorado police clarified that the act was “insensitive” and “concerning.” Morant didn’t face any legal charges for the act.
May 14, 2023 – Suspension from Memphis Grizzlies
The worst of the controversies hit Morant’s career when he was suspended from the Memphis Grizzlies after the video of him flashing a gun at the strip club went viral. The team stated they were “suspended from all team activities pending League review.”
Conclusion
Ja Morant has gotten himself in the middle of his fair share of controversies. If you are his fan and have been offended by his rash and aggressive behavior, we hope this article familiarizes you with all the complex controversies, suspensions, and illegal activities he has found himself in the middle of. He is currently suspended from the Memphis Grizzlies team.
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