Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and Golden State Warriors Guard Buddy Hield were both given warnings after both were seen imitating “gun-like” gestures in a 134-125 Warriors win. The league’s statement on the matter is that the gestures were not meant to imitate violence but were not on the lines of being appropriate.
On April 1, the Memphis Grizzlies faced off against one of their rivals, the Golden State Warriors. In what seemed to be a blowout in the first quarter, the scrappy Grizzlies clawed their way back into the contest, tying the game at the end of the third quarter. While the fourth remained tight most of the way through, the Grizzlies offense faltered. It led to yet another loss, making it their fourth straight and seventh out of their last eight games.
In the final moments of the game, with 20.1 seconds remaining, a timeout was called. While Morant was making his way down to the Grizzlies’ bench, he formed what was assumed to be “imaginary guns” with his fingers. Before the timeout, Hield was seen doing a very similar gesture. Both received technical during the game but will not be subjected to a fine or suspension.
Ja Morant’s History With Firearms
Morant has faced adversity for actions like this previously. He had already served an 8-game suspension after pulling out a firearm on his Instagram Live after a loss to the Denver Nuggets. If the prior suspension wasn’t enough, Morant was slapped with a 25-game suspension at the start of the 2023-24 NBA season for seemingly the same thing on his friend’s Instagram account.
For someone who used to be loved by fans, it’s becoming sad to see the young star riddled with constant controversies plus injuries. While he may not be facing a punishment now, one can only hope Morant does not repeat such obscene gestures. With the final games of the regular season coming up and the Grizzlies on a massive slide since the All-Star break, this is not something you want to see out of your rising star.
