Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant says he takes ‘full responsibility’ for his actions after he was suspended for appearing to be holding a gun in a social media video for the second time.
Morant, 23, appeared to briefly hold a gun in a car with a friend during an Instagram Live broadcast on Saturday.
He was too suspended for eight games in March after video showed him holding a gun at a Colorado nightclub.
“I know I disappointed a lot of people who supported me,” he said.
“It’s a journey and I recognize that there is still work to be done. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full responsibility for my actions. I Commit to continuing to work on myself.”
NBA commissioner Adam Silver said the incident was being investigated but he was “assuming the worst”.
“We spoke at length not only about the consequences this could have on his career, but also about the security issues surrounding him. He could have injured, maimed, killed himself or someone else with an act like that one,” Silver said.
“He has an incredibly huge following. My concern, which I thought he shared with me, that tens of millions of children around the world would see him as having done something that celebrated in some way, this act of ‘use a gun that way.”
After the incident in March, All-Star guard Morant apologized and said he took “full responsibility” for his actions, as well as guidance during his suspension.
The Glendale Police Department investigated the nightclub incident but did not find enough evidence to charge anyone for a felony.
Another suspension would see Morant miss the start of the 2023-24 season as the Grizzlies are ruled out of the play-offs after a first-round loss to the Los Angeles Lakers last month.
