Memphis Grizzlies Coach Taylor Jenkins Addresses Ja Morant Gun Video

Memphis Grizzlies Coach Taylor Jenkins Addresses Ja Morant Gun Video

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:27 PM
  • Memphis Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins is unsure when Ja Morant will return
  • The All-Star was seen holding a pistol in an Instagram Live video on Saturday
  • The team announced Morant will be away from the team for at least two games

Memphis Grizzlies coach, Taylor Jenkins has said there's no timetable for the return of All-Star, Ja Morant.

The 23-year-old was set to be away from the team for at least two games after he was seen on an Instagram Live video holding what appeared to be a gun at a nightclub.

Ja Morant, Memphis Grizzlies, Taylor Jenkins, NBA, Dillon Brooks
Ja Morant is considered the future of the league. Photo by Justin Ford.
Source: Getty Images

According to ESPN, the All-Star guard started his Instagram Live stream at 5:19 am ET, several hours after they lost to the Denver Nuggets 113-97.

The 2020 Rookie of the Year was rapping along with the music and was spotted holding a handgun. The NBA promptly announced they've started investigations.

Exciting feature: Check out news exactly for YOU ➡️ click on "Recommended for you" and enjoy!

Morant released a statement shortly after, saying he takes 'full responsibility'. He then deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts.

The All-Star unveiled his Nike signature shoreline in December. The sportswear giant released a statement supporting the Grizzlies' star, per CBS Sports.

The gun video comes after multiple reports indicated Morant beat a 17-year-old boy and had a confrontation with a mall security guard. The two incidents resulted in police reports but no arrests.

Jenkins on Morant situation

Jenkins said while the team supports Morant, they also hold him accountable for his actions. He added there's no timetable for a return to the team.

"We have said that it's going to be at least these two games," Jenkins said. "I mean, this is going be an ongoing healing process... It's really not a timetable situation."

The Grizzlies coach added the team understands the weight of the situation, per ESPN.

"We're taking this very seriously," Jenkins said. "There's a supportive element for someone that's got to get better and needs some help, but then there's also accountability to the team that we've got to stand for."

Morant was also a subject of an NBA investigation after a red laser was pointed at the Indiana Pacers traveling party from a sports utility vehicle where Morant was a passenger at FedExForum on January 29.

Morant accuses NBA of 'hating'

Sports Brief also reported on Morant accusing the NBA of hating on the Grizzlies after Dillon Brooks was ejected for a low blow on a Cleveland Cavaliers player.

The All-Star said they don't have any problem with the shooting guard, any player, or any NBA team and don't understand why the association targets them.

The Grizzlies have built a reputation as one of the most hated teams, with Brooks aiming a brutal jibe at Draymond Green and the Golden State Warriors.

Authors
Edwin Kiplagat photo
Edwin Kiplagat
Edwin Kiplagat has five years of experience in journalism working as a Sports Editor at Africa Insight Communications and ESPN. Edwin Kiplagat is a Bachelor's Degree holder in journalism from the Multimedia University of Kenya.