Shaquille O’Neal’s Message to Ja Morant After Gun Video

Shaquille O’Neal’s Message to Ja Morant After Gun Video

Edwin Kiplagat
updated at April 12, 2023 at 8:27 PM
  • Shaquille O'Neal has sent a message of support to Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant for the gun video
  • Morant was seen holding a handgun in an Instagram Live video last weekend
  • He was investigated by police and will be away from the team for at least six games

Ja Morant regrets some of the decisions he made last weekend. Since the video of him holding a gun surfaced online, the Memphis Grizzlies All-Star received widespread condemnation.

NBA legend Shaquille O'Neal recently had his say about the issue as the young guard stays away from the team to get5 help.

Ja Morant, Shaquille O'Neal, Memphis Grizzlies
Ja Morant was investigated by Colorado police. Photos by Justin Ford and Jakub Porzycki/NurPhoto.
Source: Getty Images

After the Grizzlies lost 113-97 to the Denver Nuggets, Morant started his Instagram Live video at 5:19 a.m. ET. He was rapping along some music and could be seen holding a handgun with his left hand. He deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts later, per ESPN.

The team announced he will be away for at least two games but then added that he will miss at least the next four games. Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins reiterated that there is no timetable for his return.

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

O'Neal's take on Morant's situation

The Los Angeles Lakers legend had quite a few words for Morant. He warned him not to risk all he's achieved by making bad choices.

“It was a bad choice,” said O’Neal. “A bad decision. We have to stop putting ourselves in positions to where they can take away what we’ve worked so hard to get to, via SI.

The four-time NBA champion added that he shouldn't be what he is not.

"You’re not a rapper. You’re an NBA player. I don’t know where you’re from. I don’t know who’s hanging out with you, but that don’t matter. When it’s you making the decision you gotta be smart. And we gotta stop putting ourselves in positions to where they can take it back.”

Glendale Police Department said they would not charge Morant after they concluded their investigation. They determined the incident occurred during their lawful operating hours and that no one was threatened or harmed, per the Athletic.

Desmond Bane's message to Morant

Desmond Bane sent a lovely message to his Grizzlies teammate Morant as he tries to get help, as Sports Brief earlier reported.

He said the team is a big family, and they are wrapping their arms around their best player as he steps away from the team.

Morant's incident comes when the team is clinging on for the second spot in the Western Conference with a 38-25 record. They lost their last game to the Los Angeles Clippers.

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.