Whew! Looks like the former NBA star #PaulPierce had a few things to get off his chest about #JaMorant’s latest incident!
As we previously reported, Morant has been in hot water ever since he flashed a gun while turning up on his IG live. Following the backlash, the NBA star was suspended for two games. Paul Pierce took to his Twitter account to give his opinion on the outrage following the viral video. “I don’t care what y’all say about Ja I carried a gun after I was stabbed y’all don’t know what he going thru everyone got something to say until u really know what’s really going on in someone life when u black and rich u a target period.”
“But we glorify and normalize all the rappers who do it and get paid from waiving Guns in rap videos making millions . I’m trying to understand make this make since , what crime did he commit 🤔” he continued.
Memphis Grizzlies Steppa Ja Morant Shows off a Gun on His IG Live this Morning🔫😳 pic.twitter.com/4T6Vtetzbj
— Raphouse TV (RHTV) Backup (@raphousetv7) March 4, 2023
The league and Colorado police have launched investigations into the situation, and the NBA could ultimately decide to fine Morant, or hit him with a lengthy suspension if he’s found guilty of wrongdoing.
The current Collective Bargaining Agreement between the NBA and NBPA states explicitly that a player is prohibited from carrying a firearm while traveling on any league-related business. Here’s the direct wording from the CBA regarding the possession of a firearm by a player:
Section 9. Firearms and Other Weapons. (a) Whenever a player is physically present at a facility or venue owned, operated, or being used by a Team, the NBA, or any League-related entity, and whenever a player is traveling on any NBA-related business, whether on behalf of the player’s Team, the NBA, or any League-related entity, such player shall not possess a firearm of any kind or any other deadly weapon. For purposes of the foregoing, “a facility or venue” includes, but is not limited to: an arena; a practice facility; a Team or League office or facility; an All-Star or NBA Playoff venue; and the site of a promotional or charitable appearance.
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(c) Any violation of Section 9(a) or Section 9(b) above shall be considered conduct prejudicial to the NBA under Article 35(d) of the NBA Constitution and By-Laws, and shall therefore subject the player to discipline by the NBA in accordance with such Article.
Ja Morant also released a statement of his own and said, “I take full responsibility for my actions last night, “Morant said in the statement. “I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organization for letting you down. I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being.”