Since March 4, Ja Morant, star guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has been out indefinitely from the NBA. 

Following a loss to the Denver Nuggets, Morant was shown flashing a gun in an Instagram live video. Though open carry is allowed in Colorado, Colorado Police investigated to check whether he was intoxicated at the time, which would be a crime. The NBA also began an independent investigation, since carrying firearms on team trips is prohibited. 

Colorado Police ultimately found no criminal charges while the NBA investigation is ongoing. Morant stated that he would temporarily stop playing in the NBA while he seeks therapy until at least March 17. 

Morant recently faced similar controversies in July 2022, when he was accused of two assaults. Morant allegedly threatened a mall guard in Memphis, and four days later, he was accused of punching a 17-year-old’s head while playing basketball. But ultimately, local prosecutors decided not to file charges after a lack of evidence. 

It remains to be seen whether Morant will face a suspension or return to the game in the following weeks. 

“At the beginning of his career I felt like he was much more humble,” Sanghwon Lee (11), Ja Morant fan, said. “I feel like the fame may have gotten to him.”