Four days after the Denver Nuggets captured their first NBA championship in franchise history, the league delivered on its promise regarding Ja Morant’s suspension. In the NBA’s eyes, Morant’s foolish behavior on Instagram live warranted a 25-game suspension without pay during the 2023-24 season. In a statement released earlier today, Morant stated “I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done, to the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better.” Morant also mentioned that “I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.”
Based on the information that Adam Silver provided the media with during the NBA Finals, I was almost certain that Morant would have to sit for a full season. I mean, why drag it all out when the punishment in mind isn’t all that harsh, right? Well, I suppose the NBA believed that Morant would accept his relatively light suspension, resolve his off-the-court issues and prepare himself to rejoin the Grizzlies in December. However, despite getting an opportunity to compete for most of the 2023-24 NBA season, Morant still seems to possess an ungrateful attitude. You see, according to ESPN reporter, Tim MacMahon, Ja Morant and his camp strongly believe that the NBA is now “out to get them”. According to MacMahon, “Ja and people close to Ja, perhaps people formerly close to Ja, have this feeling that the NBA is out to get them. That the media is out to get them.”
So, instead of the news being centered around Morant taking baby steps in the right direction, we were provided with further evidence that Morant still isn’t getting the memo. The NBA didn’t punish you for personal reasons, they punished you because you have continuously failed to carry yourself in a professional manner. Like I stated in my previous article on this subject, no one is telling you that you can’t have fun away from basketball, but as one of the faces of the NBA, you have to understand that there are certain activities that you can’t take part in. Is it really that difficult to avoid flashing a gun on social media during your free time? Well, right now the answer appears to be yes, and until Morant realizes that he is the problem at this point in time, he’ll continue to point the finger at the league. Hopefully, Morant grows up soon and has a more mature mindset when his 25-game suspension comes to an end.
Courtside With Caleb 
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