Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon2 Minute Read
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has entered a counseling program in Florida and stays with out a timetable on a return to the NBA season, sources informed ESPN on Monday.
Morant has been looking for help for what he described in an announcement as a necessity “to get assist and work on studying higher strategies of coping with stress and my total well-being,” and that has taken him out of Memphis on a go away from the staff, sources stated.
The franchise introduced that Morant, 23, could be out no less than via Wednesday’s recreation in opposition to the Miami Heat, however there isn’t any exact timeline on his return to the staff. The Grizzlies proceed to prioritize Morant’s need and have to get help after a collection of regarding incidents that culminated with him brandishing a gun at a suburban Denver nightclub on his Instagram dwell feed March 4.
The NBA has an ongoing investigation into the matter, and Memphis officers have repeatedly indicated publicly that Morant will probably be held accountable for a sample of questionable decision-making and conduct.
Morant, a two-time All-Star, is a former NBA Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player for one of many ascending franchises within the league. Before the Grizzlies’ recreation in opposition to the Dallas Mavericks on Monday evening, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins informed reporters that, “Ja’s totally engaged on this course of and prepared for no matter comes after the subsequent two video games.”
Morant started his Instagram Live session at 5:19 a.m. ET, hours after the Grizzlies’ 113-97 loss to the Denver Nuggets final Saturday. Morant could possibly be seen holding up a handgun together with his left hand. Morant deactivated each his Instagram and Twitter accounts later that day.
In an announcement, Morant stated he takes “full accountability for my actions final evening.”
“I’m sorry to my household, teammates, coaches, followers, companions, the town of Memphis and the complete group for letting you down,” the assertion learn. “I’m going to take a while away to get assist and work on studying higher strategies of coping with stress and my total well-being.”
Nike, which has a signature shoe line with Morant, backed the Grizzlies star in an announcement shortly thereafter.
“We recognize Ja’s accountability and that he’s taking the time to get the assistance he wants,” the assertion learn. “We assist his prioritization of his well-being.”
Morant’s five-year, $231 million extension with Memphis begins with the 2023-24 season.
