Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins has revealed that there is no set date for the return of guard Ja Morant after the 23-year-old was seen brandishing a gun in a video on social media.
The National Basketball Association (NBA) released a statement last week saying they were investigating the post, but Jenkins believes Morant made “difficult decisions and poor choices” that he has to be accountable for.
Morant, a two-time All-Star, was absent in the Grizzlies’ 135-129 loss to the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday following an announcement by the franchise, stating that the player will miss at least two games as part of a road trip to Los Angeles, where they will also face the LA Lakers on Tuesday.
Speaking about the video, the 38-year-old coach said: “Very tough moment, for sure.
“He understands he’s made some difficult decisions and poor choices in the past that he’s got to account for,” Jenkins added. “He’s definitely embracing the mistakes that he’s made but only time will tell. We’re going to support him and we’re going to hold him accountable to make those changes.”
“This is going to be an ongoing healing process. … It’s really not a timetable situation.”
Taylor Jenkins on Ja Morant’s return
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The video that was streamed on Morant’s official Instagram and has been making rounds across social media over the last few days had the 2020 NBA Rookie of the Year holding a gun at a nightclub shortly after their defeat to the Denver Nuggets on Saturday.
Morant, however, has taken responsibility for his actions via a statement released through the agency that represents him.
It read: “I take full responsibility for my actions last night. 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.”
Furthermore, Jenkins refused to highlight the required process needed for Morant to return to the team, calling it an ongoing healing process.
He said: “We love him, we want what’s best for him, we support him. It’s going to be a difficult process but we’ve got a great group to get through this.
“This is a tough time for a young kid that’s got to grow and get better.
“He’s got huge responsibilities not just for the team, for the city, but I know how he’s built with that care factor and what steps he’s now taking. It’s a step in the direction of really being the best version of himself.”
This would be the second investigation the league would be conducting on the Grizzlies’ guard after an incident that happened in a game against the Indiana Pacers on January 29.
Many Pacers players reported that they saw a red dot pointed at them, and a team security guard believed the laser was attached to a gun. This led to a friend of Morant being banned from home games at the FedEx Forum for a year.
