BREAKING: NBA Hands Down Ja Morant Suspension

The long-awaited discipline from the NBA has come down from commissioner Adam Silver. And more than a few people would say this feels light: Ja Morant has been suspended for 25 games for his latest social media gun incident.

The suspension will come with conditions for his return, sources tell ESPN. https://t.co/m5aXEpCXrS
— Adrian Wojnarowski (@wojespn) June 16, 2023

As noted by Adrian Wojnarowski, there are conditions for Morant's return, in addition to the 25 games. He will be ineligible to participate in any public league or team activities during the course of his suspension.

Salary-wise, the Grizzlies' guard will lose $7.6M due to the ban.

Full NBA statement on Ja Morant's 25-game suspension: https://t.co/orq6vGa5hP
— Marc Stein (@TheSteinLine) June 16, 2023

Silver's statement reads in part, “The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning. Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.”

Which would lead many to respond, 'then why only 25 games?' Most observers thought half the season (41 games) would be the minimum that Morant would receive for his second incident in three months of prominently displaying a gun in a live social media feed. This one occurred after the Grizzlies had been eliminated from the playoffs, last month.

.@wojespn has the latest on Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension.

(via @FirstTake) pic.twitter.com/cQnvzRkVvx
— ESPN (@espn) June 16, 2023

Morant received an 8 game ban after the first incident, and clearly it had no effect on his behavior. The astonished reaction around the league at the penalty is already coming in.