Ja is Addicted to BANG!

In several past interviews following his last 2 game suspension earlier this year, Ja Morant stated that he learned his lesson and acknowledged that he needed to be more responsible and take accountability. However, I don’t recall him admitting that he has a problem

IMHO Ja Morant is an addict


Wherever you find addiction, there you find denial. The alcoholic who says, “I can quit any time I want,” and the gambling addict who says, “If I hit this time it’ll all work out,” are in the same boat as those who say, “Guns don’t kill people, people kill people.” They are all addicts in denial, refusing to see the overwhelming evidence of the damage caused by their behavior.





Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been suspended from all team activities pending league review, the team announced Sunday, after Morant was seen flashing what appeared to be a gun in an Instagram Live clip widely circulated on Twitter. The latest clip comes two months after Morant, 23, was suspended by the league for showing a gun in an Instagram video shot at a Denver-area nightclub.

Here’s what you need to know:
* The Grizzlies said Sunday that the organization is aware of the social media video involving Morant and will “have no further comment at this time.”
* NBA spokesperson Mike Bass said in a statement: “We are aware of the social media post involving Ja Morant and are in the process of gathering more information.” Messages to Morant’s representatives were not returned.
* In the new video, Morant is seen in the passenger’s seat of a car, which another man is driving. As the camera pans to him, Morant appears to briefly hold up an object that looks like a gun.
* It is unclear where the video was shot and, as of Sunday morning, was no longer on the Instagram feed of the person who posted the clip.


Taken from the words of my late Great Grandmother: “Lawd please come and help this child”

I hope this isn’t what it looks like, but apparently is.

I also hope this young guy can realize what he has, what he stands to lose, and gets back on the right track.

I'm going to posit with great accuracy that he's already lost it. All of it. At least all future NBA earnings. Whoever said his dad needs to stop acting like his friend and be his dad has the answer. I think that was Steven A. But it appears the dad doesn't want to lose his meal ticket (and it's a pretty big meal ticket or at least was) so telling his son what he needs to hear or doesn't want to hear is no longer an option. The son now rules. The results speak louder than anything. First Take should be very interesting this am with now this, us trouncing PHI and the ensuing aftermath/fallout.

I've said this before and now will say it again. Two completely unrelated situations, but what I see right now as the end of this that my wife and I came to simultaneously, both stories will have in common...Len Bias. Both have/had TERRIBLE supporting casts that led to their imminent, untimely deaths.

This will not end well. So far, he doesn't want the help or want any help or what help he does get is short-circuited. Steven A and others were very quick to point out they thought the "recovery" was far too short. We know why that was because a potential deep run in the playoffs was at hand and it could not be done without him. Well that clearly didn't work out. So they (Grizzlies Organization) swept that under the rug and cleared him to play. Someone's head will be on a platter for that move. Again, mark it. I know all about greed and how if festers and how it affects those all around. I myself am lucky to be alive. But my sisters gave me some tough love at one point about 10 years ago, made me account for my transgressions and pay back with interest what I stole.

We can kind of see this one coming ahead of time with the time lapse and events vs. Bias Story which came from out of nowhere. But I'm afraid and certainly hope I'm so far out in left field on this that I'm wrong and pray that I'm wrong. No one deserves this.

But I'm sticking with my original gut reaction until I see behavior to the contrary.

db

The Len Bias situation was a quick one-off with no second or third chance. Done bun can't be undone.

The Ja Morant situation is an on-going one with plenty of second or third chances. They (Ja and team) will use whatever chance is next before the next season opener and he'll be good to play. He will say all the right things and be all sad about his prior choices.

Eventually, he'll get it or he won't. Given enough time, his 23-year old male brain may develop the final connections and he may come to understand the risk ain't worth it.

I'm not seeing the equivalency.

So ignorant question on this situation.

Why is a grown adult in trouble for being filmed holding a gun? I read somewhere that he legally owns one, so presumably he's legally allowed to have it. He didn't have it in an NBA arena, unlike whichever bonehead it was that brought one into a locker room (Gilbert Arenas?), so he isn't violating a facility rule. Is there something in NBA player contracts that say they can't have weapons or be seen in public with them? Granted, he doesn't seem to be acting maturely or safely with it, but that's not illegal as far as I know (not a gun guy).

Just wondering what all the fuss is about. Unless I missed something, he didn't threaten anyone with the gun, fire it inappropriately, or otherwise put anyone at risk by having it. He just had it.

BaronV wrote:So ignorant question on this situation.  

Why is a grown adult in trouble for being filmed holding a gun?  I read somewhere that he legally owns one, so presumably he's legally allowed to have it.  He didn't have it in an NBA arena, unlike whichever bonehead it was that brought one into a locker room (Gilbert Arenas?), so he isn't violating a facility rule.  Is there something in NBA player contracts that say they can't have weapons or be seen in public with them?  Granted, he doesn't seem to be acting maturely or safely with it, but that's not illegal as far as I know (not a gun guy).  

Just wondering what all the fuss is about.  Unless I missed something, he didn't threaten anyone with the gun, fire it inappropriately, or otherwise put anyone at risk by having it.  He just had it.  

The NBA takes gun matters very seriously, going so far as to collectively bargain a provision, Section 9 of Article VI, which explicitly prohibits players possessing a firearm “of any kind” in numerous settings. Players must also notify their teams about firearms and provide proof of registration. Silver also has broad authority to fine and suspend players for “conduct prejudicial or detrimental to the Association.”

https://sports.yahoo.com/ja-morant-latest-gun-incident-210303584.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall

Ah. That makes sense. Thanks.

-V

The NBA takes gun matters very seriously, going so far as to collectively bargain a provision, Section 9 of Article VI, which explicitly prohibits players possessing a firearm “of any kind” in numerous settings. Players must also notify their teams about firearms and provide proof of registration. Silver also has broad authority to fine and suspend players for “conduct prejudicial or detrimental to the Association.”

https://sports.yahoo.com/ja-morant-latest-gun-incident-210303584.html?fr=sycsrp_catchall[/quote]

BaronV wrote:So ignorant question on this situation.  

Why is a grown adult in trouble for being filmed holding a gun?  I read somewhere that he legally owns one, so presumably he's legally allowed to have it.  He didn't have it in an NBA arena, unlike whichever bonehead it was that brought one into a locker room (Gilbert Arenas?), so he isn't violating a facility rule.  Is there something in NBA player contracts that say they can't have weapons or be seen in public with them?  Granted, he doesn't seem to be acting maturely or safely with it, but that's not illegal as far as I know (not a gun guy).  

Just wondering what all the fuss is about.  Unless I missed something, he didn't threaten anyone with the gun, fire it inappropriately, or otherwise put anyone at risk by having it.  He just had it.  

You have a point. Certain politicians have famously sent out Christmas cards with the whole family, including children, holding guns and they are celebrated for their support of the second amendment. That said, the larger issue is judgement. Whether or not their is a different standard for NBA players and politicians, Ja knows how the league sees the issue yet he continues to do things that hurt himself and his team mates.

Shamrock1000 wrote:

BaronV wrote:So ignorant question on this situation.  

Why is a grown adult in trouble for being filmed holding a gun?  I read somewhere that he legally owns one, so presumably he's legally allowed to have it.  He didn't have it in an NBA arena, unlike whichever bonehead it was that brought one into a locker room (Gilbert Arenas?), so he isn't violating a facility rule.  Is there something in NBA player contracts that say they can't have weapons or be seen in public with them?  Granted, he doesn't seem to be acting maturely or safely with it, but that's not illegal as far as I know (not a gun guy).  

Just wondering what all the fuss is about.  Unless I missed something, he didn't threaten anyone with the gun, fire it inappropriately, or otherwise put anyone at risk by having it.  He just had it.  

You have a point. Certain politicians have famously sent out Christmas cards with the whole family, including children, holding guns and they are celebrated for their support of the second amendment. That said, the larger issue is judgement. Whether or not there is a different standard for NBA players and politicians, Ja knows how the league sees the issue yet he continues to do things that hurt himself and his team mates.

I honestly wasn't trying to make a point. I was just curious as to why an NBA player having a gun he's presumably legally in possession of was an issue with the league outside of the negative perception. Gyso explained it nicely.

gyso,

Correct. One situation was over and done with over 24-48 hours. But Bias' friend selection left a lot to be desired and that quickly helped lead to his untimely death. It is clear beyond belief that Ja Morant's current surroundings are not helping him on any level and if he is heading back to a previous lifestyle or can't let go of that lifestyle and not realize he's in a different world, death is looming.

Steven A made a very interesting point in his diatribe this morning. From Ja's previous lifestyle or surroundings, what infuriates people more from that lifestyle about a Ja Morant? Not that he's made it. They actually applaud him for making out of that lifestyle. What infuriates them is Ja acting like someone he isn't anymore. He made it out. Congratulations. We aren't bitter. You can come back and maybe help us out and remember us, but don't come back here acting like you want to be back in this lifestyle. Very poignant.

Whether something happens quickly or overnight like in the Bias case or over time with many opportunities for forgiveness and second chances as in what is building as in the Ja case, the crowd around each or the last person standing before something tragic happens, it is those who are surrounding you that are either being brutally honest with you telling you what you don't want to hear or just telling you what you want to here so they can have some of what you got. For Bias, it was Brian Tribble I believe. For Ja, it starts with his father needing to clean house but that's not happening. So it's up to Ja to clean his own house.

I just currently see the same fate for Ja until I see something change.

The NBA needs to be very careful here. A year long suspension will indeed be a death sentence. What's he going to do for that whole year? Let me guess.

A 25-game or half a season suspension sans pay may be the best option with a no tolerance line at the end. This gives more hope. Hard enough that he gets the point and message, has time to clean house and get ready to come back to play but just long enough so that he doesn't steer off course yet again. But with the league now involved and implicating/clearly indicating that the Grizzlies have sucked so far in their handling of this, things have escalated to as far up the food chain as you can get with the NBA's brand and they won't be allowing for anything else beyond what they come down with decision-wise. This will be it. Zero tolerance.

db

dbrown,

Sure, they both had sucky friends (clingons) that weren't there to look out for them, but that is where the two situations part ways.

Bias went out and did enough drugs to kill himself.

Morant broke a league rule.

Edit: I forgot to ask, I thought Ja did not have a "previous lifestyle or surroundings" issue since he was brought up in a more or less middle class background. He was just acting the part, not living it.

Now you say SAS said otherwise? That's confusing.

gyso,

Now that you mention it, I don't know if SAS was saying Ja was either in that lifestyle or was around it. But I'll agree there is a lot of acting going on all the way around. Regardless, cleaning house is the next obvious step for Ja for himself mentally and for those yes-men and woment around him or the NBA will do it for him by showing him the door. The NBA will do the right thing. But for sure, the Memphis organization was trying to desperately hold on and might have swept some things under the carpet and hoped they didn't get uncovered again. Well, that may well be blowing up in their faces now as the NBA will leave no stone unturned now that they have been called in.

db

dbrown4 wrote:gyso,

Correct.  One situation was over and done with over 24-48 hours.  But Bias' friend selection left a lot to be desired and that quickly helped lead to his untimely death.  It is clear beyond belief that Ja Morant's current surroundings are not helping him on any level and if he is heading back to a previous lifestyle or can't let go of that lifestyle and not realize he's in a different world, death is looming.  

Steven A made a very interesting point in his diatribe this morning.  From Ja's previous lifestyle or surroundings, what infuriates people more from that lifestyle about a Ja Morant?  Not that he's made it.  They actually applaud him for making out of that lifestyle.  What infuriates them is Ja acting like someone he isn't anymore.  He made it out.    Congratulations.  We aren't bitter.  You can come back and maybe help us out and remember us, but don't come back here acting like you want to be back in this lifestyle.  Very poignant.

Whether something happens quickly or overnight like in the Bias case or over time with many opportunities for forgiveness and second chances as in what is building as in the Ja case, the crowd around each or the last person standing before something tragic happens, it is those who are surrounding you that are either being brutally honest with you telling you what you don't want to hear or just telling you what you want to here so they can have some of what you got.  For Bias, it was Brian Tribble I believe.  For Ja, it starts with his father needing to clean house but that's not happening.  So it's up to Ja to clean his own house.    

I just currently see the same fate for Ja until I see something change.  

The NBA needs to be very careful here.  A year long suspension will indeed be a death sentence.  What's he going to do for that whole year?  Let me guess.

A 25-game or half a season suspension sans pay may be the best option with a no tolerance line at the end.  This gives more hope.  Hard enough that he gets the point and message, has time to clean house and get ready to come back to play but just long enough so that he doesn't steer off course yet again.  But with the league now involved and implicating/clearly indicating that the Grizzlies have sucked so far in their handling of this, things have escalated to as far up the food chain as you can get with the NBA's brand and they won't be allowing for anything else beyond what they come down with decision-wise.  This will be it.  Zero tolerance.

db            

Db,
OK. I totally agree with Gyso on this tip. I don’t see the equivalency.
By the way, Len Bias had a strong family support system. Look at what his mom took on after his death. The problem did not stem from home.  How much do we really know about Bias’ relationship with Brian Trimble?

I try to be very careful questioning family dynamics that I don't have first hand privy to. That view is subjective at best.
Bia’s friends were no help and neither was Lefty but none of them forced cocaine on him either. I loved the kid but you cant blame others when you're the one indulging. They blamed Bobby Brown for Whitney’s undoing until the truth finally surfaced.
The media business is loaded with drug and alcohol abusers but it never encouraged me to partake either.
Ja’s dad played pro basketball overseas, has is own barbershop and other small businesses. It’s appears that Ja has some outside influence he doesn't need.
If Ja is suspended for a year, whatever he ends up doing at this point is certainly a guess so you right there.
Hopefully he’s looking up to see rock bottom and sets him on the right path.

I’d also be very careful using Stephen A as a reference for anything with validity.
What lifestyle is he exactly referring to?

I also heard SAS say Saturday (and if someone here can tell me how to upload the audio, I can share it with evertyone)
On NBA radio state unequivocally that the Celtics do not plan to pay Jaylen Brown the super max money that he has coming and  if they trade him it will be out of the conference.
I don't believe much of what he alludes to and this is certainly one of them.

This comparison has totally baffled me. Sure, Len Bias had some friends that were questionable, He did have a wonderful Mom. He was riding high in Boston, had meetings with Red, Danny Ainge took him to Reebok, and then he returned home to Maryland. The next morning he was dead from an overdose of super, uncut dope. Gone, Dead, Over Ja Morant has had several incidents on the books already, going after some kid who was harrassing his sister, and two gun issues. His behavior was such that his team suspended him and ordered him to get some help. He got another shot to redeem himself, he is still alive, I have no idea about his family, I have less knowledge about his friends. He seems like a kid who is riding the edge and waiting to jump off. Why are these two kids alike?? Time for this kid to wake up and realize he is about to lose millions of dollars. What if they decide to suspend him for a year? A half year?? Every suspension leads to lost money and more chance he will go down a path that may be regretful in the end. Obviously, even though he claimed he learned his lesson, he did not. Why should Memphis pay this kid all kinds of money to continue to think he can play by his own rules. I am sure Mrs Bias wished Len had one chance to redeem himself

I keep repeating this but some folks like Stephen A need to stick to sports. Every time he steps out of bounds in cases like this he exposes his ignorance.


Ja’s, (who has very good parents) situation is so far removed from what happened to Len.

Len Bias was a totally different scenario. He had a great mom and Dad who lived through the tragic murder of Len’s Younger brother Jay Less than 4 years after Len passed.


Allow me to narrow that perceptual gulf with these names that are more inclined to fit the “Ja”’s

Todd Marinovich, John Daley, Rafael Palmeiro, Chris Andersen, Ryan Leaf, Lenny Dykstra..
I could come up with several more but these few should suffice.