Ja Morant’s 25-game suspension from the is his own fault – and not his friends’ – the star’s father told younger players at a recent basketball camp.
Tee Morant, the 45-year-old father of Ja, was speaking at the Up Next Elite Camp in New Orleans, where he offered advice on maturity by telling the campers to ‘be mindful of every decision you make.’
‘My son didn’t get in trouble ’cause of people around him,’ Tee Morant said in a clip that has since gone viral.’He got in trouble because of his decisions.’
Morant was first suspended eight games in March after he was seen brandishing a firearm at a strip club.Later the All-Star point guard was seen in a social media video waving a handgun at the camera, which has resulted in his upcoming 25-game suspension to begin the 2023-24 season.
‘The smallest thing you can do can make the biggest difference in your life,’ Tee added.’When I’m talking about life and living, I get kind of emotional … but I’m just telling y’all to make the right decisions.’
The 24-year-old Morant’s once-promising career has stalled due to the firearm incidents, both of which played out in front of the camera.
Tee Morant (left) is a fixture at Grizzlies games, both in and away from Memphis
He’s also being sued by a college basketball player, who says the younger Morant punched him during a 2022 pickup game.
Last month, lawyers representing Morant were given tentative approval by a Tennessee judge to argue that their client was acting in self defense when he punched 17-year-old aspiring hoopster Joshua Holloway.
The future of Holloway’s lawsuit largely hinges on whether Morant will be allowed to say he was acting in self-defense.
Morant’s lawyers have acknowledged he punched Holloway one time after Holloway threw a basketball at Morant and the ball hit Morant in the chin. In a July 26 motion, the player’s lawyers said he should be immune from liability under the state’s ‘stand your ground’ law, which allows people who feel threatened at their homes to act with force in certain situations.
Morant’s second firearm incident (pictured) resulted in a 25-game suspension for the All-Star
Circuit Court Judge Carol Chumney said the next step would be to hear from lawyers in the case, including those representing the Tennessee Attorney General, about whether the law can be applied to the case under the state Constitution.
Holloway was 17 when the lawsuit was filed.It accuses Morant and friend Davonte Pack of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. An amended complaint identified the plaintiff as Holloway, who is now 18.
Morant filed a countersuit accusing Holloway of slander, battery and assault.
No criminal charges have been filed against Morant.