JJ Redick angrily slams GOP’s Greg Abbott and Andy Ogles during defense of Ja Morant waving a gun

ESPN NBA analyst JJ Redick delved into a diatribe while defending Ja Morant, confusing the Grizzlies superstar’s latest indiscretion—waving a gun while listening to rap music—with pro-Second Amendment stances and actions.

The 16-year-old NBA veteran screamed while in front of the camera Take first Wednesday, asking why Ja Morant should be punished while Texas Governor Greg Abbott'[is] tell his constituents to buy more guns.”

“We’re talking about the consequences,” Redick said, speaking of the potential consequences for Ja Morant who recently brandished a gun while listening to rap music. It’s the second time in three months that Morant has flashed a gun on IG Live.

‘In our country, the gun culture is omnipresent at the moment. It’s ubiquitous, we have mass shooting after mass shooting and no one is doing anything about it. So I understand why we’re so sensitive about this right now, but there’s no consequence if Greg Abbott tells his constituents to buy more guns and then we have mass shooting after mass shooting in Texas.”

Apparently, Redick was referring to a tweet from Abbott dating back to 2015. He has not pushed for such actions recently and has sought to address the “root cause” for mass shootings; “mental health issues.”

Texas Governor Greg Abbott (L) and Andy Ogles were picked today by Redick while on ESPN

Apparently, Redick was referring to this polarizing tweet from 2015 from the current governor of Texas

The 2015 tweet has been brought up repeatedly by critics of Abbott over the past eight years, especially after mass shootings in Texas. Abbott’s quote tweeted a report that subsequently ranked Texas behind California for the most guns purchased that year.

“I’m ashamed: Texas #2 in nation for new gun purchases, behind CALIFORNIA. Let’s pick up the pace Texans. @NRA,” he wrote.

Redick wasn’t done comparing Morant’s behavior — who is bound by a code of conduct established by the Memphis Grizzlies and the NBA — with that of Republican politicians. The former Duke star brought Tennessee Rep.’s family Christmas card. Andy Ogles in an attempt to expose some kind of alleged hypocrisy.

“It’s no use if a Tennessee elected official sends out a Christmas card of AR-15s with his young family and then there’s a shooting in his own county, there’s no consequence!

“So why are we trying to put the hammer down on a 23-year-old who hasn’t broken any law? Explain that to me!’

Previously, Redick admitted that he was not in favor of Morant’s actions and that he would face some sort of repercussions. “As far as we know, all these things have been investigated and no law has been broken,” he said.

Morant was filmed brandishing a gun over the weekend (left), two months after filming himself doing the same thing at a strip club in Denver (right)

“I don’t approve of the behavior. I’m not saying there shouldn’t be punishment. There should be. There must be consequences. You are the face of the league, you represent the NBA, you are a role model for young children. I don’t think half a season is the right answer.’

The 23-year-old was suspended “from all team activities” by the Grizzlies Sunday and is expected to face a longer NBA suspension. Commissioner Adam Silver first spoke about the incident on Tuesday evening, revealing he was ‘appalled’ and that the league was ‘investigating’.

Morant released a statement Tuesday night saying, “I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to be done. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full responsibility for my actions. I am determined to keep working on myself.’

Shannon Sharpe strongly criticized Morant and suggested his apology was inauthentic on FS1 Wednesday. The Pro Football Hall of Famer said Morant’s apology sounded like it was written on Chat GPT.