Nike says it will not cut ties with Ja Morant following 25-game suspension as NBPA issues ‘excessive’ penalty

Nike will not cut ties with Ja Morant after the Grizzlies star was handed a 25-game suspension by the NBA for a second gun-wielding offense this year.

Morant was originally suspended eight games in March after brandishing a gun at a Denver nightclub and flashing a gun again in May while a passenger in a car.

Still, it looks like Nike will back the Memphis All-Star, which has a signature boot with the brand.

“We are pleased that Ja is taking responsibility and prioritizing his well-being,” the sportswear giant said in a statement. ESPN star Ramona Shelburne. “We will continue to support him on and off the track.”

Meanwhile, the NBA Players’ Association called Morant’s punishment – which will keep him off the field until at least December – as “excessive and inappropriate.”

NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said Morant’s actions were “alarming and concerning.”

Many fans thought Morant would receive a longer suspension after commissioner Adam Silver said it would be “unfair” to Nuggets and Heat players to announce the suspension in the middle of the NBA Finals.

“Ja has expressed regret and accepted responsibility for his actions, and we unequivocally support him as he does what is necessary to represent himself, our players and our league in the best possible light,” NBPA Executive Director Tamika Tremaglio said in a statement Friday. a statement. .

“As for the discipline imposed, which will keep him off the job until December and must meet a number of unstated conditions before he can return, we believe it is excessive and inappropriate for a number of reasons, including the facts involved. in this particular incident. that it is not fair and consistent with past discipline in our competition. Together with Ja, we will explore all options and next steps.”

Silver condemned Morant’s actions in a statement, saying they could leave an impression on young people to behave in a similar way. Morant will have to meet certain conditions before returning to court.

“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and troubling given his similar behavior in March for which he was already banned for eight games,” Silver said in the statement.

“It is particularly worrying that other young people can imitate Ja’s behavior.

“Under these circumstances, we believe a 25-game suspension is appropriate and make it clear that reckless and irresponsible conduct involving weapons will not be tolerated.

“For Ja, basketball has to stay in the background at the moment. Prior to returning to play, he will be required to work with the league to formulate and implement a program that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.”

Morant himself released a statement saying, “I’ve had time to think and I realize how much pain I’ve caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis.

“To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and Robert Pera – who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and supported me – I am sorry for the harm I have done.

In March, Morant appeared to be holding up a gun in an Instagram Live video at a Denver club

Morant seemed to strike a more personal tone with this last statement than May’s

“To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry I let you down as a role model. I promise I will get better. For all my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands.

And to all my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.

“I am going through the off-season and my suspension continues to work on my own mental health and decision-making.

“I’m also going to train so that I’m ready to go when I can get back on track. I know my teammates will hold it back and I’m so sorry I can’t be there at the start of the season.

“I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time that I’m a better man than what I’ve shown you.”