Footage emerges of Ja Morant claiming gun he waved in video was FAKE and actually a LIGHTER
Footage is surfacing of Ja Morant claiming the gun he was brandishing in a social media video was FAKE and actually a LIGHTER — before the NBA banned him for 25 games over the second gun incident
- Yes Morant was suspended for 25 games by the NBA on Friday for his pistol antics
- Now it has been alleged that a video shows Morant proving his gun was a fake
- DailyMail.com provides all the latest international sports news
The gun Ja Morant was holding in the video that earned him a 25-game NBA ban was fake, according to new footage that has surfaced.
Memphis Grizzlies star Morant is shocked by the video released last month of him brandishing a gun in a car, just two months after filming himself holding a gun at a Denver strip club.
Now, TMZ published a video Morant apparently sent his family the day after the car video came out to demonstrate that the gun was actually a lighter, as he uses it to light candles.
“You hold it and everything comes out,” Morant says in the clip. He is also recognizable by the tattoos on his arm.
The video came out just over 24 hours after Morant was banned for 25 games.
The gun Ja Morant brandished on social media last month was fake, it is alleged
In the video, Morant appears to show that the gun was fake and actually a lighter
In a statement, NBA Commissioner Adam Silver condemned Morant’s actions, saying they could leave an impression on young people to behave in a similar manner.
“Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disturbing given his similar behavior in March for which he was already banned for eight games,” Silver said. 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.
“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.
In March, Morant appeared to be holding up a gun in an Instagram Live video at a Denver club
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.”