- Ja Morant was suspended a total of 33 games for flashing firearms on IG live
- Morant joined the Grizzlies for nine games before suffering a labrum injury
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WWE superstar Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson joked about Grizzlies star Ja Morant’s controversial history with firearms during Smackdown’s show in Memphis on Friday.
Honoring the cultural homeland of the blues, The Rock embraced his surroundings and serenaded the Memphis crowd with an in-ring musical performance.
As the build-up to WrestleMania 40 was heating up, he dedicated his song to Cody Rhodes and Seth Rollins, who he and Roman Reigns will face in April’s pay-per-view. However, Morant was mentioned at the end of The Rock’s performance.
“You’re just ashamed, son,” he sang, referring to Rhodes. “Just like Ja Morant when he’s waving a gun.”
The audience sounded equally impressed and unamused when a photo of Morant dancing appeared on the jumbotron.
The Rock poked fun at Grizzlies star Ja Morant during the WWE Smackdown show in Memphis
Morant was suspended a total of 33 games for repeatedly flashing firearms on social media
The Rock laughed as he wrapped his song. He also said, “I love you Yes,” after taking a dig at the Grizzlies franchise player.
In 2023, Morant faced back-to-back suspensions after repeatedly brandishing firearms on social media.
The first incident occurred on March 4 last year when Morant held a gun next to his face during an Instagram live feed at a strip club outside Denver. His first offense resulted in an eight-match suspension.
Morant also went to a counseling program in Florida, but left within 48 hours.
Less than two months later, Morant was again seen on social media with a gun in his hand. This time, he was sitting in the passenger seat of a parked car when the person holding the camera turned it toward him briefly while holding the firearm.
After the second incident, Morant was suspended for 25 games, causing him to miss the start of the NBA season.
Morant joined the Grizzlies for nine games before suffering a season-ending labrum injury
The Memphis crowd sounded equally impressed and unamused by The Rock’s shot at Morant
Morant made his debut this season on December 19 in a win over the Pelicans in New Orleans. With him back in the lineup, the Grizzlies won four straight games.
Memphis was 6-3 upon Morant’s return. Unfortunately, the explosive guard suffered a season-ending injury and underwent surgery for a torn labrum in January. Morant averaged 25.1 points, 5.6 rebounds and 8.1 assists in his short stint this season.
In his absence, the Grizzlies relied on Jaren Jackson Jr.’s 22.4 points and 5.6 rebounds per game, while Vince Williams Jr. leads them in assists with 3.4 per game.
Still, the struggling Grizzlies are ranked 13th in the Western Conference with a 23-44 record. They have lost eight of their last eleven games, with fifteen to play this season.