Ja Morant Officially Leaving The Memphis Grizzlies After Doing Banned Celebrations

Ja Morant Officially Leaving The Memphis Grizzlies After Doing Banned Celebrations

John Morant is once again making headlines and not for the right reasons. After serving two major suspensions, including one of the longest non-drug related bands in NBA history for using gun gestures as a form of celebration, the league and the Grizzlies basically told him to. Maybe just leave the celebrations with people might die alone. So what did he do? He doubled down and swapped the gun gestures for grenade mimics. The front office has had enough. Now, with tensions boiling over and internal talks reportedly underway, sources say Jaw is preparing to part ways with the Grizzlies for real this time. In this video, I’ll break down the facts, the rumors, and what could be next for Jaw Morant and the Memphis Grizzlies. The Celebrations controversy. So, why are fans and analysts saying that Morant’s days with the Grizzlies are ending? The answer lies in Morant’s series of controversial encourt celebrations that have drawn significant attention from the league, fans, and media alike. Let’s break down exactly what these celebrations entail and why they’ve become such a lightning rod for criticism. The most recent controversy centers around two specific types of celebrations that Morant has employed during games in the 2024 to 2025 season. The first involves finger gun gestures that Morant made during games against the Golden State Warriors and Miami Heat. These gestures, which simulate pointing firearms, drew immediate criticism given Morant’s history of gun-related incidents off the court. The NBA took swift action, fining Morant $75,000 for what they deemed inappropriate gestures, marking a clear stance against celebrations that mimic weapons. However, rather than toning down his celebrations following this fine, Morant introduced an even more controversial gesture during a game against the Charlotte Hornets on April 9th, 2025. This celebration, now infamously known as the grenadethrowing celebration, involved Morant mimicking pulling a pin from a grenade with his teeth, throwing the imaginary explosive, and then covering his ears as if bracing for an explosion. The timing of this new celebration, coming so shortly after being fined for the finger gun gestures, struck many observers as deliberately provocative. To fully understand why these celebrations have generated such controversy, it’s essential to consider the context of Morant’s previous off-c court incidents. In 2023, Morant was suspended twice for gun- rellated incidents on social media. The first incident, which occurred in March 2023, involved Morant displaying a gun during an Instagram live broadcast from a strip club, resulting in an 8-game suspension. Just 2 months later, in May 2023, Morant was again seen flashing what appeared to be a gun on Instagram live, this time from a car. This second incident prompted a much more severe penalty, a 25game suspension to start the 2023 to 2024 season. Given this history, the NBA and the public have become particularly sensitive to any gestures or celebrations by Morant that seem to reference or glorify weapons. What might be seen as harmless or playful gestures from another player takes on an entirely different meaning coming from someone with Morant’s specific background of gun- rellated controversies. It’s worth noting that not all of Morant’s controversial celebrations have been accurately interpreted. In December 2023, after a game against the New Orleans Pelicans, Morant performed a celebration that was misinterpreted as gunrelated. He later clarified on social media that he was doing the Rocky Hips dance, a popular dance in Louisiana, and not making any weapon related gesture. The dance’s creator, Subweet Shawn, even confirmed this explanation. Nevertheless, given Morance’s history, the celebration was still met with significant criticism before his clarification. Morance’s response to the backlash over his celebrations has been notably defiant. After debuting the grenadethrowing celebration, he told reporters, “That’s my celebration now until somebody else has a problem with it, and I’ll find another one.” This statement suggests that Morance sees these celebrations as a form of self-expression and is willing to adapt only if forced to do so by the league. He later elaborated on his perspective in a post on social media, stating, “Listen, it’s not what you think it is. I’m taking my words and I’m throwing them out there. I’m speaking J. I’m being I’m going to take my words. I’m going to throw them out there and then I’m going to block out the noise. This attempt to recontextualize the celebration as metaphorical rather than weapon related has been met with skepticism by many observers given the clear visual similarity to throwing a grenade. The online reaction to Morant celebrations has been notably polarized. On one side, critics argue that his gestures are inappropriate and insensitive, particularly given his history of gun- rellated incidents. Former NBA player and television analyst Charles Barkley expressed frustration with Morance’s grenade celebration, saying, “He has a history that maybe he shouldn’t.” Yeah, maybe because the celebrations with people might die alone. This sentiment is shared by many who believe that Morant should be more aware of how his actions are perceived and the potential impact they might have on younger fans. On the other side, Morant has his defenders who see the criticism as overblown. Some fans and fellow players, including Clippers guard Bones Highland, have suggested that the backlash is excessive. They argue that Morance’s celebrations are simply expressions of his personality and competitive spirit, not intended to glorify violence or weapons. There’s also a segment of social media users who have taken a more humorous approach to the controversy, creating memes and jokes about what Morant’s next celebration might be if the grenade throw is banned. It’s important to place Morance celebrations in the broader context of controversial NBA celebrations throughout history. While weapon mimicking gestures have certainly drawn scrutiny in the past, they’re not the only type of celebrations that have been penalized by the league. Perhaps the most notorious example is Sam Cassell’s big balls dance, which simulates carrying large testicles after making a clutch shot. This celebration has been consistently fined by the NBA, with players like LeBron James and Fred Van Glee, each receiving $15,000 penalties for performing it. Other players who have been fined for various dancing celebrations deemed inappropriate by the NBA include Karen Butler, Andre Bl, Marco Bellanelli, and Andre Iguodala. Though the specific nature of these celebrations isn’t always detailed in reports, the common thread is that the NBA maintains strict guidelines to ensure that player celebrations align with its desired family-friendly image. There are also celebrations that have drawn criticism from fans and media without resulting in formal penalties from the league. Examples include Chris Bosch’s raptor roar, Yawakim Noah’s gunslinging from the bench, and Vince Carter’s motorcycle riding celebration. All of which were mocked as awkward or excessive, but didn’t cross the line into fines. In Morant’s case, the NBA’s concern is not merely about the gestures themselves, but about the pattern of behavior they seem to reinforce. For a player who has already faced significant consequences for gun-related issues, continuing to employ celebrations that evoke weapons, even after, being fined has been interpreted by many as a lack of growth or awareness. team dynamics and impact. Now that Moran’s controversial celebrations have been laid out, it’s time to look at how these actions have impacted his relationship with the Memphis Grizzlies. Is there tension behind the scenes? How are his teammates and coaches reacting? And more importantly, are the rumors true? Could Morant actually be on his way out of Memphis? Answering that means looking at the bigger picture. The Grizzlies currently sit at number seven in the West with a 4733 record as of midappril 2025. They’re deep in a playoff push, fighting to lock in a spot in one of the league’s toughest conferences. And with that kind of pressure, the spotlight on Morant burns even hotter. One significant organizational change that may have implications for Morant’s future occurred on March 28th, 2025 when the Grizzlies fired head coach Taylor Jenkins with only nine games left in the regular season. This decision came amid various frustrations, including concerns about Morant’s decreased touches and efficiency. While it’s difficult to determine how much of this decision was influenced by issues related to Morant specifically, the timing suggests a team in flux, potentially trying to recalibrate its approach as it enters the postseason. The team’s interim head coach, Tuomas Isalo, has been notably silent about Morant’s controversial celebrations. Following the game where Morant debuted his grenade throwing celebration, neither Morant nor Isalo commented on it postgame, leaving room for speculation about the team’s official stance. This silence could be interpreted in multiple ways. Perhaps as an attempt to avoid further controversy or possibly as tacid acceptance of Morant’s actions. While there’s been no explicit condemnation of celebrations from within the organization, there are indications that his behavior has contributed to internal team tension. Firing the head coach this close to the playoffs is unusual and hints at deeper issues within the team. Additionally, the team’s 1120 record against teams above 0.50 500 indicates struggles against stronger competition which could heighten internal pressures and scrutiny of player behavior. As for Morance’s teammates, there have been no public statements either supporting or criticizing his controversial celebrations. This silence could reflect a team culture of handling such matters privately, or it might indicate a reluctance to become involved in the controversy. Either way, the lack of visible support from teammates is notable, especially given the high-profile nature of the issue. That said, trade rumors have indeed begun to surface, adding fuel to speculation about Morant’s future with the team. In February 2025, NBA executives were reported to view Morant as a potential trade candidate if the Grizzlies have an early playoff exit. These rumors gained additional traction when former Grizzlies player Chandler Parsons publicly urged the team to trade Morant, citing ongoing issues. However, it’s crucial to emphasize that these remain speculations and opinions rather than confirmed plans from the organization. Contractually, Morant’s situation with the Grizzlies is complex. He is eligible for a 2-year, $125 million extension this summer, which ties him to the team financially in the short term. This impending contract decision adds another layer to the discussions about his future with the franchise. If the team were considering moving on from Moran, this upcoming extension negotiation would provide a natural inflection point for such a decision. Despite ongoing rumors and past tensions, Moran appears committed to the Grizzlies for now, and this is especially evident in his efforts during the playoff push, even after his recent ankle injury. Furthermore, Morance’s continued importance to the team cannot be overstated. During the 2024 to 25 season, he has averaged 23.2 points, 4.1 rebounds, 7.3 assists, and 1.2 steals in 50 games, making him one of the team’s most productive players. Given the team’s depleted roster with players like Jaylen Wells and Brandon Clark out for the season, Morance’s leadership and on-court production are more crucial than ever. This dependence makes a mid-season departure highly unlikely regardless of controversies surrounding his celebrations. The Grizzlies front office has historically demonstrated patience with Morant through previous controversies. Despite his suspensions in 2023 for gun- rellated incidents, the organization continued to support him and maintain him as their franchise cornerstone. This pattern suggests a long-term commitment to Morant that may transcend the current issues related to his celebrations. Especially since these celebrations, while controversial, are less severe than the off-c court incidents that led to his previous suspensions. To fully understand the context of Morant’s situation with the Grizzlies, it’s important to recognize the broader pattern of controversies that have marked his career beyond just his celebration styles. These incidents have undoubtedly influenced how the team and the league view his current behavior. Morance’s off-c court issues date back to 2022 when he was involved in several troubling incidents. In July 2022, his group was allegedly involved in threats against a mall employee and security guard. Though Morant himself was not listed as a suspect. Later that month, he allegedly punched a 17-year-old named Joshua Holloway during a pickup game at his home, leading to a lawsuit that remains ongoing as of January 2025. In September 2022, there was an incident at a high school volleyball game where Morance’s group allegedly threatened teenagers after an altercation involving his sister, though no adult charges were filed. The most serious incidents, however, were the two gunrelated social media broadcasts in 2023 that led to his suspensions. These suspensions caused Morant to miss significant time, appearing in only 40% of the Grizzlies games, 56 out of 140 since the start of the 2023 to 24 season, affecting both his visibility and the team’s performance. Lately, some fans have voiced concern that Morant’s recent actions suggest he hasn’t fully moved past his earlier mistakes. However, it’s worth noting that he has shown growth and maturity in other areas, even if it hasn’t always been front and center. Following his 25game suspension in 2023, he publicly apologized and committed to mental health work, suggesting a recognition of his issues and a desire to address them. Additionally, his focus on basketball and commitment to the team’s playoff push in 2025 demonstrate a prioritization of his professional responsibilities. Moreover, Morant has shown compassion and leadership in his interactions with teammates. After teammate Jaylen Wells suffered a serious injury during a recent game, Moran expressed genuine concern and support. It’s tough especially for somebody, you know, who’s playing a lot of minutes and being real productive for us on both ends. We just got to, you know, stay with him and, you know, keep praying for him and, uh, just let him know that, you know, God got him. When informed that Wells would be out for the remainder of the season, Morant responded with a team first mentality. I mean, next man up. Um, obviously that hurts. Um, you know, we’ll be around him. Obviously, we we know Jay that he always want to be on the floor no matter, you know, what’s going on, if he got a leg injury or whatever. Um, but yeah, uh, guys just got to be ready. These statements reveal a player who, despite his controversies, remains invested in his team and teammates. This kind of leadership and commitment makes an abrupt departure from the organization seem even less likely. Is Jay Morant on the same path as other NBA Rebels? Having examined both Morant’s controversial celebrations and their impact on his relationship with the Memphis Grizzlies, let’s now turn our attention to the future. What are the potential long-term implications of these controversies for Morant’s career? How might the Grizzlies approach the situation moving forward? And what does this case tell us about the broader relationship between player expression and league standards in the NBA? First, let’s consider the potential implications for Morant’s career trajectory. At this time, Morant remains one of the most electrifying talents in the NBA with a skill set that could make him a franchise cornerstone for years to come. However, his repeated controversies have unquestionably affected his public image and potentially his marketability. The question now is whether these celebration controversies will have lasting effects or merely represent a bump in the road. One measurable impact has been on Morance’s availability. As previously mentioned, he has only appeared in 40% of the Grizzlies games since the start of the 2023 to 24 season due to suspensions and injuries. This limited playing time has kept him off major stages like All-Star weekends, the Olympics, and extended playoff runs affecting both his visibility and development as a player. If his current celebration controversies lead to additional suspensions or continued distractions, this pattern of limited availability could persist, potentially preventing him from reaching his full potential. Moreover, these controversies have shifted the narrative around Morant from that of an exciting young star to a talented but troubled player. While Morant has deals with companies like Nike and Powerade, continued controversies might make some brands wary of association with him, limiting his off-court earning potential. Another factor that could influence Morance’s future is the resolution of the ongoing lawsuit with Joshua Holloway. As of January 2025, this case is set for a self-defense immunity hearing with Morance’s legal team claiming he acted in self-defense when he allegedly punched the teenager during a pickup game at his home in 2022. The outcome of this case could either provide closure on a long-standing issue or create new complications for Morant and the Grizzlies, potentially affecting his standing with the team. This recent pattern of behavior exhibited by Jaw Morant raises an important question. Is he destined to join the ranks of the NBA’s most controversial figures? To answer this, we need to look at the league’s history of rebels and the consequences they face. When we talk about problematic behavior in the NBA, one incident stands out as perhaps the most infamous in league history. The malice at the Palace. On November 19th, 2004, what started as a regular season game between the Indiana Pacers and Detroit Pistons evolved into a chaotic brawl that would forever change the landscape of professional basketball. At the center of this storm was Ron Artest, later known as Meta World Peace. After a fan threw a drink at him, artist entered the stands and engaged in a physical altercation with fans, creating scenes that shocked the sporting world. The consequences were severe. artist was suspended for 73 games, marking one of the longest suspensions in NBA history. The impact of this suspension extended far beyond missed games. Our test faced legal charges which were eventually dropped, underwent intense public scrutiny, and had to work tirelessly to rehabilitate his image. Though he would later win an NBA championship with the Los Angeles Lakers and even received the Jay Walter Kennedy Citizenship Award for his outstanding service and dedication to the community, the malice at the Palace remains an indelible part of his legacy. But Artest wasn’t the only player involved in the infamous brawl. Steven Jackson was suspended for 30 games for his role, while Ben Wallace received a six-game suspension. The incident serves as a stark reminder of how quickly things can spiral out of control and the severe consequences that can follow. Perhaps one of the most shocking displays of oncourt misconduct occurred in December 1997 when Latrell Spruel, then with the Golden State Warriors, physically assaulted his coach PJ Carleso by choking him during a practice session. The basketball world was stunned. A player attacking his own coach was unprecedented, and the NBA’s response reflected the severity of the transgression. Spruel was suspended for 68 games, the longest suspension in NBA history at the time. He was also traded to the New York Knicks, his career trajectory forever altered by a moment of uncontrolled anger. While Spruel would go on to have productive seasons with the Knicks and Minnesota Timberwolves, the choking incident remained an inescapable part of his NBA story. When discussing NBA Rebels, it’s impossible not to mention Dennis Rodman. The eccentric power forward was known as much for his defensive prowess and rebounding skills as he was for his unconventional behavior. Rodman wore unconventional outfits, including a white wedding dress, had frequent altercations with referees and teammates, and engaged in off-c court antics that consistently drew media attention. One notable incident occurred in 1996 when Rodman headbutted referee Ted Burnhard after an ejection, resulting in a six-game suspension. Despite his controversial persona, Rodman’s defensive skills and rebounding ability kept him in demand, highlighting how exceptional talent can sometimes outweigh problematic behavior in professional sports. Even the greatest players haven’t been immune to controversy. Kobe Bryant faced a high-profile assault allegation in 2003, which brought significant media scrutiny. Additionally, his public feud with teammate Shaquille O’Neal in the early 2000s contributed to team dysfunction with the Los Angeles Lakers. While the assault case was dropped when the accuser refused to testify, it damaged Bryant’s public image for a time. The feud with O’Neal led to O’Neal’s trade from the Lakers in 2004, altering the team’s championship trajectory. Unlike some of the other players we’ve discussed, Bryant did not face NBA suspensions for these issues. But the controversies nonetheless shaped his career narrative. Charles Barkley, one of the most charismatic figures in NBA history, was no stranger to controversy either. Barkley was involved in several controversial incidents, including spitting on a young girl during a game in 1991, engaging in oncourt fights, and making provocative statements in a Nike commercial where he famously proclaimed, “I am not a role model.” His outspoken personality often led to tensions with fans, coaches, and the media. Barkley faced short suspensions and fines for his encourt actions, but his career was not significantly derailed. The spitting incident drew widespread criticism, but Barklay’s charisma and basketball talent allowed him to maintain his status as one of the league’s most beloved figures despite his polarizing nature. The impact of Morance’s behavior extends beyond personal consequences. In February 2025, the Grizzlies made significant roster changes, trading Marcus Smart to the Washington Wizards and Jake Laravia to the Sacramento Kings as part of a three-team deal. While these trades were officially attributed to injury concerns and salary cap management, they reflect the organization’s broader efforts to reshape the team amid various challenges, including perhaps the need to create a more stable environment around their star player. What sets the John Morance situation apart from many of his controversial predecessors is timing. Morance’s issues have emerged early in his career when he’s still establishing his legacy in the league. Players like Kobe Bryant and Charles Barkley faced their most significant controversies after already establishing themselves as premier talents, which likely influenced how the public and the league responded to their actions. For Morant, the question isn’t just about rehabilitation, but about defining who he will be as a player in person. Will he follow the path of someone like Ron Artest, who despite rehabilitating his image, never fully escaped the shadow of his most infamous moment? or will he take after players like Kobe Bryant who managed to overcome controversy and craft a legacy defined more by onc court excellence and late career maturity than by early missteps. Thank you for watching. If you enjoyed watching this video, click on one of the boxes playing on your screen to watch more similar content.

Ja Morant Officially Leaving The Memphis Grizzlies After Doing Banned Celebrations