Grizzlies Suspend Morant for Game Due to Detrimental Conduct
The Memphis Grizzlies have suspended point guard Ja Morant for one game due to conduct detrimental to the team. This decision, made public on Saturday, follows a postgame exchange between first-year head coach Tuomas Iisalo and Morant after a disappointing 117-112 loss to the Los Angeles Lakers.
Details of the Suspension
The incident occurred when Coach Iisalo challenged Morant regarding his leadership and effort, leading to an exchange that sources describe as inappropriate and dismissive. This confrontation took place in front of the entire team.
Performance and Reactions
- Morant scored a season-low eight points in the game, shooting only 3-of-14 from the field.
- He also recorded seven assists but was terse when discussing his observations from the game.
- When asked about his performance, he suggested, “According to [the coaching staff], probably don’t play me, honestly.”
Coaching Changes
Tuomas Iisalo took over head coaching duties from Taylor Jenkins, who was unexpectedly fired late last season. Reports indicate that Jenkins’ dismissal was partly due to concerns that he had lost the locker room.
Upcoming Game and Morant’s History
The Grizzlies are scheduled to face the Toronto Raptors in an away game on Sunday. This suspension adds to a series of disciplinary actions Morant has faced during his career.
- In 2023, Morant was suspended twice for incidents involving firearms, costing him 33 games and approximately $8.3 million in salary.
- He was fined $75,000 last season for making an inappropriate gesture related to firearms during celebrations.
Contract and Season Statistics
Morant is currently in the third year of a five-year, $197.2 million contract, earning about $39.4 million this season. Throughout six games, he has averaged 20.8 points and has seen his playing time reduced to a career-low of 28.5 minutes per game.
