Kevin Garnett and Tony Allen warn Ja Morant that he has to ‘put yourself around better to do better’

Former NBA stars Kevin Garnett and Tony Allen have become the latest names to deliver their opinions on Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant and his suspension.

The 23-year-old Morant was hit with the 25-game ban earlier this month after two incidents in as many months of him appearing to brandish a gun on camera. First, he filmed himself holding a pistol in a Denver strip club and later was filmed holding what appeared to be a weapon in a car with a friend. 

Morant later posted footage claiming that the alleged gun in the second video was fake and instead a lighter. 

In both instances, Morant was not charged with a crime, following police investigations. 

Both Garnett and Allen offered advice to Morant to be careful about the company he keeps following his suspension. 

Former NBA stars Kevin Garnett (left) and Tony Allen (right) offered advice to Ja Morant

It has been well documented Morant was suspended for after allegedly showing guns online

See also  Cold case homicide victim with 'charred' torso and severed limbs found in 1979 is identified

‘You don’t get to pick and choose when you wanna be a professional, young fella,’ Garnett said on KG Certified. 

‘You gotta do better. You gotta put yourself around better to do better.’ 

Allen, who played alongside Garnett with the Boston Celtics, weighed in as well saying: ‘He gotta get the right people around him.

‘I know that sound cliche, but more so than anything, you need some cats around you that’s gon’ let you know when you wrong, when you bogus.’

The NBA Players Association strongly disagreed with the suspension who released a statement saying in part that the suspension was ‘excessive and inappropriate for a number of reasons,’ while leaving the door open that they may takes steps to fight the harsh suspension.

But in a statement, commissioner Adam Silver condemned Morant’s actions saying that they could leave an impression on young people to act in a similar manner.

‘Ja Morant’s decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games,’ Silver said in the statement.

Morant has been suspended 25 games by the NBA after this firearm incident back in May 

‘The potential for other young people to emulate Ja’s conduct is particularly concerning.

‘Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated.

‘For Ja, basketball needs to take a back seat at this time. Prior to his return to play, he will be required to formulate and fulfill a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior.’

Morant released a statement of his own, saying, ‘I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt 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 have supported me – I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done.

‘To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all of my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands.

Back in March, Morant appeared to hold up a gun in an Instagram Live video at a Denver club

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

‘I’m spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision making.

‘I’m also going to be training so that I’m ready to go when I can be back on the court. I know my teammates are going to hold it down and I’m so sorry I won’t be out there with you at the beginning of the season.

‘I hope you’ll give me the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.’