Ja Morant Faces False Rumors of Gun Use on Social Media Video
Memphis Grizzlies’ star player, Ja Morant, has once again found himself at the center of controversy due to false rumors spreading on social media. A parody page on Twitter, known for its satirical content, accused Morant of using a liquor bottle in a manner resembling a firearm in a video. However, it is important to note that the footage is actually from February 2022, during All-Star Weekend in Cleveland.
The video in question shows Morant holding a Clase Azul Reposado bottle, which some fans interpreted as mimicking the use of a gun. However, the video was recorded months ago during Morant’s trip to Cleveland with his family, and he may have been merely showcasing different angles of the distinctively shaped bottle. The lack of specific details provided by the parody page contributed to the misconception that the video was recent.
Additionally, the audio in the video was manipulated to create the false impression that Morant confessed to being a thug. In reality, Morant was playing J.Cole’s song GOMD, which includes the lyrics, This is the part that the thugs skip. The song then transitioned to J.Cole’s No Role Modelz. The misleading audio further fueled the false rumors.
It is worth mentioning that Morant has previously faced disciplinary action from the NBA for similar incidents involving guns. In March, he received an eight-game suspension after brandishing a gun during an Instagram Live video inside a nightclub in Denver. And in May, a second incident occurred when Morant was filmed inside a vehicle, leading to a 25-game suspension at the start of this season.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver expressed his concern, saying, 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. However, since then, Morant has been actively working on self-improvement and mental health to set a positive example moving forward.
In a heartfelt statement, Morant apologized to the NBA, the Memphis Grizzlies organization, his teammates, and the city of Memphis. He also acknowledged his responsibility as a role model, saying, To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. Morant expressed deep regret and gratitude for the opportunity to be a professional athlete, vowing to learn from his mistakes and make better choices in the future.
While false rumors and misinformation can quickly spread on social media, it is essential to verify information before jumping to conclusions. In this case, the parody page’s false rumors regarding Ja Morant’s alleged gun use have been debunked as outdated footage from February 2022. It serves as a reminder to approach social media content with caution and to rely on accurate information from reliable sources.
