Ja Morant AND one of the most explosive and talented young players with the best vision of the game NBA. The 23-year-old point guard, one of the big stars of Memphishe has everything to shine and make his mark in the most competitive basketball in the world. But in recent weeks there has been more talk of his “indiscretions” off the pitch than of his performances on the parquet, because he was involved in a series of controversial situations for which he said he regretted.

“Honestly, I think we put ourselves in that situation with our past mistakes, and now the right thing to do is focus on being smarter and more responsible, making ourselves responsible for everything” commented the player, referring to him and his inner circle, in a chat with ESPNafter leaving the consultancy program in which he spent about ten days and after the championship imposed an eight-game ban on him, without salary.

“I feel like in the past I didn’t know what was at stake. And now, finally having that alone time, I realize what I might have lost. Basically, I have to be more responsible, smarter, and stay out of bad decisions,” He continued. ​

The scandal surrounding Morant erupted in the early morning of March 4, when, after the game lost by Memphis Denver as a visitor, the base did an Instagram live broadcast from a nightclub in that city, while holding a firearm.

In the following days it was learned that he had already visited that place a few days earlier, after a clash between the grizzly and the Rockets In houston; time she paid $900 for the VIP lounge, hired a stripper, and splurged (one pic shows the place covered in a mattress of cash). In addition, other controversies from the past have returned to the collective memory, such as a complaint filed several months ago by a 17-year-old boy, who accused him of hitting him in the middle of a fight and threatening him with a weapon.

“Most things that happened in the past, Obviously, I looked them up myself while thereMorant acknowledged. “But of all the incidents that have been talked about recently, most are lies. I can’t talk too much about those situations because they are all sealed. I can’t wait to finally tell the truth. But what I can say is that none of this is my character.”

About the gun video in the Denver club, he explained: “The gun wasn’t mine, I don’t even know how it got into my hand. I’m not like that. I do not condone violence of any kind, but I take full responsibility for my actions. I made a mistake. I can see the picture I’ve painted of myself with my recent mistakes. But in the future, I’m going to show everyone who Ja really is and change this narrative that everyone has.”

And he assured that his decision to make that live broadcast on Instagram was “more than anything trying to be free.”

“I used it as an escape, which I shouldn’t have. I feel like that’s why I’ve made a lot of bad decisions in the past. But that doesn’t describe Ja as a person. I’m a totally different person than what was shown from the media. That’s my job now. That’s why I took that time, to become a better Ja, so that everyone can see who Ja really is,” he said.

Who was he Rookie of the year in 2020 and played the all Stars in 2022 and 2023 he revealed that during the days he spent in Florida the counseling program had sessions with therapists and worked on stress management techniques, such as reiki and breathing exercises.

“I feel mentally good, like I haven’t felt in years since I entered the league,” said Morant, the second overall pick in the 2019 Memphis draft. “I’m in a space where I feel very comfortable. I took those days so I could learn to be there for myself and learn different ways to handle stress in a positive way.”

“I deserve this punishment for my mistakes”

Morant had a meeting with Adam Silver, commissioner of the NBA, after leaving the advisory center. Soon after, the league announced his eight-game suspension, which includes the five games he’d already missed due to a ban imposed by his own club – against CuttersTHE lakersGolden State and two against Dallas-, in addition to the one that was played on Wednesday against Miami and those that will be played on Friday against spurs and on Saturday before warriors.

“Ja Morant’s conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous. It also has serious consequences for his huge following, particularly among young idol fans. He expressed sincere remorse for his behavior and made it clear that he learned from that and he understands his duties and responsibilities to the Grizzlies and the NBA in general,” Silver explained.

The player recounted: “The conversation with Adam was good, quite open. Obviously, he told me things I need to improve on, but he showed me his support. I accepted it and I also sent my apologies to everyone: to the league, myself, my teammates, my family — for putting that negativity on all of us.”

The point guard will be eligible for next Monday’s duel against Mavericks. But she assured that she needs to take some time to prepare for the return. And since he won’t be able to rejoin the squad until Monday and he hasn’t practiced or played during his time in Florida, he’ll return to practice that day and return to competition a few games later.

“I put my team in a difficult situation by not being able to be on the pitch because of my bad decisions,” he acknowledged. “I’m sorry for all of this. I can’t wait to go back, knowing what my punishment is. I accept it and I feel I deserve that punishment for my mistakes and what I did. But when I come back, I’ll be ready to fight for a ring.”