Ja Morant has escaped a potentially-lengthy NBA ban after police concluded there was no evidence to charge the Memphis Grizzlies star with any crime.
Morant was suspended for posting a video on social media - allegedly showing him flashing a gun while posing in a club on Friday night. Morant is yet to feature for the Grizzlies since the video was posted, and the NBA and police are still investigating the matter.
Carrying a gun is allowed in Colorado, although there are some exceptions to the rule. But NBA rules prohibit a player from possessing any firearm while on team property or traveling with the team, meaning Morant could have been in hot water if it was determined he took the gun on the team bus or while with the team.
Morant wasn't alone in the video, as he was seen partying with others at a venue police determined to be 'Shotgun Willie's', a venue in Glendale which calls itself a 'gentleman's club', and is situated in an area known for its strip clubs and shopping centres. Glendale Police Department issued a statement on Wednesday evening to confirm no charges were being issued.
The statement read: "On March 4, 2023, the Glendale Police Department was alerted by members of the media of a video circulating on the internet that involved a prominent NBA player singing and holding what appeared to be a firearm by the butt end of a gun for several seconds. Through investigation, the GPD was able to determine the incident took place at Shotgun Willies, located in the City of Glendale, during the club's lawful operating hours. GPD was not able to determine that probable cause existed for the filing of any charges.
"In this case, it should be noted that on the night in question the GPD did not receive any calls for service at the nightclub regarding a weapon of any type. Subsequently, no disturbances were reported, and no citizens or patrons of the club came forward to make a complaint. The investigation also concluded that no one was threatened or menaced with the firearm and in fact no firearm was ever located.
"Although the video was concerning enough to prompt an investigation, there was not enough available evidence to charge anyone with a crime. Under our justice system all persons are presumed innocent until proven otherwise."
The 2019 NBA Draft second overall pick was originally going to be away from the team for some time in the aftermath of the incident as the NBA conducted an investigation of its own. Despite carrying a firearm being legal in Colorado, police still conducted an investigation.
Morant released a statement of apology on Saturday following the incident, which read: "I take full responsibility for my actions last night. I’m sorry to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire Grizzlies organisation for letting you down.
"I’m going to take some time away to get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being." Morant's plea was backed by his sponsor, Nike, who also broke their silence on the athlete.
"We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support his prioritisation of his well-being," the company’s statement said.
Morant is one of the best rising talents in the NBA, and has a $200million contract with the Grizzlies. The 23-year-old has been tipped as a future MVP winner, and is averaging 27.1 points per game in the 2022/23 NBA season.
