N.B.A. Suspends Ja Morant for 25 Games After Second Gun Video

The N.B.A. suspended Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant for 25 games without pay to start the 2023-24 season after a league investigation found that he had posed with a gun in a video streamed on social media for the second time in just over two months.

After the first video, in March, the N.B.A. suspended Morant for eight games, and he apologized. He apologized again after the second video, in May.

“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,” N.B.A. Commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement. “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.”

Silver continued: “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.”

In a statement, Morant apologized and said he would work on his mental health and decision-making.

“I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done,” Morant said. “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.”

He added: “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.”

This is a breaking story. It will be updated.