Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has landed himself in controversy once again — this time for using finger-gun gestures during a game, an act the NBA deemed inappropriate considering his history. The league fined Morant $75,000 on Friday, following the Grizzlies’ nail-biting 110-108 win over the Miami Heat.
The punishment came just days after Morant was warned by the NBA that such gestures could be interpreted in a negative light, especially after his previous off-court incidents involving real firearms. Yet, during Thursday night’s matchup, Morant celebrated multiple three-pointers with finger-gun signals — mimicking a shooting motion directed toward the Memphis bench.
Past Controversies Come Back to Haunt
Ja Morant’s current fine doesn’t come in a vacuum. His history with gun-related incidents has been a point of concern for both fans and the NBA. In March 2023, Morant received an eight-game suspension without pay for flashing a handgun during an Instagram Live session while at a Denver nightclub.
Just months later, another video surfaced, showing him holding a firearm in a car, once again during a live stream. That incident resulted in a 25-game suspension to start the 2023-24 season and cost him millions in salary and endorsement opportunities. At that time, the league made it clear that repeat offenses would not be taken lightly.
Morant had apologized, claimed responsibility, and even sought counseling to address stress and decision-making. He publicly committed to improving his behavior and avoiding similar conduct in the future. But this recent gesture — though not involving a real weapon — was enough to spark another disciplinary response from the NBA.
On-Court Brilliance, Off-Court Distractions
Despite the controversy, Morant continues to deliver elite-level performances on the court. Against Miami, he led all scorers with 30 points, including a buzzer-beater to secure the Grizzlies’ win. After the game, when asked about the criticism, Morant responded with noticeable frustration:
“I’ve pretty much been a villain for two years now. Every little thing, if someone can say something negative about me, they will. So, yeah. I don’t care anymore.”
The NBA said the finger-gun gesture was used at least twice during the game, though many fans noticed it after each of his three made three-pointers. The third instance was not captured on the national broadcast. The league labeled the gesture “inappropriate” and emphasized that it had already issued a warning to Morant earlier in the week.
Looking Ahead
Morant, a two-time All-Star and the second overall pick in the 2019 NBA Draft, remains one of the most electrifying players in the league. But his off-court actions continue to cast a shadow over his on-court brilliance.
The Memphis Grizzlies currently sit 6th in the Western Conference with a 45-32 record and will face the Detroit Pistons in their next game. While fans are excited to watch Morant lead the charge, the NBA will surely continue to monitor his conduct closely.
If Morant wants to rewrite his narrative, he may need to do more than just hit game-winners — he’ll need to show growth beyond the hardwood.
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