Ja Morant’s New Celebration Sparks Controversy After Fine

MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has adopted a new celebration following a hefty fine for a previous gesture deemed inappropriate by the NBA. After being penalized $75,000 for mimicking an imaginary gun, Morant has switched to pretending to throw a grenade to celebrate three-pointers, saying, “That’s my celebration now until somebody else has a problem with it.” The decision comes as Memphis struggles in the playoff race, currently sitting seventh in the Western Conference.

The 25-year-old’s modified gesture made its debut on April 9 against the Charlotte Hornets, where he mimicked pulling the pin from a grenade and throwing it into the stands, covering his ears for the imaginary explosion. Morant continued this celebration on April 10 during a loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, marking his first use of this move since he was fined a week prior.

Morant faced scrutiny after the league’s decision on April 4, pointing to previous incidents when he was also sanctioned for firearm-related behavior. He received a 25-game suspension at the start of the 2023-24 season and an eight-game suspension for similar conduct. “I wasn’t surprised, just for showing people what’s pretty much been evident for the last two years,” Morant stated after the fine.

His teammate, Santi Aldama, commented on the new celebration, saying, “I would have [changed celebrations] too. Anything that benefits him saving his money, I’m all for it, honestly.” Though Morant’s new celebration avoids direct reference to firearms, critics like TNT analyst Kenny Smith are concerned about the implications of the gesture given Morant’s controversial history. Smith remarked, “He has a history that maybe he shouldn’t be doing that.”nShaquille O’Neal suggested that Morant is fully aware of the attention his choices garner, while Charles Barkley hinted at the frustrations that may come from the Grizzlies’ former head coach, Taylor Jenkins, who was dismissed in March.

The Grizzlies’ recent loss to the Timberwolves has heightened discussions about their playoff prospects, with only two games remaining in the regular season against playoff contenders the Denver Nuggets and Dallas Mavericks. As Morant navigates this tumultuous period, his new celebration might bring him more scrutiny amidst rising concerns regarding his behavior on and off the court.