Ja Morant is making one thing clear — the gun he flashed in a Colorado strip club was NOT his — but as far as whose weapon it was, the NBA star is remaining tight-lipped.
The Grizzlies guard sat down for a one-on-one interview with ESPN’s Jalen Rose on Wednesday — shortly after his 8-game suspension was announced — and he was asked straight-up who owned the gun he showed off on Instagram Live on March 4.
“The gun wasn’t mine,” Morant said. “It’s not who I am. I don’t condone any type of violence, but I take full responsibility for my actions.”
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“I made a bad mistake and I can see the image I painted over myself with my recent mistakes,” he added. “But, in the future, I will show everybody who Ja really is, what I’m about and change this narrative.”
Morant — who hasn’t played for the Grizzlies since March 3 — said he’s been in a good mental place following the incident … and he spent his time away from the game speaking with therapists, getting reiki treatment and working on anxiety breathing to help deal with stress.
Ja Morant sat down with @JalenRose in an exclusive interview about the incident that led to his suspension and his path forward. pic.twitter.com/t1WwL5dvrQ
— ESPN (@espn) March 15, 2023
@espn
Morant added he realized he needed help when he made the video … and his daughter inspired him to open up about his issues with professionals.
The All-Star also discussed his meeting with Adam Silver … and he said it was a productive conversation, as the commish voiced support for him.
Morant says he still takes pride in being a role model … saying, “I realize I have a lot of kids who look up to me. Even probably some adults, a lot of fans.”
“I realize my past mistakes isn’t being a good role model. So, just gotta be better in that area and be more responsible, be smarter and make better decisions.”