Grizzlies change road trip plans after Jay Morant gun video

NBA

as if Justin Tash

March 19, 2023 | 1:27 p.m

With concerns about the Memphis Grizzlies’ behavior on the road, the team has taken steps to determine how many players can be out during the trip.

Following the suspension of Grizzlies star Jay Morant for brandishing a gun at a Colorado strip club on Instagram Live, The Athletic reports the team is heading home immediately after more road games, especially from “glitter” cities like Miami.

The Athletic’s Shams Charania reported two weeks ago that veteran Steven Adams told teammates they “need to show better discipline on the road” about the team’s nightlife habits at a players-only meeting.

Morant, 23, was suspended for eight games by the NBA on Wednesday for a video of the shooting that included the five games he missed.

He’s eligible to return Monday, but Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said that’s unlikely because Morant needs time to get up to speed on his return.

Photos by Post Morant in Glendale, Colo. Inside Shotgun Willie gets a lap dance, with cash on the floor and furniture in the VIP room.

Morant said during a sit-down with Post-Renaissance Man columnist Jalen Rose on ESPN on Wednesday that the gun was not his.

“I’m not who I am,” Morant told Rose. “I do not accept any violence, but I take responsibility for my actions.”

Morant spent March 4 in Florida’s counseling program after walking away from the team.

The All-Star guard is accused of repeatedly hitting a 17-year-old boy in the head during a pickup game at Morant’s home over the summer.

Morant then allegedly left the home with a handgun in his waistband.

In a separate incident over the summer, the head of security at a Memphis mall told police Morant “intimidated” him during an argument in the parking lot.

“I’m going to show everyone who I am and change this narrative that no one has painted on me,” Morant told Rose.

“I realized that I have a lot of kids who look up to me, even some adults, a lot of fans and my past mistakes as a good role model. So, I just have to be better in that area, be more responsible, be smarter and make better decisions,” he said.