Embattled Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant denies having an alcohol problem.
Morant’s eight-game NBA suspension for appearing to brandish a gun in a strip club on an Instagram Live video concluded Monday and he is expected to return to the court Wednesday night when the Grizzlies play the Rockets.
The NBA All-Star’s IG Live video came days the Washington Post published a lengthy story detailing several confrontations the NBA superstar has had off the court in the past year.
After the strip club video went viral and Morant was suspended, another video spread on social media allegedly showing Morant chugging tequila on an airplane.
Morant told reporters on Tuesday he does not have a problem with his alcohol consumption.
“I don’t have an alcohol problem, never had an alcohol problem,” Morant said.
Ja Morant told reporters Tuesday that he does not have an alcohol problem.Getty Images
The Post obtained exclusive photos of Morant at the strip club in Colorado, where he was getting a lap dance in a private room that was nearly entirely papered with dollar bills.
The owner of the strip club told The Post that Morant spent two nights out of three at the establishment, drinking the first night but abstaining from alcohol on the night that he appeared to flash the gun.
Tuesday, Morant told reporters his primary goal will be “keeping the main thing the main thing,” referring to focusing on basketball.
“Obviously, you know, I made mistakes in the past that caused a lot of negative attention, not only to me, but my family as well, my team, the organization, and I’m completely sorry for that,” he said.
“So, you know, my job now is, like I said, being more responsible, smarter, and don’t cause any [more off-court controversy] anymore.”
He said he will center his social media feeds around his basketball branding as opposed to his off-court social life.
Ja Morant was suspended eight games for flashing a gun at a strip club.Twitter DJ Akademiks @Akademiks
“I take responsibility for the decisions I made that pretty much hurt me to the core,” Morant said. “It’s a lot, but it’s an ongoing process.”
