NBA star Ja Morant is in trouble again after appearing on video holding a gun for the second time since March.
The Memphis Grizzlies guard is suspended from team activities and received an eight-game suspension for a similar incident during the season.
It is not the first or second time that Morant has been in the news for his behavior.
And a former NFL MVP says Morant’s entourage is to blame for that.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies against the Golden State Warriors in Game 3 of the NBA Western Conference semifinals at the Chase Center on May 7, 2022 in San Francisco. (Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
«When I look at Ja, I’m looking at a guy I don’t blame. I get a f—ing buck. I blame the boy from home, the dad, the girlfriend, whatever mate is around at any time.» . point in time. Bro, check that son of a bitch. Go through it and say, ‘Listen dog, what are you doing?'» Cam Newton said in a video. posted on Twitter.
“The label should be, ‘Keep the main thing the main thing.’ If he’s a basketball player, make sure the ass of him keeps the basketball first… If that’s ever jeopardized or compromised, what’s he doing as plus one or plus two? homeboy in his eyes and say, ‘Brother, you’re freaking out, brother…’ If you can’t control that person and let him know, ‘Brother, what are you up to, that m— is pathetic as m- –.’ «
HALL OF FAMER REGGIE MILLER REVEALS WHICH NBA PLAYOFF TEAM IS ON ‘LIFE SUPPORT’
Newton said it is «the job of Morant’s friends and family to protect the person who provides» lavish perks, such as flights, hotels and tickets to his games.
«I’m talking to the guy at home, I’m talking to the girl at home, I’m talking to the girlfriend, I’m talking to the brother, the sister who sees a monster and you don’t say m—. He’s got $20 million a year in game that they’re in danger, just to keep my nose clean? You’re absolutely right, it’s my job to protect this young man,» Newton added.
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant handles the ball in the second half of a game against the Portland Trail Blazers on April 4, 2023 in Memphis. (AP Photo/Brandon Dill)
«I pray that Ja has a circle around him that can protect him in those situations,» Newton added at the conclusion of the video.
Fellow NBA player Patrick Beverley said in March that Morant’s behavior was rooted in «fatherhood» and music.
«I think music has a lot to do with it now,» he said. «Especially with this culture. Everyone with a gun in the video is fine… The culture now is, ‘Shoot ‘em, bang bang, bang bang, shoot ‘em, bow down, I’ve got this much money, I’m on private jets,'» that’s what the younger generation is. Sadly, it should be based on our music, but it’s mostly based on what we listen to, and it is.»
Morant has been in the spotlight throughout the course of the season due to various reports accusing him of wrongdoing. He was never charged in any of the incidents, but it all came to a boil earlier this year when he was seen allegedly brandishing a gun at a Denver nightclub.
Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts during Game 1 of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 16, 2023 at the FedEx Forum in Memphis. (Joe Murphy/NBAE via Getty Images)
morant checked into a clinic for stress management after the Denver incident. After the Grizzlies were knocked out of the playoffs, he acknowledged that his off-court incidents were likely a distraction.
One of Morant’s off-court issues involved another NBA team. The Indiana Pacers claimed that an altercation involving Morant and his associates in January affected the team.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
During the alleged incident, a red laser was pointed at Pacers players from a van carrying Morant. The Pacers believed a gun was being pointed at them and reported the incident to NBA officials.
The NBA investigated the incident and found that no «individual threatened others with a weapon.»
Fox News’ Ryan Gaydos and Joe Morgan contributed to this report.