Ja Morant uses new grenade celebration after gun controversy
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Ja Morant got in some hot water last week with the NBA over his recent finger gun celebrations.

He used a new celebration on Tuesday night with what appeared to be a new pretend weapon.

During the game where the Grizzlies beat the Hornets 124-100, Morant made a 3-point shot in the third quarter. Afterward, he gestured as if he was pulling the pin from a grenade and then hurling it towards the lower seating area at the Spectrum Center.

Morant then covered his ears as he went back to play defense.

Last week, Morant used a finger gun celebration during a game and was then warned by the league over the gesture.


Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies is defended by Tidjane Salaun #31 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of a basketball game at Spectrum Center on April 08, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ja Morant is defended by Tidjane Salaun during the Grizzlies’ 124-120 win over the Hornets on April 8, 2025. Getty Images

But later that week, Morant did a gun celebration again and was subsequently fined $75,000 by the NBA.

“Morant was previously warned by the league office that this gesture could be interpreted in a negative light,” the league said in a statement. 

“I’m kind of used to it,” Morant said after Thursday’s win about being a “villain.”


Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies drives by KJ Simpson #25 of the Charlotte Hornets during the first half of a basketball game at Spectrum Center on April 8, 2025 in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Ja Morant drives on KJ Simpson during the first half of the Grizzlies’ win over the Hornets. Getty Images

He expressed his feelings about being portrayed as a villain for the past two years, stating that any little negative comment about him quickly spreads. Morant added that he has reached a point where he no longer cares about such criticisms.

In 2023, Morant faced two suspensions. The first suspension was a result of a video where he was seen holding a gun during an Instagram Live session outside a strip club in Denver, leading to an eight-game ban.

When he brandished a weapon during another video in May, he earned a 25-game suspension.

Celebration or not, Morant had a big night on Tuesday with 28 points, eight assists and five rebounds in Memphis’ victory.

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