Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant Fined for Repeating ‘Gun Gesture’ Despite Warning

The NBA said Morant was being fined “for twice making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court.”

Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Despite receiving a proper warning, Ja Morant made a gun gesture with his fingers in his team’s 110-108 victory over the Miami Heat on Thursday. The NBA fined Memphis Grizzlies star $75,000 for his controversial celebration. Morant performed the same celebration against the Warriors and the league issued a warning.

The NBA said Morant was being fined “for twice making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court.” The Memphis All-Star involved in gun celebration with Warriors guard Buddy Hield on Tuesday and later, repeated the same celebration after two days.

The following was released by the NBA: pic.twitter.com/rQfUDpj1Ao
— NBA Communications (@NBAPR) April 4, 2025

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

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Ja Morant hit a 3-pointer in the first quarter against the Heat. The Grizzlies star turned and made the gesture using both hands. Later, he highlighted a buzzer-beater to help Memphis snap a four-game losing skid.

Morant was aware of the criticism and he triggered the league by saying that he doesn’t care and he is kind of used to it.

“I’m kind of used to it,” Morant said after the win in Miami. “I was pretty much a villain for two years now. Every little thing, if somebody can say something negative about me, it’s going to be out there. So, yeah, I don’t care no more.”

Stephen A. Smith calls NBA investigation on Ja Morant “unnecessary”

ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith opened up on Ja Morant and the league’s approach towards the gun gesture. Smith feels that an investigation on the issue is unnecessary. The ESPN commentator dropped his opinion on Shams Charania’s report that the league was looking into the incident and would talk to everyone involved.

Come on @NBA — and the rest of us. Totally unnecessary. Let @JaMorant play in peace. Let’s not look for things. The playoffs are about to begin. Let’s enjoy the games. Morant didn’t do anything flagrant. Folks are reaching now. https://t.co/cmeWaGgYBu
— Stephen A Smith (@stephenasmith) April 2, 2025

“Come on NBA — and the rest of us. Totally unnecessary,” Stephen A. Smith said on Shams Charania’s report on Ja Morant. “Let Ja Morant play in peace. Let’s not look for things. The playoffs are about to begin. Let’s enjoy the games. Morant didn’t do anything flagrant. Folks are reaching now.”

As per reports, Morant could be suspended yet again and it can hurt the Memphis Grizzlies ahead of the NBA playoffs. The Grizzlies are fighting for the direct qualification and if they drop couple of games, they might slip to Play-In tournament.

Mandatory Credit: Petre Thomas-Imagn Images

Ja Morant

Memphis Grizzlies

NBA 2024-25

Gulshan Sharma

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A native of Jaipur, Rajasthan, journalist, and a complete soccer and basketball fan, he found the huge interest with basketball by watching videos of Allen Iverson and Tony Parker, but fell head over heels in love with the sport during the Warriors’ championship era (2015-2018). A sports game addict since his late PS1, he’s also passionate about the Eagles, Inter Miami and the Fever. He’s fortunate to have seen all his favorite teams win championships. He also has a special love for cricket and football (soccer), where he is a fan of Royal Challengers Bangalore and Barcelona.