Former NBA player and current mental health advocate Royce White recently criticised Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant for his online conduct. White took issue with a video of Ja Morant playing with a toy gun while at a strip club that he posted on his Instagram account.
Royce White slammed Ja Morant’s actions in a series of tweets, saying they convey the wrong message to young people, especially young black guys. He said that if black people behave in a way that supports unfavourable assumptions about the community, they cannot demand an end to police abuse and shootings.
White’s comments generated a discussion regarding the relationship between racial culture and gun culture on social media, and many people sided with his position. Some people also drew attention to Morant’s hypocrisy in acting in a way that goes against his earlier advocacy for social justice concerns.
Royce White calls out Ja Morant
“This is not something that black people should be onboard with. We can't cry about 'Black Lives Matter' and the police using fatal force and shooting us in the streets but we drink alcohol at the strip club and play with a gun.”
(Via Fearless) pic.twitter.com/u42Ec6P8jj
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 7, 2023Royce White’s remarks have not yet received a response from Ja Morant. His actions have, however, brought up significant concerns about the obligation that athletes, particularly those with huge social media fan bases, have to set a good example for their supporters and the larger community.
This incident also highlights the ongoing need for constructive conversations about race and gun culture in America. While there are no easy answers, it is important to continue to have these conversations and work towards a society that is safe and equitable for all.
Ja Morant apologizes and seeks help after suspension for IG live video showing gun
The Memphis Grizzlies’ second-year guard Ja Morant apologised following his suspension for a contentious Instagram Live video that purported to show him carrying a gun. Morant expressed his regret for disappointing his family, friends, teammates, coaches, supporters, and the entire Grizzlies organisation in his apology, taking full responsibility for his conduct. He also expressed regret to Memphis and his business partners.
Ja Morant continued by stating that he intended to take a break from the game to seek assistance, work on improved stress management techniques, and generally take care of his overall well-being. The in-issue video showed Morant and his friends in a hotel room, and as he was streaming live, it appeared that he was handling a gun. The footage alarmed many fans and members of the media, even after Morant later emphasised that the gun was fake.
The Grizzlies organisation said that Ja Morant would have to finish additional safety and education training in addition to his one-game suspension for breaking the league’s health and safety rules. Morant returned to participate in the Grizzlies’ next game after serving his suspension.
In Case You Missed It:
Keyshawn Johnson STRONGLY believes Ja Morant should learn ethics from LeBron James and Kevin Durant
ncG1vNJzZmiemafAtb%2FPqKmtsl6YvK57zZuYZqaVrMBuss6rpJ6qXaOvonnPpZiynaJiv7DFwp5ksKCZqbJur9Giq6Kbma%2BytHnJmmSmp6KWu7W%2FjKilpaGemnqku82drJysXai9or7KrGSdoaOYwrS%2FyKilZqeeYr%2Bir8RmmKecXZzCr3nCrqOtraKafA%3D%3D