Ja Morant AVOIDS criminal charges after appearing to flash a gun in Colorado strip club

The Glendale Police Department of Colorado announced in a press release that Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant will not be charged with a crime. 

Earlier this week, it was announced that Morant was being investigated, but it appears that has now closed. 

‘On March 4, 2023, the Glendale Police Department was alerted by members of the media of video circulating on the internet that involved a prominent NBA player singing and holding what appeared to be a firearm by the butt end of a gun for several seconds,’ the release began.

‘Through investigation, the GPD was able to determine the incident took place at Shotgun Willies, located in the City of Glendale, during the club’s lawful operating hours.

‘GPD was not able to determine that probable cause existed for the filing of any charges. In this case, it should be noted that on the night in question, the GPD did not receive any calls for service at the nightclub regarding a weapon of any type.

‘Subsequently, no disturbances were reported, and no citizens or patrons of the club came forward to make a complaint. 

Ja Morant will not be charged with a gun crime by Glendale Police in Colorado

Ja Morant appeared to hold up a gun in an Instagram Live video in the early hours of last Saturday – following a game against the Memphis Grizzlies

‘The investigation also concluded that no one was threatened or menaced with the firearm and in fact no firearm was ever located.

‘Although the video was concerning enough to prompt an investigation, there was not enough available evidence to charge anyone with a crime. Under our justice system all persons are presumed innocent until proven otherwise.’ 

In the aftermath of the video’s release, Morant was suspended for two games by the Grizzlies. He later revealed that he would be ‘taking some time away’ from the team.

Per ESPN Adrian Wojnarowski, Morant will be absent from the team for at least the next four games.

While Morant now faces no local police charges, the NBA could still choose to punish him further. 

According to veteran NBA reporter Marc Stein, Morant could be suspended a mandated 50-games if it was proven there was a gun on NBA premises in violation of the CBA. 

The events of last weekend has led to the Grizzlies holding a ‘players-only meeting’ to discuss behavior on the road. 

After his suspension – and subsequent ‘time away’ was announced – Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins said the team was ‘not putting a timetable’ on his return.

After his suspension was announced, Morant said he would be ‘taking some time’ away

This incident comes after the revelation of a violent police report & a suit over an altercation

This gun incident comes in the aftermath of the revelation multiple police reports detailing behavior of Morant.

Last week, The Washington Post revealed that a 17-year-old told detectives from the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office that the point guard hit him ’12 to 13 times,’ adding that Morant’s friend struck him an additional ‘four to five times.’ 

Morant, 23, was sued in September for allegedly punching a Tennessee teenager in the face during a pickup game, but he claims he was acting in self defense.