Matt Barnes urges NBA players to not ‘tell on yourself and watch out for cameras’ after Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant posed with a gun at a Colorado strip club
Former NBA player Matt Barnes has offered some rather simplistic advice to both Ja Morant and the broader playing cohort.
Speaking to TMZ, Barnes – who has had his fair share of controversial incidences – implored players to be aware of their surroundings, and to not snitch on themselves.
‘Don’t tell on yourself and watch out for cameras,’ Barnes said. ‘The second you step out of your house you’re being recorded these days. So just stay cognizant and be aware of your surroundings.’
Morant spoke publicly for the first time since he was seen brandishing a gun at a Denver-area strip club, this week, acknowledging he made a ‘bad mistake.’
The former No. 2 overall pick underwent counseling during his absence from the NBA. Morant last played for the Grizzlies on March 3, and was suspended by the league Wednesday for eight games without pay – with the five he’s missed so far counted in the suspension.
Former NBA player & current NBA media personality Matt Barnes advised Ja Morant Saturday
Morant appeared to hold up a gun in an Instagram Live video after a loss to the Nuggets
While it’s not immediately clear when Morant will return to the court, he spoke about his actions to ESPN in an interview with Jalen Rose.
‘I love Ja. I love what he brings to the table. Got a little ahead of himself, that happens when you’re young and the world [is] at the palm of your hand.’
‘I just want to send him love. Let him know we love him. We miss him and we need him back.’
While Morant is eligible to play as early as Monday, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins already has indicated that he’s not expected to play in that game, according Tim Reynolds of the Associated Press.
Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins said on Monday night, before his team played Dallas Mavericks: ‘There are a lot of internal dialogues going on and obviously there’s still things going on at the league level that we’re in communication with.
‘Ja’s fully engaged in this process and ready for whatever comes next.’
The former No. 2 pick is eligible to return from an NBA-imposed suspension as early as Monday
Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters that the organization talked to Morant about his off-the-court behavior before he posted a video of himself with a gun in a strip club
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