Tee Morant, the father of Grizzlies star Ja Morant addressed his son’s off-court troubles while talking to a group of youth basketball players in New Orleans.
Tee Morant made a visit to the Up Next Elite Camp, where he was asked about how to handle when people are talking about you in the media.
Morant began his speech by saying he was “speaking for my son” and then talked about the importance of making the right decisions and being mindful of your surroundings at all times.
The 24-year-old NBA player’s 25-game suspension came after two separate incidents of Ja Morant flashing a gun on Instagram Live.
He was suspended following the second offense. “Morant wielded the firearm while knowing that he was being recorded and that the recording was being live streamed on Instagram Live, despite having made commitments to the NBA and public statements that he would not repeat the conduct for which he was previously disciplined,” the NBA said of his suspension.
His father didn’t seem to pacify his son, instead, he appeared to say that he thinks it’s his son’s own cross to bear.
“Make sure anytime y’all anywhere, know the capabilities of everybody around you,” the father explained. He continued, describing how he feels as though Ja’s mistakes were his, and his alone. “My son didn’t get in trouble for the people around him, he got in trouble for his decisions, so, always be mindful of every decision y’all [are making]. Because, it could pretty much, take over you and can consume you and make you think that you’re who you’re not.”
“Any time y’all are anywhere,” he continued, “just think everything is looking at you, everything is magnified.” “The smallest thing you can do can make the biggest difference in your life,” he ended.
Ja Morant will become eligible to return to the NBA in December and has lost a third of the season and more than $7.5 million.
