JJ Redick bangs desk in passionate tirade about Ja Morant
Former NBA player and analyst JJ Redick passionately railed against Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant and gun control in the United States on First Take.
The 38-year-old offered his thoughts on the Grizzlies’ recent incident with Morant, arguing that harsh punishment might not be the best route.
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Redick was at First Take on Wednesday alongside Russo, Molly and Smith.
Russo felt Morant should receive a serious suspension for about 40 games, or half the season.
The former NBA star refuted this and passionately railed against basketball and politics in the USA.
“I don’t condone the behavior. I’m not saying there shouldn’t be punishment. There should be consequences,” Redick explained.
“You are the face of the league. They represent the NBA. You are a role model for young children – all of that.”
“I don’t believe [getting suspended for] Half the season is the right answer.”
He then criticizes politicians and the “gun culture” of the United States for how it has allowed society to accept guns as acceptable.
“In our country, gun culture is ubiquitous at the moment. We have mass shooting after mass shooting and nobody is doing anything about it. So I understand why everyone is sensitive right now,” Redick said.
“But that has no consequences for us.” [Texas Gov.] Greg Abbott tells his constituents to buy more guns and then there will be mass shootings after mass shootings in Texas.”
“There is no consequence when an elected official from Tennessee sends his young family a Christmas card with an AR-15 and a shooting ensues in his county.”
“There are no consequences. So why are we trying to convict a 23 year old who broke no law!? Explain that to me!”
Apparently excited, Redick bangs the table at the end of the tirade.
Morant is currently under investigation by the NBA after a recent video surfaced on Instagram Live of him holding a gun.
Morant is expected to face a “substantial” suspension for the 2023-24 NBA season, but no official decisions have been made by league offices.
NBA Commissioner Adam Silver raised the issue Tuesday night at the draft lottery in an interview with ESPN’s Malika Andrews.
“Honestly I was shocked when I saw this video this weekend,” Silver said.
“We are investigating and will find out what exactly happened as best we can.”
Morant released a statement accepting full responsibility for his actions.
“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me,” Morant said.
“This is a journey and I am aware that there is still a lot to do. My words may not mean much right now, but I take full responsibility for my actions.”
“I am determined to keep working on myself.”