Ja Morant says he ‘doesn’t have an alcohol problem’ and went to Florida ‘to learn how to manage stress’ after gun shame – admitting ‘it’s an ongoing process’ ahead of his anticipated NBA return
Ja Morant revealed he is still working to manage himself better upon his return to practice with the Memphis Grizzlies Tuesday.
The former No.2 overall pick described it as ‘an ongoing process’ when speaking to reporters ahead of a potential return Wednesday.
‘Obviously took that time to better myself, get in a better space mentally,’ Morant said, after spending 11 days in a Florida counseling facility this month.
‘It’s an ongoing process, a continued process for me. Obviously, I’ve been there for two weeks, but that doesn’t mean I’m completely better. So that’s an ongoing process for me that I’ve still been continuing since I’ve come out.’
Morant spoke publicly for the first time since concluding his eight-game suspension by the NBA.
Ja Morant returned to FedEx Forum Monday night after his highly publicized leave of absence
Morant, 23, found himself in trouble after flashing a gun at a night club on social media in Denver following a Grizzlies win against the Nuggets
He denied any suggestion he has difficulties handling alcohol amid NBA Commissioner Adam Silver’s determination that the 23-year-old was in an ‘intoxicated state’ via the league’s statement.
‘I don’t have an alcohol problem, never had an alcohol problem,’ Morant said. ‘I went [to FL.] for counseling to learn how to manage stress, cope with stress in a positive way instead of ways I’ve tried to deal with it before that caused me to make mistakes.’
Morant apologized once more for the incident in which he flashed a gun at a Denver strip club in the hours following a March 3 loss to the Nuggets.
‘I’m completely sorry for that,’ Morant said after practice.
‘So, you know, my job now is, like I said, to be more responsible, more smarter, and don´t cause any of that no more.’
Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins signaled pregame Monday, his star man could return Wednesday night vs. Houston.
Morant himself was coy regarding the possibility of taking to the floor in the first of two games against the Rockets, describing his status as ‘up in the air.’
‘Once I feel like I’m back in rhythm and in good condition to go back out there, I’ll be back out there,’ he said.
The South Carolina native watched on as Memphis defeated Dallas Monday night before linking up with Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving postgame.
Irving defended Morant postgame, theorizing he will return better before criticizing the media for its ‘overload of judgement.’
Morant greeted Dallas Mavericks stars Luka Doncic (L) and Kyrie Irving postgame Monday
The former No. 2 overall pick is now eligible to return from a suspension imposed by the NBA