Sources: Ja enters a counseling program in Florida

Memphis Grizzlies guard ha morant entered a counseling program in Florida and stays with out a return schedule for the NBA season, sources instructed ESPN on Monday.

Morant has been in search of assist for what he described in an announcement as a must “get assist and work to be taught higher methods to cope with stress and my general well-being,” and that acquired him out of Memphis on a depart of absence from the crew, the businesses stated. sources.

The franchise introduced that the 23-year-old Morant can be out till no less than Wednesday’s recreation towards the Miami Warmth, however there isn’t a exact timetable for his return to the crew. The Grizzlies proceed to prioritize Morant’s need and wish for assist after a sequence of troubling incidents that culminated in him brandishing a gun at a suburban Denver nightclub on his March 4 Instagram dwell stream.

The NBA has an ongoing investigation into the matter, and Memphis officers have repeatedly indicated publicly that Morant shall be held accountable for a sample of questionable decision-making and conduct.

A two-time All-Star, Morant is a former NBA Rookie of the 12 months and Most Improved Participant for one of many league’s rising franchises. Earlier than the Grizzlies’ recreation towards the Dallas Mavericks on Monday night time, Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins instructed reporters that “Ja is absolutely dedicated to this course of and prepared for no matter comes after the subsequent two video games.” .

Morant started his Instagram Dwell session at 5:19 a.m. ET, hours after the Grizzlies’ 113-97 loss to the Denver Nuggets final Saturday. Morant might be seen holding a pistol in his left hand. Morant deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts later that day.

In an announcement, Morant stated he takes “full accountability for my actions final night time.”

“I’m sorry to my household, teammates, coaches, followers, companions, the town of Memphis and your complete group for letting them down,” the assertion learn. “I’m going to take a while to get assist and work on studying higher methods to cope with stress and my general well-being.”

Nike, which has an unique footwear line that includes Morant, endorsed the Grizzlies star in an announcement shortly afterward.

“We admire Ja’s accountability and that she is taking the time to get the assistance she wants,” the assertion learn. “We assist your prioritization of his well-being.”

Morant’s five-year, $231 million extension with Memphis begins with the 2023-24 season.