Apr 3, 2025; Miami, Florida, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) passes the basketball as Miami Heat guard Pelle Larsson (9) defends during the second quarter at Kaseya Center. Mandatory Credit: Sam Navarro-Imagn Images Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has become infamous for his celebrations.
In 2023, several social media videos showcasing firearms on Instagram earned Morant two suspensions — an eight-game suspension in March and a 25-game suspension in June. Ever since, he’s been under a microscope for using gun hand gestures during celebrations.
On April 1, Morant used the finger-gun celebration against the Golden State Warriors. He received a warning from the NBA the following day. On April 3, he brought the gesture back, earning a $75,000 fine.
“I wasn’t surprised,” Morant said of his latest fine. “Just for showing people what’s pretty much been evident for the last two years.”
Every time Morant flashes the finger guns, social media erupts. He seemingly cannot learn his lesson — and the internet is tremendously fascinated with it.
But during Thursday night’s loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves, Morant broke out a new celebration — a grenade — in place of his typical machine gun.
“That’s my celebration now until somebody else has a problem with it, and I’ll find another one,” Morant said.
As you might expect, the grenade celebration went viral before the final buzzer. When asked about it after the game, Morant offered an all-time deflection.
“Listen, it’s not what you think it is. I’m taking my words and I’m throwing them out there and then I’m going to block out the noise — that’s what I’m doing,” Morant said.
“So when you see me do that, that’s what I’m doing. I’m saying what I got to say to the world and block out the noise in the midst of what’s coming back my way. That’s how it’s going to be.”
You have to give it to Morant. This might be a small stroke of genius. How can the NBA fine or suspend a player for taking the words out of his mouth, throwing them out there and then blocking out the noise? Seems innocent enough, right?
The celebration sure looks like pulling the pin out of a grenade and launching it into the crowd, though. After the game, the TNT crew weren’t impressed with more antics from Morant.
“He has a history that maybe he should leave the celebrations where people might die alone,” Kenny Smith said.
“I know one person’s happy right now,” Charles Barkley added. “Taylor Jenkins ain’t got to deal with this crap.”
