Ja Morant sneakers pulled from Nike website after gun video
The fallout from a second gun-related incident involving Grizzlies star Ja Morant continues.
As of Thursday, the embattled point guard’s Ja 1 sneakers are not available on Nike’s website, which comes days after Morant appeared to brandish a firearm in an Instagram Live video that surfaced Saturday.
The shoes were released in April — a month after Morant was seen holding a gun in a separate social media video from a Denver-area strip club.
Ja Morant’s signature Nike sneakers, the Ja 1, are no longer listed on the company’s website as of May 18, 2023. NBAE via Getty Images
A closeup photo of Ja Morant wearing his Ja 1 Nike sneakers. NBAE via Getty Images
Meanwhile, Morant’s Ja 1 “Hunger” shoes are still listed in the “upcoming” section on Nike’s SNKRS app ahead of its May 25 release.
He signed a multi-year deal with Nike in 2019.
The company stood by Morant, 23, in March after he stepped away from the team to tend to his emotional well-being following the first firearm incident.
The Ja 1 “Hunger” sneakers are still listed on Nike’s SNKRS app as of May 18, 2023. SNKRS via screenshot
“We appreciate Ja’s accountability and that he is taking the time to get the help he needs. We support his prioritization of his well-being,” Nike said in a statement at the time.
The company has yet to comment publicly on the latest incident.
Morant, who received an eight-game suspension in March, attended a short counseling program in Florida before returning to the team.
However, in the wake of last weekend’s controversy, Morant has been suspended from all team activities.
Ja Morant appears to flash a gun in an Instagram Live video in May 2023. Twitter/@JamesBurnes8
Ja Morant is seen holding a gun in an Instagram Live video from March 2023. Twitter DJ Akademiks @Akademiks
The former first-round pick issued a statement Tuesday on the matter.
“I know I’ve disappointed a lot of people who have supported me. This is a journey and I recognize there is more work to do,” Morant said, via ESPN’s Adrian Wojnarowski.
“My words may not mean much right now, but I take full accountability for my actions. I’m committed to continuing to work on myself.”
Ja Morant ties his Ja 1 sneakers before a Grizzlies game in April 2023. NBAE via Getty Images
It’s been speculated Morant could face a lengthier suspension this time around.
The latest ordeal has sparked various takes within the NBA community, with ESPN analyst Michael Wilbon stating on Sunday how he won’t allow his son, Matthew, to purchase Morant’s sneakers.
Source: New York Post
