NBA suspends Ja Morant 25 games after gun video

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended 25 games by the NBA for "reckless behavior" after a new video in May appearing to show him flashing a gun surfaced on social media.

"Ja Morant's decision to once again wield a firearm on social media is alarming and disconcerting given his similar conduct in March for which he was already suspended eight games," NBA commissioner Adam Silver said in a statement on Friday, adding: "Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate."

Morant issued a statement, promising to be a better man in the future.

"I've had time to reflect, and I realize how much hurt I've caused. I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and Robert Pera, who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me - I'm sorry for the harm I've done. To the kids who look up to me, I'm sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I'm going to be better. To all of my sponsors, I'm going to be a better representation of our brands. And to all of my fans, I'm going to make it up to you, I promise.

"I'm spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision-making. I'm also going to be training so that I'm ready to go when I can be back on the court. I know my teammates are going to hold it down and I'm so sorry I won't be out there with you at the beginning of the season.

"I hope you'll give me a chance to prove to you over time I'm a better man than what I've been showing you," concluded he.

© Agence France-Presse