🎯 Ja Morant’s New Celebration Sparks Debate: Is the ‘Grenade’ Any Better?
MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Just days after being fined $75,000 for mimicking a gun gesture, Ja Morant has swapped one controversial celebration for another — pretending to toss a grenade after big plays. But the backlash hasn’t gone anywhere.
During Thursday’s 141–125 loss to the Timberwolves, Morant repeatedly mimed pulling a grenade pin, throwing it, and covering his ears. The move was unmistakable — and immediately drew reactions online and on national broadcasts.
“That’s my celebration now — until somebody else has a problem with it,” Morant said.
⚠️ NBA Context: Past Suspension Still Lingers
This comes just a year after Morant was suspended twice for incidents involving real firearms:
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March 2023: 8-game suspension after nightclub gun video
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May 2023: Suspended again after another gun video, leading to a 25-game ban to start this season
The league labeled his recent gun-like gestures as “inappropriate behavior” given his history and the risk of misinterpretation.
🧠 Inside the Locker Room: Teammates Back the Change
Some teammates welcomed the switch — if only for practical reasons.
“Anything that helps him save his money, I’m all for it,” said Vince Williams Jr.
Still, Morant himself admitted the fine wasn’t shocking:
“I wasn’t surprised. Just showing people what’s been evident the last two years.”
📺 National Reaction: TNT Panel Doesn’t Hold Back
The TNT crew gave their unfiltered thoughts:
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Kenny Smith: “He has a history… maybe he shouldn’t be doing that.”
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Shaq: “He knows what he’s doing — y’all are going to keep talking about it.”
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Charles Barkley: “The happiest person is [ex-coach] Taylor Jenkins — he doesn’t have to deal with this anymore.”
🔍 What’s at Stake for Ja Morant?
With the Grizzlies missing the playoffs and Morant still fighting to rebuild his image, every move is being scrutinized. While he remains one of the NBA’s most talented stars, his brand is becoming increasingly defined by off-court behavior.
The question now: Is this just Ja being Ja, or a deeper pattern of immaturity that could derail his trajectory?
The NBA has not commented on whether the grenade celebration violates any conduct codes — but with Morant under the microscope, a response could come soon.
