Memphis Grizzlies Star Ja Morant Responds to NBA Fine for Gun Gestures by Mimicking Grenade Toss During Game

Jacob Kupferman/AP

In response to being fined $75,000 for mimicking a gun, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant on Tuesday mimicked a grenade toss after making a shot.

Last week, Morant caused a stir on social media when he taunted members of the Miami Heat with a gun gesture. Although similar gestures are made in celebration by players across the league, the moment was noteworthy due to the fact that Morant has been suspended twice for brandishing actual guns on social media. The first suspension came during the 2022-23 season; and the second suspension began at the start of the following season.

As a result of Morant making the gesture in the direction of opposing players, the NBA warned him against repeating the act. Less than 48 hours later, however, he made another gun gesture to celebrated a made 3-pointer against the Golden State Warriors. The NBA announced the fine the next morning, calling the gesture “inappropriate” and citing his repeated use of it.

Morant hasn’t spoken at length about the punishment from the league, but he made it cleared he unfazed in Tuesday’s game against the Charlotte Hornets. In the third quarter, Morant made a 3-pointer and mimicked a toss into the crowd. He then put his hands over his ears — essentially confirming it to be a grenade toss.

According to a report from CBS Sports, Morant actually made the gesture — and parts of it — multiple times throughout the game. On at least one occasion, a teammate did the grenade toss while Morant simply covered his ears. Other teammates also got involved at various points in the game.

At the time of writing, the league had not reacted to the celebration.