Nike issues statement following Ja Morant suspension
Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant ties his signature Nike shoe, the Ja 1s, on the bench in the game against the Phoenix Suns Tuesday, Dec. 27, 2022 at FedExForum. Nike has voiced its support for Morant during his suspension. (Brandon Dill/AP Photo file)
One of Ja Morant’s biggest sponsors is voicing its support for the Grizzlies point guard following the 25-game suspension the NBA handed him on Friday, June 16.
“We are pleased that Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being,” a Nike spokesperson said Friday. “We will continue to support him on and off the court.”
Nike has promoted Morant with his own apparel line and signature shoe. The Nike Ja 1 began releasing in April in several different colorways and has not stopped despite his suspensions.
New colorways of the Ja 1 are still expected to be released this summer. The release date for the upcoming Nike Ja 1 “Ember Glow” is expected to be July 7, according to Sneaker News.
Morant released a personal statement Friday through his agency after the announcement of his suspension:
“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 the chance to prove to you over time I’m a better man than what I’ve been showing you.”
Topics
Ja Morant Memphis Grizzlies NBADrew Hill
Drew Hill covers the Memphis Grizzlies and is a top-10 APSE winner. He has worked throughout the South writing about college athletics before landing in Memphis.
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