Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has made some troublesome mistakes lately. While many are dissecting his every choice, as well as mocking and criticizing Morant for his actions, some people are offering advice.
Former NBA star Jalen Rose recently shared his advice for Morant and now it’s Shaquille O’Neal‘s turn, who shared his thoughts on Morant’s situation on a recent episode of “NBA on TNT.”
Shaquille O’Neal Shared His Thoughts On Ja Morant’s “Bad Choices”
“It was a bad choice. It was a bad decision. We have to stop putting ourselves in positions to where they can take away what we’ve worked so hard to get to,” he began his thoughts on Morant’s situation. “You should always believe in a higher power. I’ve always had the ability to stop time and say, ‘If I do this, what’s gonna be the outcome?’”
O’Neal then held Morant accountable for his recent decision to go on Instagram Live shirtless in a strip club waving a gun around. “There’s no excuse for what he did, but remember, he pressed the button on his phone. He went live.”
O’Neal then brought up Morant‘s parents saying they have a “nice mansion right next door to you.” “Think of the higher power. I feel for him now, but I also feel for his mother and father,” he continued. “What are they going through?”
The former NBA star wanted to make sure to remind everyone about thinking of the higher power before making decisions that have consequences. “Guys, before you make a dumb decision, not a mistake, a dumb decision, a dumb choice, think of the higher power – your mother, your father, your children,” he said. “I’m not gonna jump on the kid, he knows what he did was wrong, but remember, he put himself in that position.”
“You’re Not A Rapper. You’re An NBA Player”
O’Neal continued speaking his mind by reminding everyone this was a decision Morant made and not a good one.
“You gotta have enough common sense to know that wasn’t gonna go the way you wanted it to go,” he said. “You’re not a rapper. You’re an NBA player. I don’t know where you’re from. I don’t know who’s hanging out with you. That don’t matter. When it’s you making the decision, you gotta be smart. We gotta stop putting ourselves in a position to where they can take it back.”
O’Neal reminded everyone that Morant did this to himself and will have to deal with the consequences that are headed his way. He also wanted to mention that choosing the right friends is key.
“And his friends, you can’t be yes friends,” he explained. “I love my crew. We fight and argue all the time, but you know what, they keep me in line.”
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Social Media Followers Left Their Thoughts In The Comment Section
Many NBA fans dropped into the comment section of the clip posted on Instagram to leave their thoughts.
“Thank you Shaq…it wasn’t a MISTAKE, it was a DUMB decision….and hopefully he learns from it ✊🏾💯,” one person wrote.
“This is by Far the best take on this situation by not hold the people around him accountable but the man that went live 🎥.. NOBODY TOLD HIM TO GOT ON HIS LIVE BUT JA.. SELF ACCOUNTABILITY,” added another.
One follower thinks the OG’s need to speak out more to share their wisdom with the younger generation. “Need more talks like these from the OGs. Specifically, before something like this happens and the up-and-comers need to be receptive of this type of wisdom. Well, put by Shaq.”
Another follower elaborated on O’Neal’s talk about “yes friends.” “If you’re the smartest in your crew, in other words, if your crew is a bunch of yes people, get a new crew, and grow up.”
It’s Unclear When Ja Morant Will Be Rejoining The Memphis Grizzlies
Morant was initially suspended for two games, but there’s still no timeline on when he will return to the court. Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins recently said he doesn’t have an update just yet.
According to USA TODAY Sports, Jenkins addressed the situation during a pregame news conference. “It’s support and accountability. We’re in touch with him every single day,” he said. “It’s staff, it’s teammates. He’s still a huge part of what we do. As I said the other day, we love him, we want what’s best for him, we support him.”
On Monday, Glendale, Colorado police said they have begun looking into the matter of Morant flashing a gun during the IG Live on early Saturday morning. On Wednesday afternoon, it was announced that the police closed the investigation and Morant will not be charged with any crimes as there was not enough available evidence to charge him.
The NBA is also conducting an investigation to see if the apparent gun was registered with the league as required by NBA rules, as well as if Morant brought the gun on the chartered flight.
