Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has apologized for taking a shot at the police.
According to ESPN, Morant posted a picture on his Instagram story of himself wearing a uniform that had his name replaced with “f**k” and the number 12. (RELATED: David Hookstead Is The True King In The North When It Comes To College Football)
According to the same ESPN report, “F**k 12” is an anti-police message. The picture was shared following the news NBA players will be allowed to promote social justice messages on their uniforms.
Ja Morant wants this on the back of his jersey ???? pic.twitter.com/lJrvJWyE3k
— NBA Central (@TheNBACentral) June 28, 2020
Morant released an apology late Sunday night on his Twitter and said in part, “We NEED good cops to step up and make sure other cops are not abusing their power.”
You can read his full statement below.
‼️✊???? pic.twitter.com/WU6AEKuDa0
— Ja Morant (@JaMorant) June 29, 2020
I understand we’re in an emotionally charged time in America following the death of George Floyd and the riots and protests that followed.
However, you’re not going to do yourself any favors by posting messages like the one Morant did to Instagram. It’s never going to end well.
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If Morant really feels that way (maybe he does, maybe he doesn’t), then he should discuss it privately among friends.
He shouldn’t post it to his three million Instagram followers.
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At the same time, there’s no need to be one of those clowns who calls for someone’s job when they make a mistake on social media.
This is a teachable moment. The Grizzlies should just sit Morant down, explain to him that he represents a pro sports organization and that he should always think before hitting send.
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Hopefully, Morant learns to be a shade smarter. He’s a hell of a ball player, and I wouldn’t want to see him make too many mistakes.