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☆ Ja Morant’s Night at a Denver Strip Club Could Cost Him $39 Million
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-17 | by ( Robert O Connell | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

In the fractured age of internet-era sports fandom, there is no single indicator of superstar status. But by last summer, Ja Morant—the then-22-year-old point guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, gifted with a probing dribble and jet-fueled vertical leap—had unmistakably achieved it. One piece of proof was that even his missed attempts at slam dunks became viral phenomena. Another was the five-year contract extension he signed in July that, if he met certain thresholds before it kicked in during the 2023 offseason, would earn him nearly a quarter-billion dollars.

☆ NBA Suspends Ja Morant Eight Games After Gun Video
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-16 | by ( Robert O Connell | Louise Radnofsky | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

The NBA suspended Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant for eight games on Monday, following an investigation of a video in which Morant streamed himself posing with a handgun at Denver-area strip club Shotgun Willie’s. The suspension without pay will include the five games Morant has already missed since the March 4 incident, a stretch during which Morant reportedly attended a counseling program in Florida and met with NBA commissioner Adam Silver . He can return to play March 20, the league said Wednesday.

☆ Nike is facing a PR nightmare as Kyrie Irving, Ja Morant, and now Tom Sachs face scandals – but experts say partnerships with celebs and athletes will never go away
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-14 | by ( Matthew Kish | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +8 min

Curbed published a blistering story about Tom Sachs, a Nike collaborator, this week. As long as companies have partnered with celebrities, some endorsement deals have run aground, said Coresight Research CEO and founder Deborah Weinswig. Longtime sportswear industry analyst Matt Powell, who recently founded Spurwink River, said endorsement deals are "fraught with peril." "I thought for a while that brands were moving away from real celebrity endorsements," he told Insider. "We're talking about a very, very small percentage of celebrities who get endorsement deals who have that halo effect," Herzog said.

☆ Ja Morant Will Remain Away From Memphis Grizzlies for Four More Games as NBA Gun Investigation Continues
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-09 | by ( Robert O Connell | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant will miss four more games as the NBA’s gun investigation continues. All-Star point guard Ja Morant will miss at least the next four games, the Memphis Grizzlies announced Wednesday evening, intensifying a drama that began last weekend after he was seen with what appeared to be a handgun in an Instagram Live video. Morant has already been away from the team for the past two games, after the video recorded early Saturday morning at Colorado nightclub Shotgun Willie’s surfaced. Earlier Wednesday, the Glendale Police Department announced that there was not enough evidence to charge Morant with a crime.

☆ Fact Check-Video purporting to show NBA Commissioner saying Ja Morant was suspended due to ‘thuggish and gangster activities’ is altered, stems from satire
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-07 | by ( Reuters Fact Check | ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

A clip that purportedly shows NBA Commissioner Adam Silver announcing the suspension of Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant because of “thuggish and gangster activities” has been altered and was likely meant as satire. While Morant was indeed suspended for at least two games, this came after displaying what appeared to be a gun at a nightclub. I hope he learns during this time that his thuggish and gangster activities are prohibited by the NBA. Parody / Satire.”A Google search shows the clip was taken from Silver’s NBA All-Star press conference (here) in February 2023. A clip that purportedly shows Adam Silver announcing the suspension of Ja Morant because of his “thuggish and gangster activities” features an edited audio track and was likely meant as satire.

☆ NBA roundup: Red-hot Knicks outlast Celtics in double OT
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-06 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +10 min

Julius Randle added 31 points and nine rebounds for the Knicks, who also received 29 points and 11 rebounds from RJ Barrett. Jayson Tatum had 40 points, 11 rebounds and six assists for the Celtics, who have lost their last two home games. Bennedict Mathurin scored 17 points, Myles Turner added 16 and Chris Duarte had 15 for Indiana. Kelly Oubre Jr. scored 17 points for Charlotte, which dropped its third straight. Walker Kessler (17 points, 10 rebounds) and Kelly Olynyk (15 points, 10 rebounds) each had double-doubles in the loss.

☆ Ja Morant Will Miss Two Games as NBA Investigates Video Showing Him With a Gun
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-05 | by ( Robert O Connell | ) www.wsj.com time to read: 1 min

Ja Morant will miss at least the next two Memphis Grizzlies games. Ja Morant will miss at least the next two Memphis Grizzlies games, the team announced on Saturday, while the NBA investigates an Instagram Live video posted from Morant’s account early Saturday morning in which he momentarily posed with what appeared to be a handgun. “We are aware of a social media post involving Ja Morant and are investigating,” league spokesman Mike Bass said. The video showed Morant dancing in a crowded, low-lit room when the gun appeared. He has since deactivated his Instagram and Twitter accounts.

☆ Grizzlies' Morant suspended at least two games after gun video
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +1 min

[1/2] Mar 3, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) dribbles during the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets at Ball Arena. Mandatory Credit: Ron Chenoy-USA TODAY SportsMarch 4 (Reuters) - Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been suspended by the team for at least the next two games after he was seen displaying what appeared to be a gun at a nightclub on his Instagram live account early Saturday morning. Morant also allegedly made threats against the head of security at a Memphis mall, which led to the filing of a police report, the paper said. Morant is averaging 27.1 points, 8.2 assists and 6.0 rebounds in 53 games this season for the Grizzlies, who are currently in second place in the Western Conference. The suspension means he will miss Sunday's game against the Clippers and Tuesday's game against the Lakers.

☆ NBA roundup: Nets stun Celts with NBA's biggest comeback of season
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-04 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Cam Johnson added 20 points for the Nets, who also received 17 points apiece from Spencer Dinwiddie and Dorian Finney-Smith. Jayson Tatum, who turned 25 on Friday, finished with 22 points and 13 rebounds, but he missed all eight of his 3-point attempts. Terry Rozier posted 22 points, Gordon Hayward 17 and Mark Williams 13 points for Charlotte, which was hurt by 21 turnovers. Kings 128, Clippers 127De'Aaron Fox recorded 33 points, seven rebounds and seven assists and Sacramento won its fifth straight game by prevailing over visiting Los Angeles. Jonathan Kuminga, coming off the Golden State bench, chipped in with 19 points, seven rebounds and four steals.

☆ NBA roundup: Suns win in Kevin Durant's debut
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-02 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Bucks 139, Magic 117Giannis Antetokounmpo collected 31 points, seven rebounds and six assists to fuel streaking Milwaukee's victory over visiting Orlando. Orlando's Cole Anthony scored a season-high 28 points off the bench and Markelle Fultz recorded 21 points, seven rebounds and five assists. Jalen Williams led Oklahoma City with 24 points and chipped in seven assists, while Josh Giddey added 22 points, 11 assists and nine rebounds. The 76ers, who snapped a two-game skid that included a home loss to the Heat, also got 23 points, seven rebounds and five assists from James Harden. Ja Morant had 20 points, seven rebounds and seven assists for Memphis, which led by as many as 28 and won its third straight.

☆ NBA roundup: Spurs top Jazz, end 16-game skid
▼ + stars: | 2023-03-01 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

Jeremy Sochan added 13 points and Devonte' Graham had 12 for the Spurs, who got just their 15th win. Lauri Markkanen scored 28 points with 10 rebounds for Utah, Talen Horton-Tucker scored 16 points and Walker Kessler contributed 10 points and 15 boards. The Bucks are on their fifth 15-game winning streak in team history and second in four seasons after winning 18 straight Nov. 10-Dec. 14, 2019. Spencer Dinwiddie added 26 points, but Brooklyn scored only 19 points in the fourth and dropped its third straight. Zach LaVine added 17 points, DeMar DeRozan scored 13 points and Ayo Dosunmu scored 10.

☆ NBA roundup: Jayson Tatum sends Celtics past 76ers
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Jaylen Brown led the Celtics with 26 points, Tatum added 18 points, 13 rebounds and six assists and Derrick White had 18 points. Gary Trent Jr. added 19 points for the Raptors, who have won four in a row for the first time this season. Tyrese Haliburton added 15 points and 14 assists, and Andrew Nembhard scored 13 points. LaMelo Ball had 19 points and 13 assists, Kelly Oubre Jr. and Dennis Smith Jr. both supplied 15 points and Terry Rozier finished with 14 points. Bam Adebayo had 14 points and Kevin Love posted 13 points and 13 rebounds for the Heat, who shot 40 percent from the field.

☆ NBA roundup: Malik Beasley leads revamped Lakers to win
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +8 min

Anthony Davis scored 12 points with 12 rebounds for Los Angeles. Klay Thompson scored 22 points and Ty Jerome added 20 for the Warriors, who were without Stephen Curry (leg) and Andrew Wiggins (personal). Evan Mobley had 31 points and nine rebounds, Donovan Mitchell and Darius Garland scored 22 points each, and Jarrett Allen had 14 points and 13 rebounds for the Cavaliers. Tatum had 31 points, 12 rebounds and seven assists. Anunoby returned from a wrist injury to score 12 points, but Toronto was without Fred VanVleet (personal).

The 2023 NBA All-Star game will air live on TNT at 8:30 p.m. ET TNT NBA All-Star Game February 19, 8:30 p.m. ET TNTHow to watch the 2023 NBA All-Star GameYou can watch the 2023 NBA All-Star game on TNT; the draft begins at 7:30 p.m. Of those options, Sling TV is the most affordable service that lets you stream the NBA All-Star Game. The teams for the 2023 NBA All-Star Game will be decided by a draft before the game.

☆ NBA roundup: Jayson Tatum's big 2nd half leads Celtics past Pistons
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-16 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Tatum had 24 points, including six 3-pointers, in the third quarter -- the most points he's scored in one quarter during his NBA career. Jalen Green scored 14 points before exiting in the second quarter due to a groin strain. Bane added 24 points and six rebounds, while Ja Morant tallied 20 points, nine assists and eight rebounds. Utah's Kelly Olynyk had a double-double in the first half, and he wound up with 28 points, 14 rebounds and six assists. Jordan Clarkson added 20 points, nine rebounds and six assists, while Walker Kessler logged 10 points and 14 rebounds.

☆ NBA roundup: Bucks best Clippers for 10th straight win
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-11 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +9 min

Brandon Boston Jr. scored 20 points and Paul George added 19 points and 11 rebounds for the Clippers. Norman Powell had 16 points and Marcus Morris Sr. scored 15 for Los Angeles, which has lost two games in a row. Domantas Sabonis put up 18 points, 11 rebounds and a team-high seven assists for the Kings. Detroit's Jaden Ivey supplied 17 points, eight rebounds and eight assists, while Isaiah Stewart had 15 points and 11 rebounds. Desmond Bane added 20 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Jaren Jackson Jr. tallied 15 points and six rebounds.

☆ NBA roundup: Thunder spoil LeBron James' record night
▼ + stars: | 2023-02-08 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +5 min

[1/5] Feb 7, 2023; Los Angeles, California, USA; Los Angeles Lakers forward LeBron James (6) moves the ball against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the second half at Crypto.com Arena. Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 30 points and dished out eight assists for the Thunder, while Jalen Williams added 25 points. He became the first player in franchise history with three straight 40-point games and scored 13 of his points in the fourth. Dejounte Murray had 19, Trae Young had 16 points and 16 assists, John Collins scored 15 points and Clint Capela added 13. Jackson led the charge with support from Ja Morant, who finished with a game-high 34 points, and Brandon Clarke, who came off the bench for 13 points.

☆ NBA roundup: Giannis Antetokounmpo nets 50 in Bucks' rout
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-30 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +3 min

[1/4] Jan 29, 2023; Milwaukee, Wisconsin, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) brings the ball downcourt in the third quarter during game against the New Orleans Pelicans at Fiserv Forum. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY SportsJanuary 30 - Giannis Antetokounmpo had 50 points and 13 rebounds and the host Milwaukee Bucks rolled to a 135-110 victory over the reeling New Orleans Pelicans on Sunday night. Jrue Holiday added 17 points and Brook Lopez scored 15 as the Bucks won their fourth straight game. Amir Coffey scored 18 points, and both Moses Brown and Moussa Diabate finished with 13 points coming on in reserve. Aaron Nesmith tallied 16 points and five rebounds, while Myles Turner added 15 points and four boards.

☆ Brittney Griner's return could be the unlikely catalyst that forces the WNBA to relent on its most contentious policy
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-29 | by ( Meredith Cash | ) www.businessinsider.com time to read: +10 min

WNBA free agency is underway, with teams receiving the green light to recruit stars as of this weekend. Top free agent Breanna Stewart has reportedly made charter flights a key issue for teams wooing her. Private flights are not covered by the league's CBA, but Brittney Griner's return may force policy changes. The 2018 MVP took to Twitter to announce that she's prepared to help "subsidize charter travel for the entire WNBA" by offering her "NIL, posts + production hours." Several current WNBA players, including Nneka and Chiney Ogwumike, Elena Delle Donne, Napheesa Collier, Alysha Clark, Erica Wheeler, Kahleah Copper, and Natalie Achonwa, offered their support in the comments.

☆ NBA roundup: Damian Lillard scores 60, moves up 3-pointer list
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-26 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Jerami Grant added 19 points and Anfernee Simons had 16 points and nine assists, which won its second game in a row. 76ers 137, Nets 133Tyrese Maxey scored 27 points, Joel Embiid added 26 points and 10 rebounds and host Philadelphia defeated Brooklyn. Rui Hachimura scored 12 points in his Lakers debut after he was acquired in a trade with the Washington Wizards on Monday. Pat Connaughton had 19 points and 12 rebounds and Khris Middleton added 10 points for the Bucks. Mathurin went for a game-high 26 points, but Banchero's Magic came out on top thanks to a strong start.

☆ NBA roundup: Jalen Green, Rockets end 13-game skid
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-24 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Alperen Sengun added 21 points, seven rebounds and seven assists as Houston ended a 10-game homecourt skid. Brook Lopez had 21 points, Bobby Portis logged 18 points and 10 rebounds and Jevon Carter also scored 18 points for the Bucks. Patrick Williams had a double-double of 18 points and 10 rebounds, while Alex Caruso (12 points) and Coby White (10) also finished in double figures for Chicago. Trae Young paced Atlanta with 21 points and 13 assists, joining Clint Capela (16 points, 12 rebounds) with a double-double. Jordan Clarkson added 18 points for Utah, which has won three of its past four.

☆ NBA roundup: Thunder win on Shai Gilgeous-Alexander's late shot
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-23 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Nnaji was fouled on an offensive rebound and hit two free throws to tie it at 99-all with 30.2 seconds left before Gilgeous-Alexander's late heroics. Clippers 112, Mavericks 98Kawhi Leonard had 30 points and nine rebounds, and visiting Los Angeles dominated the fourth quarter in a win over Dallas. Paul George scored 21 points and Norman Powell added 19 for Los Angeles, which outscored the Mavericks 33-19 in the final period. New Orleans' CJ McCollum took a 3-pointer with 7.6 seconds left that would've given the Pelicans a 99-98 lead, but the shot missed off the front of the rim. Dennis Schroder added 24 points, eight assists and six rebounds as Los Angeles won its second straight game.

☆ NBA roundup: Lakers rally, end Grizzlies' 11-game win streak
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-21 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +7 min

Ja Morant scored 22 points while Brandon Clarke and Tyus Jones added 20 points each for the Grizzlies. Paul George chipped in 16 points and 12 assists, Marcus Morris Sr. scored 15 points and Ivica Zubac racked up 12 points and 16 rebounds. Murray finished with 29, going 14-for-25 from the field and adding 12 assists to record his sixth double-double of the season. Domantas Sabonis contributed 18 points, 14 assists and 14 rebounds as Sacramento notched its sixth straight victory, one shy of its season high. Gilgeous-Alexander also had seven assists but couldn't prevent the end of the Thunder's four-game winning streak.

☆ NBA roundup: Grizzlies edge Cavs for 11th straight win
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-19 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Jaden McDaniels put up 18 points for the Timberwolves, who lost their second game in a row. Kevin Huerter scored 18 points for the Kings, who went down by 14 points in the first quarter before pushing ahead by halftime. Andrew Nembhard produced 18 points and seven assists for the Pacers, who have dropped five consecutive games. Murray was 12-for-18 from the field and added seven rebounds and four assists. Jalen Green matched his career high with 41 points and added seven assists for the Rockets, who lost their 12th game in a row.

☆ NBA roundup: Jayson Tatum (51) guides Celtics past Hornets
▼ + stars: | 2023-01-17 | by ( ) www.reuters.com time to read: +6 min

Randle had 21 points, 15 rebounds and eight assists for the Knicks, who had their three-game winning streak end. Mikal Bridges tallied 21 points and seven assists to lead Phoenix, while Deandre Ayton added 18 points. Jazz 126, Timberwolves 125Jordan Clarkson hit a game-winning free throw with four seconds remaining and scored 21 points to lead Utah to a victory over Minnesota in Minneapolis. Kessler finished with 20 points and a career-high 21 rebounds, while Agbaji added 17 points off the bench, including nine in the fourth quarter. CJ McCollum scored 25 points and Jonas Valanciunas added 22 points and 13 rebounds for the Pelicans.

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