MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant tweeted Sunday that a friend of his was banned from playing games on FedExForum for a year because of a confrontation a week earlier between his supporters and members of the Indiana Pacers organization.
The NBA confirmed that unnamed individuals were banned from the arena, adding that its investigation found no evidence that anyone during the incident, which occurred after the Grizzlies defeated the Pacers on Jan. 29, used a gun was threatened.
Citing unnamed sources, This was reported by the Indianapolis Star and USA Today. that several Pacers members saw a red dot aimed at them, and The Athletic reported that a Pacers guard believed the laser was attached to a weapon.
“NBA security and league investigators conducted an investigation, interviewing numerous eyewitnesses and reviewing CCTV, following allegations by the Indiana Pacers organization regarding a post-game incident on Jan. 29. Evidence collected we were able to.” could not confirm that any person threatened others with a gun,” NBA spokesman Mike Bass said in an emailed statement.
“Certain individuals involved in the post-game situation and a related matter during that evening’s game were subsequently banned from attending games at the arena. If additional information on the post-game situation becomes available, the league office will conduct a further review,” Bass said,” the statement continued.
Morant did not play in the Grizzlies’ 106-103 loss to Toronto on Sunday due to right wrist pain and was unavailable for comment after the game.
Before the game, Morant tweeted the reports of the incident “paint this negative picture of me and my family. & banned my brother from home games for a year. unbelievable.”
During the Jan. 29 game, there was barking between Pacers players and friends of Morant who were sitting on the sidelines. A close friend of Morant’s, Vomte Pack, was being escorted out of the arena when Pacers bench players shouted in Pack’s direction.
The conversation reportedly continued in the player parking lot after the game.
Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins said the team has raised the matter internally.
“Aware of the NBA investigation. Did a full investigation,” Jenkins said. “We fully complied and I think they came out with a statement that nothing was confirmed or found.
“That’s what I know and that’s all I’ll comment on.”
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AP basketball writer Brian Mahoney contributed to this report.
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