Ja Morant, star guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, recently took time to address the controversy surrounding his latest on-court celebration—a gesture he unveiled after sinking a three-pointer that sparked widespread debate across the NBA. The celebration involves mimicking the motion of pulling a pin from a grenade, tossing it, and then covering his ears, as if bracing for an explosion. While some spectators immediately drew connections to past controversies involving Morant and gestures deemed inappropriate, he made it clear that this new move holds a far different and deeper meaning.
Clarifying the intention behind the gesture, Morant explained that it is not about violence or weaponry at all. Instead, he described it as a symbolic act of releasing his thoughts, letting his message be heard, and then blocking out the inevitable noise and criticism that follows. “I’m throwing my words out there—I’m speaking my truth, being myself,” Morant said. “Then I cover my ears because I’m tuning out all the negativity that comes back my way.”
Despite his explanation, the celebration has drawn criticism from some notable figures in the basketball world, including NBA analysts Charles Barkley and Kenny Smith, who argued that the gesture lacks maturity and is ill-suited given Morant’s past disciplinary issues involving gun-related behavior. Nevertheless, Morant seems unfazed by the backlash, insisting he will continue with the celebration unless the league formally tells him to stop. “I’m done caring about what people say—I’ve been treated like the villain, so now I just do me,” he stated.
Ultimately, Morant’s statement underscores the tension between player expression and public interpretation, while highlighting his determination to stay true to himself amid ongoing scrutiny.
