Grizzlies HC Taylor Jenkins addresses Ja Morant suspension

A little over 24 hours after the Memphis Grizzlies suspended Ja Morant for brandishing a firearm on Instagram Live, head coach Taylor Jenkins addressed the concerning situation involving his young All-Star. 

Speaking with reporters ahead of Sunday night's contest against the Los Angeles Clippers, Jenkins said the organization takes the incident "very seriously" and that the team would support Morant but also hold him accountable. 

"There are two elements to this that I want to make very clear," Jenkins said via Mark Medina of NBA.com. "There's a supportive element to somebody that's got to get better and needs some help. There's also accountability to the team that we have to stand for." 

Early Saturday morning, Morant streamed live on Instagram from a nightclub and appeared to hold up a gun while dancing and rapping to music. Hours later, the Grizzlies suspended Morant for two games.

On Sunday, Jenkins clarified that there isn't a firm timetable for Morant's return. Despite the challenges ahead, Jenkins sounded optimistic that Morant could get the help he needs to come back a better person and teammate. 

"He understands he's made some difficult decisions and poor choices in the past that he has to account for," Jenkins said. "That's why you see in his statement, it speaks for itself that he understands he's got to get help to get into a better place. Not just for himself but also for his team. He's definitely embracing the mistakes that he's made, but only time will tell." 

Morant released a statement via his agent on Saturday, apologizing for his actions while vowing to "get help and work on learning better methods of dealing with stress and my overall well-being." 

The latest incident involving Morant comes only days after a Washington Post report revealed allegations against Morant, stating that he threatened a mall security guard and pulled a firearm during an altercation with a teenager during a pick-up basketball game. 

Morant is only four seasons into what looks to be the start of a promising career. Already a two-time All-Star, the 23-year-old is risking his playing future and reputation with his recent behavior, though he at least still has his coach and team behind him offering support.