Source: Jaa enters counseling program in Florida

memphis grizzlies guard ja morant Florida has entered a counseling program and remains without a timetable on returning to the NBA season, sources told ESPN on Monday.

Morant has sought help for what he described in a statement as a need “to work on finding and learning better ways to deal with stress and my overall well-being,” and it has taken him on leave from Memphis. . team, sources said.

The franchise announced that the 23-year-old Morant would be out at least through Wednesday’s game Miami Heat, But there is no exact timeline of his return to the team. The Grizzlies continue to prioritize Morant’s desire and need to receive assistance following a series of related incidents, which culminated on March 4 with him brandishing a gun at a suburban Denver nightclub on his Instagram Live feed.

The matter is under investigation by the NBA, and Memphis officials have repeatedly publicly indicated that Morant will be held accountable for questionable decision-making and patterns of behavior.

Morant, a two-time All-Star, is a former NBA Rookie of the Year and Most Improved Player for one of the rising franchises in the league. before the Grizzlies’ 104-88 dallas mavericks Memphis coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters on Monday night that, “Jay is fully engaged in the process and ready for whatever comes after the next two games.”

Morant began his Instagram Live session at 5:19AM ET, hours after the Grizzlies’ 113-97 loss denver nuggets On 4 March. Morant can be seen holding a handgun with his left hand. Morant deactivated both his Instagram and Twitter accounts later that day.

In a statement, Morant said that he “takes full responsibility for my actions last night.”

“I’m sorry to disappoint you, to my family, teammates, coaches, fans, partners, the city of Memphis and the entire organization,” the statement said. “I’m going to take some time to get help and learn better ways to deal with stress and my overall well-being.”

Nike, which has a signature shoe line with Morant, supported the Grizzlies star in a statement shortly thereafter.

“We appreciate Ja’s responsiveness and the time he is taking to seek help,” the statement said. “We support their prioritization of their well-being.”

Morant’s five-year, $231 million extension with Memphis begins with the 2023-24 season.