Why was Memphis Grizzlies’ Ja Morant ejected from the game against Oklahoma City Thunder?
The key player for the Memphis Grizzlies, Ja Morant, was dismissed from the game against the Oklahoma City Thunder on Saturday night with 43 seconds remaining in the second quarter after getting his second technical foul of the game.
Soon after Morant was taken back to the locker room, the All-Star guard started retweeting tweets from individuals who were also surprised at his ejection.
Why did Ja Morant get ejected?
Morant made it clear that he didn’t hold his fans responsible for the departure. Every NBA fan, including Ja Morant, was puzzled as to why this ejection occurred and what the root cause was.
This incident occurred before the end of the first half. Ja Morant said that the only interaction he did with the crowd was with the fans, and John Gable gave him a second technical foul for no apparent reason.
What in the world is going on?!? Ref just threw Ja Morant out of the game for talking to a fan. Wasn’t even talking to the ref. This is crazy.
— Chris Vernon (@ChrisVernonShow) December 18, 2022
Eugene Omoruyi of the Thunder was shooting free throws when Morant was seen conversing with someone off the court while a referee stood next to him. The Grizzlies star received a second technical foul shortly after, which led to an automatic ejection.
John Gable, the contest’s crew chief, claimed he did not condemn Morant for his interactions with fans. Morant received a technical foul because he questioned the integrity of the referees, which was unacceptable.
People pay good money to see these NBA Stars ⭐️ and you eject Ja Morant them having clean conversation with a fan? That’s bs. 😤
— Ken (@Ken_2727_) December 18, 2022
Morant’s response, according to the fan, was that the referees missed a call and that he can’t do much because of this. Official Ray Acosta removed Morant from the game after he made this comment.
It’s possible that the remark is what caused him to leave. Gabble deemed it inappropriate that Morant had called into doubt the impartiality of the referees.
Morant was given the first technical foul for questioning the official’s ruling on a no-call. A minute after receiving his first foul, he was penalized for a second time.
Grizzlies a 10 point favorite and they eject Ja Morant. 🫠
— Big Lo 🌚 (@Cody__lo) December 18, 2022
Morant was shocked to receive the second technical foul, and some of his teammates pleaded with the officials to ignore it since they thought he was talking to the fan rather than the referee.
When Goble was questioned about whether Morant’s technical score was affected by his interactions with the audience, the crew chief simply replied, “No.”
Taylor Jenkins, the head coach of the Grizzlies, declined to comment on the explanation for the technical foul after the game. Jenkins said, “I’ll keep that private. The Thunder played great, we just didn’t make enough shots tonight. They played well.”
Morant’s father, Tee Morant, who was there at the game, carried his phone over to the fan as he was FaceTiming his son so the two could talk after Morant was taken back to the locker room. Morant was very clear that he didn’t blame his fans for leaving.
