Ja Morant benched one game after remarks on Grizzlies staff

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

The start of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 2025-26 season hasn’t lived up to expectations – at least if you ask Yes Morant.

An NBA Cup opening loss to the Los Angeles Lakers Morant was noticeably frustrated with the Grizzlies’ coaching staff. “Ask the coaching staff,” the two-time NBA All-Star said several times in response to questions in the locker room about how he played in the 117-112 loss.

On Saturday, ESPN reported Morant was “suspended for one game for behavior detrimental to the team.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

Ja Morant (12) of the Memphis Grizzlies dribbles the ball during the game against the Miami Heat on April 3, 2025 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. (Issac Baldizon/NBAE via Getty Images)

The reported disciplinary action came less than 24 hours after Morant openly criticized the team and coaches.

When asked Friday what Memphis could have done differently in the loss to the Lakers, a seemingly irritated Morant replied: “Honestly, in their opinion, they probably don’t play me. That was basically the message. That’s cool.”

Fox News Digital contacted the Grizzlies for comment but did not immediately receive a response.

Morant finished Friday’s game with eight points, the lowest point total among Grizzlies starters. Jaylen Wells led the team with 16 players.

MICHAEL JORDAN LEARNS ABOUT LOAD MANAGEMENT IN THE NBA AND SHARE WHY HE WANTED TO PLAY EVERY GAME

Friday’s loss left the Grizzlies at 3-3.

Ja Morant with his head bowed on the field

Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) leaves the court during the second half of a game against the Oklahoma City Thunder at Paycom Center. (Alonzo Adams/Imagn Images)

The loss and Morant’s disappointing shooting performance were exacerbated by his slower pace and lower energy level than many had become accustomed to since his rise to NBA stardom.

The Grizzlies’ front office decided to make a coaching change after the team suffered a 4-0 first-round loss to the eventual NBA champions Oklahoma City Thunder.