News broke about Ja Morant being suspended for 25 games over his latest gun incident, and Ja released a public apology. Ja told fans he is "spending the offseason and my suspension continuing to work on my own mental health and decision-making."
In the wake of his apology, many people are speaking out, including Stephen A. Smith, who admitted that while he is a fan of Morant, he doesn't believe him. During Friday's (June 16) episode of First Take, Smith told Morant, "Nobody believes you. Nobody believes you. I don’t say that flippantly, I’m a fan of Ja Morant. He’s a superstar that I want this game to celebrate for years and years to come.
"Me, speaking for everybody here, I believe, not just here at ESPN but in the world of sports. Why would we root against you because it’s better for all of us that you put your greatness on display with no troubles whatsoever because I believe this man is going to win a championship someday."
Smith went on to address Morant again, telling him that no one believes him because he "lied" in the past when he stated that he had learned from his first gun incident. He explained, "But now it’s a show and prove point when it comes to your character. Because you not only looked Adam Silver in the face. You went on national TV, got interviewed by Jalen Rose, and you clearly lied. We hope you’re telling the truth. But if you ask someone to bet money on the veracity and truthfulness of your word…ain’t nobody betting money on that, bro."
