Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies is in a very tricky situation right now.
Since a video of him flashing a gun in a club hit the web, Morant’s entire career has been put on hold.
He hasn’t played a game with his Grizzlies since then, has been investigated by both the NBA and local authorities, and has now had a major sponsorship deal thrown into disarray.
It was reported on Monday that Powerade has suspended its massive ad campaign featuring Morant.
Powerade plans to pull their ad with Ja Morant, per @nypost pic.twitter.com/tQ8RkwohYV
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) March 13, 2023
The news of Powerade and its parent company, Coca-Cola, putting its relationship with Morant on ice wasn’t that much of a surprise given the controversy around him.
But that doesn’t mean it didn’t immediately evoke many responses from NBA followers online.
Some people are poking fun at the situation, making light of the fact that Morant’s ads were just announced 10 days ago.
Ja Morant getting that Powerade sponsorship pic.twitter.com/nKWboNik4q
— colton (@BullNamed_GUS) March 13, 2023
Others were more serious about this development.
Edgar Woo is hoping that Morant is able to learn from this incident and gets himself and his career back on track.
“Hate to see it but a valuable lesson for him for sure. I hope he realizes that,” Woo said about the Powerade deal.
Hate to see it but a valuable lesson for him for sure. I hope he realizes that.
— Edgar Woo (@edgarwoo_) March 11, 2023
Some feel that the move by Powerade was too extreme.
“I mean I get punishment but I don’t want to see it go [too] far. He is a 23 year old that just got a contract with generational wealth. Mistakes are gonna happen. Hope he gets it right” Ryan said.
The Ja Morant situation is interesting. His ads for Powerade are suspended. I mean I get punishment but I don't want to see it go to far. He is a 23 year old that just got a contract with generational wealth. Mistakes are gonna happen. Hope he gets it right.
— Ryan (@rvpats12) March 12, 2023
Then there are some who feel that Powerade will be back and the ads featuring Morant will still see the light of day.
As Rich Dollaz said, “They’ll be back America [loves] a good comeback story.”
They’ll be back America lives a good comeback story
— Rich Dollaz (@richdollaz) March 12, 2023
There is definitely a chance that Morant’s ads eventually air on television.
According to reports, the company has simply suspended the commercials and not completely cut ties with the star.
But this news shows that Morant is on very thin ice and his entire career and future are hanging in the balance.
NEXT: Ja Morant Is Rooting His Team On From Afar
