Image Source: X
[Saba Sports News] Ja Morant has stirred controversy yet again with a new on-court celebration, and Charles Barkley didn’t hold back in his response.
After being fined for previous antics, Morant drew more attention Tuesday night when he mimed throwing a grenade and covering his ears following a three-pointer. He repeated the same move during the Grizzlies’ nationally televised game against the Minnesota Timberwolves on Thursday, prompting criticism from the *Inside the NBA* crew.
Shaquille O’Neal noted that Morant “knows what he’s doing” because it keeps people talking. But Barkley was far more blunt, taking a jab at Morant’s maturity and referencing former Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins, who was recently fired despite the team being in playoff contention.
“You know who’s happy right now? Taylor Jenkins,” Barkley said. “He doesn’t have to deal with this crap anymore. He’s gonna get another job that he deserves and won’t have to deal with this immature stuff.”
Morant, for his part, defended the celebration, saying it wasn’t what people assumed and was actually about “blocking out the noise.”
Still, the criticism stems from Morant’s history. The 25-year-old has been suspended multiple times for flashing guns on social media and was fined again last week for making gun-related gestures. His latest celebration may not involve weapons directly, but with his past, it’s hard for many to look the other way.