While Tee Morant may have made some missteps while attempting to embrace the superstar lifestyle that his son, Ja Morant, has earned on the basketball court, it’s widely recognized that Ja has had the support of a loving and caring family. His journey to success would likely not have been possible without the guidance of his supportive father, Tee.
Ja’s newfound wealth certainly brings about criticism for not ensuring that Ja stays on the right path. Whether this hesitation stemmed from a fear of alienating his son and potentially causing a rift, or simply because Ja is now a grown man who makes his own choices, Tee’s role in this situation has come under scrutiny.
It’s highly unlikely that Tee will be joining the Grizzlies’ squad to confront Shannon Sharpe during a Lakers vs. Grizzlies game next season.
What Was Said About Tee Morant by ESPN? According to an anonymous team source within the Grizzlies’ organization, Tee Morant was held accountable for Ja Morant’s actions. This perspective was conveyed to ESPN. Since this quote originates from someone else, it’s presented for public consideration without the journalist’s personal opinion. The team source’s remark suggests that there might be internal differences of opinion within the franchise regarding the matter.
“Tee has played a significant role in all of this,” stated one team source. “He never made it to the NBA himself, but this was his opportunity to live as if he were an NBA superstar. That has been a problem from the outset.”
Following Ja’s initial eight-game suspension for a gun-related incident, there was hope that his strong relationship with his father could guide him toward better behavior. However, it appears that this approach has not been effective, as Ja’s actions remained unchanged until his recent suspension of 25 games, resulting in a nearly $7 million loss in salary for Morant.
Grizzlies Respond With a Cautious Stance In response to the ESPN article, the Grizzlies promptly addressed the information. Several players throughout the Grizzlies organization commented on the matter, but head coach Taylor Jenkins provided a measured and forward-looking response.
“I’ve read the article, and I won’t be commenting on anonymous sources,” Jenkins remarked. “I’m not really concerned about the past. I’m fully focused on the present and the positive progress Ja and the team are making.”