Seated courtside at FedEx Forum, Tee Morant, donned in a black bucket hat, shades, and a hoodie featuring a caricature of his son and the phrase “redemption,” expressed his thoughts openly. As the first quarter wound down, Ja Morant took to the court for the first time since March 3, welcomed by a resounding standing ovation and genuine emotions.

In the shadows of Memphis, Tee Morant shared his sentiments with The Athletic, praising the city’s support for the Morants. Despite past mistakes, Tee Morant appreciates the acceptance and looks forward to a return to normalcy.

The hiatus began for Ja Morant on March 4 when he left the Grizzlies following a controversial video in a Denver bar where he displayed a weapon after a loss to the Nuggets. In a statement, Morant acknowledged the need for a break to seek help and develop healthier coping mechanisms for stress and overall well-being. The NBA imposed an eight-game suspension, and an additional game was missed for Morant to reconnect with the team. Tee Morant acknowledges the difficulties faced by the family during these four days but remains optimistic about Ja’s ability to overcome challenges and showcase his true character to the world.

In recent weeks, Ja Morant’s personal life has been under scrutiny, with doubts about his associations and off-court activities becoming distractions from the Grizzlies’ season, where championship expectations loom.

As the face of the franchise at just 23 years old, Morant has accumulated wealth to support future generations. Tee Morant takes responsibility for providing the necessary support, recognizing the challenges and expressing excitement about Ja’s journey to reveal his true self to the world.