Europe 1 with AFP 00:26, March 07, 2023

Police in Glendale, Colorado, announced on Monday that they have opened an investigation into Grizzlies star Ja Morant after his video broadcast live on Instagram Friday night in which he brandished what looks like a pistol.

Ja Morant in turmoil.

The Grizzlies basketball star is under police investigation after posting a video on social media in which the basketball player brandishes a gun.

"The Glendale Police Department is aware of the incident, footage of which has been circulating the internet, involving an NBA player at a nightclub with what appears to be a gun in the early morning hours of 4 March 2023," Captain Jamie Dillon confirmed in a statement sent to AFP.

“We confirm that the incident took place in a bar in Glendale and we are investigating this matter,” he added, without giving further comment.

Carrying a firearm is not prohibited in Colorado. However, it is illegal to possess a weapon under the influence of alcohol.

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A defeat a few hours earlier

At the start of the video, we see the double All-Star (27.1 points and 8.2 average assists), shirtless, briefly holding a gun in his left hand, before removing it from the field.

A few hours earlier, he had just lost with Memphis in Denver in what constituted the shock of the Western conference, between the leader and his dolphin.

The 23-year-old, who has since suspended his Instagram and Twitter accounts, also apologized, saying "to take full responsibility for (his) actions", adding that he wanted to "take some time to get some help and work on better ways to manage (his) stress and (his) general well-being.”

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Sidelined for at least two matches

Morant is also under investigation by the NBA and his Memphis franchise has announced his sideline for at least two games.

He did not play the lost meeting with the Clippers on Sunday and will therefore be absent from Tuesday's meeting against the Lakers.

But his absence could be prolonged, according to his coach Taylor Jenkins who said there was no set date for Morant's return to the team.

“The goal is for Ja to take responsibility and get the help he needs to feel better, in general, but also to be able to perform as a member of this team. That's what we're talking about. We're going to support him, but we're also going to hold him to account," he said on Sunday.