Grizzlies' Ja Morant tossed for obscenity,' questioning integrity' of ref
- World Soccer Today -
OKLAHOMA CITY-- Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant was ejected just before halftime of Saturday night's 115- 109 loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder after supposedly making reflections to courtside Memphis suckers that were depreciatory about the officiating.
Morant was ejected with 43 seconds left in the half when he was called for his alternate specialized foul. He picked up his first specialized 11 seconds before after committing a foul to stop play and complain about a no- call on a drive to the handbasket.
According to a pool report, crew chief John Goble said Morant was assessed his first specialized" for use of obscenity directed at a functionary" and that the alternate specialized was" for making a comment questioning the integrity of a functionary.
" Asked if the alternate specialized was called as a result of Morant's discussion with suckers, Goble said," No."
Morant did not say specifically what he said to the suckers, but did confirm the discussion and said he was not speaking to the functionary before either specialized. "
I got my first tech for saying I got hit in my( curse) face. Did not curse at him,'' Morant said." Another situation where he is in my discussion and I get another tech for talking with an addict. I feel like when these suckers came then, went online to buy these tickets, they did not say Ray( Acosta's) name to come watch.
" Morant scored just six points on 3- of- 10 firing, and the Grizzlies' seven- game winning band was snapped.
On his way out of the game, Morant gave the courtside suckers two thumbs over. And his discussion with them continued from the locker room.
Morant reportedly called his father, who carried a cell phone over to the suckers Morant had been interacting with. Morant verified he spoke to the suckers on Facetime after his ejection, saying he wanted to thank them for supporting him.
" They came to support us,'' Morant said after the game." They came to watch us play. I do not watch about getting fined.
" Morant was ejected from a game onDec. 1 and was fined$,000 for his commentary about officiating. He was asked if he felt as if he was being singled out for his on- court geste .
" I do not know. Presumably so," he said." presumably do not like me."
