Ja Morant: Matt Barnes urges NBA players ‘don’t tell on yourself and watch out for cameras’

Former NBA player Matt Barnes has offered some rather simplistic advice to both Ja Morant and the broader playing cohort. 

Speaking to TMZ, Barnes – who has had his fair share of controversial incidences – implored players to be aware of their surroundings, and to not snitch on themselves. 

‘Don’t tell on yourself and watch out for cameras,’ Barnes said. ‘The second you step out of your house you’re being recorded these days. So just stay cognizant and be aware of your surroundings.’ 

Morant spoke publicly for the first time since he was seen brandishing a gun at a Denver-area strip club, this week, acknowledging he made a ‘bad mistake.’

The former No. 2 overall pick underwent counseling during his absence from the NBA. Morant last played for the Memphis Grizzlies on March 3, and was suspended by the league Wednesday for eight games without pay – with the five he’d already missed counted in the suspension.

Morant appeared to hold up a gun in an Instagram Live video after a loss to the Nuggets

Itt’s not immediately clear when Morant will return to the court.

‘I love Ja,’ Barnes continued. ‘I love what he brings to the table. Got a little ahead of himself, that happens when you’re young and the world [is] at the palm of your hand.’

‘I just want to send him love. Let him know we love him. We miss him and we need him back.’

While Morant is eligible to play as early as Monday, Grizzlies coach Taylor Jenkins already has indicated that he’s not expected to play in that game, according to reports.

Grizzlies head coach Jenkins said on March 13 that ‘there are a lot of internal dialogues going on and obviously there’s still things going on at the league level that we’re in communication with.

‘Ja’s fully engaged in this process and ready for whatever comes next.’

The former No. 2 pick is eligible to return from an NBA-imposed suspension as early as Monday