On September 5, 2020, Memphis Grizzlies star point guard Ja Morant posted a video of himself shooting an AR-15 at a gun range. The video immediately sparked controversy, both within the NBA community and the wider public discourse on gun ownership and violence. Some applauded Morant’s right to bear arms and exercise his Second Amendment rights, while others criticized the video as tone-deaf and potentially harmful. Here, we’ll take a closer look at the impact of Morant’s gun video on athletes and the ongoing gun debate in America.
Background: The Second Amendment and Gun Culture in America
Before diving into the specifics of Morant’s video and the reactions to it, it’s important to understand the broader context of gun ownership and gun culture in America. The Second Amendment to the United States Constitution guarantees the right to bear arms, and for many Americans, gun ownership is viewed as a core component of individual freedom and self-protection. However, the country also has a long history of mass shootings and gun violence, leading to debates about stricter gun control laws and measures to reduce access to firearms.
In recent years, professional athletes have become more involved in these discussions, with many using their platforms to advocate for gun law reform and push back against the narrative that guns are an essential part of American life. Several NBA players, including LeBron James, Dwyane Wade, and Chris Paul, have been vocal about their support for stricter gun laws and their desire to see fewer shootings in their communities.
What Happened with Ja Morant’s Gun Video?
Against this backdrop, Ja Morant’s gun video caused a stir. The video shows the 21-year-old shooting a powerful rifle at a gun range, with the caption “2nd amendment, don’t tread on me.” Morant initially defended the video, saying that he was simply exercising his right to bear arms and that the video was meant to be a message to people who might try to rob him. He also denied any political motivation, saying that he wasn’t trying to make a statement about gun laws or gun violence.
However, as criticism mounted, Morant eventually deleted the video and issued a statement on Twitter. In the statement, he apologized to anyone who was offended by the video and said that he understood the gravity of gun violence in America. He also clarified that he is not a gun enthusiast and only owns guns for self-protection.
Impact on Athletes
Morant’s video has had a notable impact on the NBA community, with many players and commentators weighing in on the controversy. Some, like former NBA player Stephen Jackson, defended Morant’s right to own guns and argued that he shouldn’t have to apologize for exercising his Second Amendment rights. Others, like ESPN commentator Max Kellerman, criticized Morant for promoting a dangerous, militaristic culture of gun ownership and potentially glamorizing violence.
Regardless of the specific opinions on Morant’s video, it’s clear that his actions sparked an important discussion about the role of athletes in the gun debate. Several NBA players, including Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum, have publicly spoken about their own experiences with gun violence and their belief that more needs to be done to reduce access to firearms.
Impact on the Gun Debate
Outside of the NBA, Morant’s video also reignited debates about gun ownership and gun violence in America. Some proponents of gun rights pointed to Morant as an example of a responsible, law-abiding gun owner who was simply exercising his rights. Others, however, criticized Morant’s video as tone-deaf and potentially harmful, noting that the United States already leads the developed world in rates of gun violence and that the glorification of guns only contributes to this problem.
The debate over gun ownership and the Second Amendment is likely to continue for years to come, with no easy solutions in sight. However, Morant’s video and the reactions to it illustrate the power of athletes to shape public conversations and push for change in their communities. As more and more professional athletes use their voices to advocate for gun law reform and other important causes, it’s possible that we may see progress on some of the nation’s most pressing issues.
