May 18 (UPI) — Ja Morant’s Ja 1 “Hunger” signature shoes were removed from the Nike and Finish Line apps, amid the Memphis Grizzlies star’s latest gun-related controversy.
The shoes, which were listed on the apps Tuesday, were not available on either platform as of Thursday morning. They are set for a May 25 release.
Finish Line and Nike did not immediately respond to a request for comment.
Morant was suspended indefinitely Sunday after he was seen in social media footage brandishing a gun while inside a vehicle a day earlier. The NBA is investigating.
JaMorant pic.twitter.com/XqJFwEOHTj
— James Burnes (@JamesBurnes8) May 14, 2023
Morant was suspended for eight games in March after he was seen in Instagram Live footage holding a gun while inside a Denver nightclub. He said after that incident that he was talking to therapists and learning how to better manage stress.
Nike issued a statement after that incident, saying it “appreciated” Morant’s accountability and that he was “taking the time to get the help he needs.”
Morant said issued a statement Tuesday taking “full accountability” for his second incident.
Ja Morant was allegedly seen showing off a gun on IG Live yesterday 😳 pic.twitter.com/fdhjBbIn9c
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) May 14, 2023
“I’m committed to continuing to work on myself,” Morant said.
Nike postponed the release of Morant’s initial Ja 1 signature shoe after his March incident. Powerade, owned by Coca-Cola, announced a partnership with Morant on March 1, but removed his ads from its website after his first gun-related incident.