Morant apologizes again after suspension for mistakes

MEMPHIS, TENN. >> Memphis star guard Ja Morant says he obviously made a terrible decision and many mistakes.

The two-time All-Star apologized again Tuesday.

“I’m completely sorry for that,” Morant said after practice speaking for the first time since concluding his eight-game suspension by the NBA. “So, you know, my job now is, like I said, to be more responsible, more smarter, and don’t cause any of that no more.”

The next question is when Morant is back on the floor for the Grizzlies.

The NBA suspended Morant eight games for brandishing a gun in a social media video post at a Denver-area strip club on March 4. The eighth game was Saturday’s win over the Golden State Warriors.

Morant was on the bench in street clothes Monday night when Memphis beat Dallas with the Grizzlies giving him time to condition himself after two weeks away from the team. Morant is expected to play Wednesday night at home against Houston.

During his absence, Memphis went 6-3 and returned to the second spot in the Western Conference just 3 1/2 games behind Denver.

Forward Dillon Brooks said Morant — seeing how the team has played recently — offered to come off the bench when he returns.

Brooks vehemently rejected that suggestion after the Grizzlies’ 112-108 win over

Dallas.

“I said; ‘Hell, no.’ You’re too good of a player,” Brooks said of the conversation. “You’re the engine of this team, and I’m going to need you out there getting reps and getting acclimated to who you are as that third quarter, fourth quarter closer.”

That’s the consensus in the Memphis locker room, including Tyus Jones, who replaced Morant at point guard. They don’t see the Grizzlies’ leading scorer needing to do anything to win back the trust of his teammates.