f you had told me a few years ago that I would become deeply invested in the NBA and all its drama, I would have laughed in your face. But here I am, knee-deep in it, a detailed search for inner peace. Our daughter’s boyfriend got us hooked on watching the Memphis Grizzlies, and it didn’t take much convincing on his part. The Grizzlies are located just a little over an hour down the road from us, and we already enjoyed watching the Memphis State Tigers. I quickly realized the reason I couldn’t watch the NBA before was because I get way too involved.
I used to know very little about the players in basketball, but I became really interested and started learning all about the Grizzlies’ players and even most of the other teams’ players too. I started following news about trades, player statistics, and how all the teams were doing in the league. This year, my family even joined a fantasy league where we pick our own teams and compete against each other based on how well our players do in real-life games.
Lessons in Accountability from Ja Morant’s Suspension
One thing I have learned from my newly found interest is that players in the NBA, while filthy rich and want for nothing tangible, are similar in that they, too, find themselves battling various issues. If you follow basketball at all, you are probably aware of the baggage that has followed Memphis point guard Ja Morant around the past year. If you are unaware, let me catch you up. Last season, Ja Morant was suspended for a number of games for having a firearm on NBA property during a road trip. He also found the need to post his shenanigans on his Instagram live feed for everyone to see.  I assume he, like most of us, did not learn his lesson and again was on an Instagram live feed for the same issue. This time, the NBA suspended him for 25 games beginning this season. Let’s look at the similarities between this basketball star and our own addictions and problems.
A Reflection on Ja Morant’s Struggles and Our Own
Ja Morant’s suspension was a wake-up call for him and his teammates. While it was a challenging situation, it also presented an opportunity for growth and development. Morant’s absence allowed other players to step up and shine, revealing the depth and talent of the team. Additionally, this experience reminded everyone of the importance of accountability and responsibility. As individuals battling addiction, we must recognize that our actions have consequences beyond ourselves.
Our struggles also impact our loved ones and friends. We must work together as a community to support each other through challenges and celebrate each other’s successes for emotional healing from anxiety. This experience has highlighted the strength and resilience of this team, and they will undoubtedly come out stronger on the other side. Also, like Ja Morant, we offer to suffer silently.
Understanding Ja Morant’s Journey and Confronting Our Personal Demons
I am sure whatever was bothering Ja Morant at the time of his actions was not easy to discuss. After all, he is a millionaire, an NBA star, and a hero to many who look up to him. The media was quick to judge him for his actions rather than attempting to learn what the cause was behind his behavior. As a former dieting addict, I understand the position he found himself in. People are quick to label others rather than seek to understand them. I cannot count the number of times I was asked about being on drugs as my weight plummeted. When in reality, I never touched an illegal drug. I simply wanted to be thin, to be accepted.
From NBA Controversies to Compassion
No matter what celebrity we may be discussing, it is important to remember that they, too, are people. They are someone’s child, someone’s parent, someone’s friend. Just like addicts, we all belong to someone. Addicts do not stop needing love or support because they find themselves in unfortunate situations. They need love more than ever. Rather than casting judgment, we all need to practice offering support…to all.
Now, onto the recent NBA drama, and boy, do I have strong feelings about Draymond Green from the Golden State Warriors! As a Grizzlies fan, anyone from the Warriors is on my ‘do not like’ list, but Green takes the cake. Controversies galore – punching teammates, choking opponents, stepping on rivals, and now, knocking one out during a game. No wonder he’s got an indefinite suspension from the NBA. Indefinite! That means he’s in limbo, unsure when or if his punishment will ever end. While I agree the guy needs some serious counseling for his anger issues, an indefinite suspension seems a bit much. Give the man a concrete punishment to work on, for goodness’ sake.
In the real world, forgiveness is straightforward – either it happens, or it doesn’t. Fortunately, God’s forgiveness is immediate upon confession (I John 1:9). As a Christian, it’s essential to remember that forgiveness is for everyone, not just those who attend church on Sundays. Jesus died for all, and His forgiveness is readily available if we just ask.
Celebrity Antics or Silent Pleas?
You may think it is a far stretch to compare the suspensions and commotions of NBA superstars to those battling mental illness and addiction, but is it? These NBA stars and their antics very well may be a cry for help. People with an addiction know all too well what a cry for help looks like. Rather than simply asking for help, we use antics to draw negative attention to ourselves, hoping, just hoping, someone will notice and lend a hand. We hope that someone will hear our silent cries and pleas and offer some sort of lifeline.
Let’s dive deeper into the comparison – when Ja Morant made his comeback in the NBA this season, every move of his was under a relentless microscope. Every. Single. Move. If you’ve ever battled addiction, you probably get the gut-wrenching feeling of being scrutinized as you try to claw your way to recovery. I’ve been there as a former diet addict – every bite felt like a spectacle, as if people were waiting for me to slip up, run to the bathroom, and throw up after meals. It’s a suffocating sensation.
In a recent game, Morant celebrated with a dance that threw him right into the social media circus. What was the crime? A gunshot gesture in his celebration. Most folks shrugged it off, but for those eagerly anticipating his misstep, it was ammunition. Yet, in a college football playoff game, when a different player pulled the same move, it was hailed as a celebration. Two individuals, two backgrounds, two verdicts. Same crime.
Rim-Hanging Realizations
On January 2, Morant once again mesmerized the sporting world by performing a stunning dunk where he swung from the rim and glided past basketball giant Victor Wembanyama. After the game, the media asked Morant about his thoughts on the dunk. He replied, “That’s what everyone wanted… what they expected. So, I gave them what they expected. Merry Christmas from me.”
As someone who is recovering from addiction, I understand the feeling of wanting to please others and expecting happiness in the recovery process. Unfortunately, not everyone wants to see us succeed. Not everyone is happy when a person comes back from their mistakes. It’s important for those of us who are in recovery to realize that not everyone is our friend. We need to recover for ourselves, not to prove a point to others. We don’t owe anyone anything but our best. And our best comes when we prioritize our mental and physical health.
Everyone needs a supportive friend in their lives. If you cannot find one…be one.