MEMPHIS, Tenn. — Ja Morant confirmed he was at a party at a Memphis club over the weekend that has come under fire for attendees allegedly were not wearing masks or practicing social distancing.
The Memphis Grizzlies point guard said he should’ve worn a mask during Saturday’s All Black Affair, held outside a Hickory Hill club. Pictures of Morant, maskless among hundreds of others at the event, had circulated around social media.
Health officials and local leaders had criticized the event as a potential spreader for COVID-19. Wednesday morning, the health department director took questions from county commissioners who wondered why it hadn’t been shut down.
Morant, 21, speaking remotely during a press conference Wednesday, said he has not had any COVID issues and has been around team staff.
“I have to be more aware of the situation, of what I do,” he said. “I should’ve had a mask on.”
The party occurred just three days before the Grizzlies tipped off their 2020 training camp. Morant didn’t address if he tested for COVID-19 or the results but he was back at the team facility and around staff for his media availability.
It is a sign he’s COVID-free, despite attending what health officials call a potential super-spreader event at the club, a venue now under investigation.
“It can still include closure, it can include a fine issued by the city, and an expectation that the business owner provide a list to us of everyone that attended the event,” Alisa Haushalter, director of the health department said.
This won’t be the last covid-related challenge for Morant. The NBA is planning on a 72 game regular season, and full playoff schedule.
Morant claims the Grizzlies are emphasizing safety and caution moving forward.
“Our coaches and our head people in the organization constantly remind us of everything, everyday,” Morant said. “Me and my teammates are all learning and holding each other accountable for stuff.”
Grizzlies’ training camp began the next day. The team’s first preseason game is Dec. 12.
