Charles Barkley Slams Ja Morant's 'Immature' Behavior

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Paolo Songco | Last updated Apr 11, 2025 7:59 AM ET

The NBA recently fined Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant $75,000 for a couple of controversial in-game celebrations that fans have interpreted as gun-yielding gestures.

After taking the punishment, Morant then decided to debut a new celebration -- one where he appears to throw a grenade into the crowd. The two-time All-Star did that same gesture again on Thursday night during Memphis' 141-125 blowout loss to the Minnesota Timberwolves at FedEx Forum.

The NBA on TNT provided coverage for Thursday's matchup, and Hall of Famer Charles Barkley had a blunt message about Morant's antics. Clearly, Barkley isn't a fan of what the Grizzlies guard has been doing of late.

"I know one person's happy right now," Barkley said. "Taylor Jenkins ain't got to deal with this crap. He's going to get another job he deserves than to deal with this immature stuff."

Kenny Smith and Charles Barkley react to Ja Morant's hand grenade celebration.

"He has a history that maybe he should leave the celebrations where people might die alone."

"I know one person's happy right now. Taylor Jenkins ain't got to deal with this crap." pic.twitter.com/5XBlU1YNtl
— Awful Announcing (@awfulannouncing) April 11, 2025

Barkley was referencing former Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, who was fired from his position just a couple of weeks ago. According to Barkley, the silver lining in Jenkins' firing is that he no longer needs to deal with Morant and the 25-year-old's controversial behavior.

Kenny Smith, Barkley's co-host, chimed in with his strong opinion on the matter.

"He has a history that maybe he should leave the celebrations where people might die alone," Smith said.

Smith had to remind the viewers -- and Morant -- about the Grizzlies superstar's history with firearms. Two years ago, the former Rookie of the Year was suspended by the league twice after he brandished a gun on an Instagram live feed.

It now remains to be seen how the NBA will react to Morant's new grenade celebration.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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