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Grizzlies cracking down on players' nightlife
Memphis Grizzlies head coach Taylor Jenkins, right, helps up Memphis Grizzlies guard John Konchar (46). Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

Grizzlies cracking down on players' nightlife

The Grizzlies found a solution to their nightlife problem: not sticking around the night after games.

Memphis was concerned about players' nightlife behavior even before Ja Morant went on video holding a gun at a strip club. The team held a players-only meeting — reportedly directed at Morant — where Steven Adams urged his teammates not go out on the road.

With Morant's suspension ending soon, the Grizzlies are preparing for his return, though coach Taylor Jenkins told reporters Morant needed a "ramp up period" before playing again. 

What they're doing right away is leaving road cities more often on the night of games, rather than spending the night. Specifically, they're leaving "glitzier" cities early, like Miami, where they just played. Memphis plays at home until March 26 in Atlanta, which certainly qualifies as one of those cities.

It's a pragmatic approach. If you can't keep players out of the clubs on the road, take the players away from the clubs. There's only so much trouble you can get into on the team plane.

Sean Keane

Sean Keane is a sportswriter and a comedian based in Oakland, California, with experience covering the NBA, MLB, NFL and Ice Cube’s three-on-three basketball league, The Big 3. He’s written for Comedy Central’s “Another Period,” ESPN the Magazine, and Audible. com

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