Ja Morant addresses his negative reputation

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Ja Morant addresses his negative reputation

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Grey Papke | Last updated Jul 12, 2026 10:34 AM ET

Ja Morant is getting a fresh start with the Portland Trail Blazers, and he thinks he has earned the chance to reset the narrative surrounding him as well.

Morant said Saturday that he does not understand why he is still saddled with a negative reputation when he has stayed out of trouble for

“I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already. I don’t see why years later that’s still a topic when nothing’s happened since. If I was that guy, y’all wouldn’t be talking to me now. I wouldn’t be here.”

Blazers guard Ja Morant said his “bad guy” image is a misconception: “I’ve done what I’ve done in the past, but it’s been addressed and handled already. I don’t see why years later that’s still the topic when nothing’s happened since.” pic.twitter.com/JYSExOs7wB
— Ben Golliver (@BenGolliver) July 11, 2026

Morant’s reputation took a significant hit in 2023, when he flashed a gun on social media twice in the span of three months, earning him a pair of suspensions. He was also alleged to have threatened members of the Indiana Pacers’ traveling party after a 2023 game.

Morant is correct that he has kept himself out of trouble off the court since then. However, he has been plagued by claims of being a problematic locker room presence during his final season with the Memphis Grizzlies.

The biggest problem for Morant is that he only played in 20 games last year and has not justified his big contract. That is why he did not cost that much in terms of players for the Blazers to acquire him.

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