Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports

Police conduct welfare check on Ja Morant after cryptic posts

By Max Steele | Last updated 5/24/23

Following Ja Morant's posting of four cryptic messages on Instagram on Wednesday morning, police in Tennessee conducted a welfare check on the Memphis Grizzlies star.

"He is fine," a Shelby Country (Tenn.) sheriff's office spokesperson told TMZ.

The first three posts contained photos of the Memphis Grizzlies point guard with his mother, father and daughter — captioned "love ya ma," "love ya pops," and "you da greatest baby girl...love ya," respectively.

The final post, and most concerning, was a solo shot of the 23-year-old captioned, "bye."

All posts have since been deleted.

Hope everything is okay with Ja Morant

(h/t @donnymonarch ) pic.twitter.com/iNjrKPWWaT
— NBACentral (@TheNBACentral) May 24, 2023

The superstar has been subject to multiple incidents involving a firearm since March. The latest occurred May 14, when Morant flashed a gun on Instagram Live while listening to music with friends in a car.

The Grizzlies suspended him from team activities following the latest incident.

Morant reportedly went to counseling in Florida after his first suspension, which seemingly didn't have the intended effect.

With his latest post, many are troubled over the uncertain mental state of the young All-Star.

"It felt like a cry for help," Skip Bayless said on "Undisputed."

"It felt like a cry for help."
@RealSkipBayless on Ja Morant's cryptic IG story pic.twitter.com/YyvBG9rY4r
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 24, 2023

“Ja Morant needs to take this time for himself. Think about what he wants his NBA career to be and how he wants to be remembered.”@ShannonSharpe reacts to Ja Morant’s latest cryptic Instagram story pic.twitter.com/l14ttcGTd4
— UNDISPUTED (@undisputed) May 24, 2023

We got MUCH LOVE for you @JaMorant!!! Everything will be ok! pic.twitter.com/qE3qQTQ2AN
— Doc Holliday (@The_DocHolliday) May 24, 2023

Morant has faced severe backlash following his repeated offenses and lost the trust and credibility of many.

While his actions should have rightful consequences, the overwhelming criticism is a lot for a young man to bear, and his mental health be strongly considered and protected during these times.

The NBA has yet to announce any further details regarding the situation, as well as Morant's suspension.

More must-reads: