NBA Star’s Father Ejected for ‘Disrespectful Remarks on Officials’ Integrity’

Tee Morant, the father of NBA star Ja Morant, was ejected from the arena during the final moments of the Memphis Grizzlies’ 125-112 defeat to the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday.

According to crew chief Josh Tiven, Tee Morant was asked to leave due to repeatedly making disrespectful remarks aimed at the officiating team. “As the crew chief, I approached security and requested that he be removed,” Tiven explained to a pool reporter. “There were specific, overtly disrespectful comments made regarding the integrity of the crew.”

Tiven confirmed he was aware that the fan being removed was Ja Morant’s father.

Sitting courtside, Tee Morant was escorted from his seat with 2:10 remaining in the game, while the Thunder led 122-107.

“He probably got kicked out, so I didn’t,” Ja Morant commented after the match.

“Probably complaining about something to the ref,” added Ja Morant.

When questioned if he or any players had asked for Tee Morant’s ejection, Thunder coach Mark Daigneault responded, “Not that I’m aware of. No.”

In the game, Ja Morant recorded 16 points on 6-of-19 shooting and contributed seven assists.

“I sensed something was off when (one referee) started getting annoyed when I posed a question and refused to engage,” the younger Morant remarked.

“But let’s not dwell on that.”

This incident marks not the first time a member of Morant’s entourage has been barred from attending a Grizzlies home game. Earlier in 2023, his friend Davonte Pack was banned for a year following an altercation with Indiana Pacers players from their sideline seats.