Police in Colorado said Monday they are investigating Ja Morant’s actions since the weekend after the Memphis Grizzlies star posted an Instagram Live video in which he posed as a gun in a nightclub.
The Glendale Police Department confirmed that the incident took place at a bar in Glendale, a small enclave surrounded by Denver known for its strip clubs and shopping centers. The department said it is investigating whether Morant may have broken any gun laws.
A source told ESPN that it happened at Shotgun Willie’s, which bills itself as a “gentleman’s club”. ESPN contacted Shotgun Willie on Monday, and a man who answered the phone repeatedly hung up on a reporter.
Colorado is an open-carry state, although there are exceptions to the law, including carrying a firearm on federal property. It is illegal to possess a firearm while intoxicated in Colorado.
NBA rules prohibit a player from carrying a firearm on team property or while traveling on team business. The video, live streamed by Morant, is unclear whether he is intoxicated or not, but shows other people drinking.
Capt. Jamie Dillon told The Associated Press that police did not receive any calls or complaints about Morant’s actions, but began looking into the matter Saturday after learning about the video circulating online.
Morant is away from the team as the NBA conducts its investigation. The Grizzlies haven’t given a firm timeline for his return, coach Taylor Jenkins said Sunday before Memphis’ loss to the L.A. Clippers. Memphis plays the Lakers in Los Angeles on Tuesday night.