Ja Morant suspension Labelled as Grizzlies 'Standard' protocol by Coach Tuomas Lisalo amid 2x All-Star missing Raptors Game After Ban

This past weekend, the Memphis Grizzlies announced that they were suspending Ja Morant for one game due to "conduct detrimental to the team." Morant will be serving his suspension during the Grizzlies' Sunday night matchup against the Toronto Raptors.

Prior to the game, Grizzlies head coach Tuomas Iisalo was asked about the thought process behind the decision to suspend Morant. Iisalo responded by saying that Morant crossed a line, though he added that the return of the two-time All-Star is something that the team is anticipating.

"The organization made a decision that aligns with our standards," Iisalo told reporters. "For the rest of the group, we are fully focused on the Raptors today, and we look forward to Ja rejoining the team and moving on."

Iisalo, who took over as head coach after Taylor Jenkins was fired late in the 2024-25 season, was then asked how he kept the Grizzlies "galvanized" in a situation like this.

"We're all professionals, and we have a job to do. Today, that's to beat the Raptors," Iisalo replied.

Since the Grizzlies announced Morant's suspension, fans have been buzzing about the series of events that triggered the sanction.

On Saturday, NBA insider Shams Charania reported that Iisalo and Morant had a "postgame exchange" following the Grizzlies' loss to the LA Lakers last week. According to Charania, Morant "responded in a tone deemed inappropriate" when Iisalo called out his "leadership and effort."

During the post-game media availability, a frustrated Morant commented that reporters should "go ask the coaching staff" when asked about the Grizzlies' flaws in the Lakers game.

Report: NBA teams are "monitoring" dynamic between Ja Morant and Grizzlies

Apparently, it's not just fans that are following the situatiion in Memphis. Appearing on ESPN's "SportsCenter" ahead of the Grizzlies-Raptors game on Sunday, Charania revealed that other ball clubs are tuned in to the happenings involving Morant.

"Teams across the league are monitoring this, keeping an eye on where this relationship stands," Charania reported.

Charania added, though, that the Grizzlies organization wants to "move on" from this heated situation and that Morant is expected to rejoin the team for Monday's matchup against the Detroit Pistons.