The NBA announced on Friday that it suspended Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies for 25 games.

Morant was seen in an Instagram live video wielding a gun while dancing in a car. The Memphis point guard defended the video, claiming that the gun was not real but a toy. NBC Commissioner Adam Silver, aware of the claim, issued the suspension anyway.

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"The potential for other young people to emulate Ja's conduct is particularly concerning," Silver said in a statement. "Under these circumstances, we believe a suspension of 25 games is appropriate and makes clear that engaging in reckless and irresponsible behavior with guns will not be tolerated."

Silver also pointed out that this is Morant's second suspension this year. He was suspended for eight games in March for another video of him with a gun at a nightclub. This time, Morant will have to complete "a program with the league that directly addresses the circumstances that led him to repeat this destructive behavior" before returning to the league.

Nike, one of Morant's sponsors, promised to "continue to support him on and off the court."

"We are pleased that Ja is taking accountability and prioritizing his well-being," Nike said in a statement.

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Meanwhile, Nike cut its support of Brooklyn Nets' Kyrie Irving because of his support of a film that espouses antisemitic sentiments and his refusal to say he does not have antisemitic beliefs. Additionally, the Nets suspended Irving for five games.

The Grizzlies' record was 11-10 without Morant, who averages 25 points per game.