“NBA Players Who Took It Too Far: Shooting Opps on Live!”
From Steven Jackson firing his gun during a heated confrontation outside a strip club to Ja Morant’s alarming gun-flashing incidents on Instagram Live, this video delves into the troubling trend of NBA players who have gone too far with firearms.
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Ja Morant: A Rising Star’s Fall from Grace
The First Incident
The saga begins with Ja Morant, whose multiple gun-related incidents in 2023 captured headlines and shocked fans. The first incident occurred on March 4, 2023, at Shotgun Willies, a nightclub in Glendale, Colorado, following a disappointing loss to the Denver Nuggets. At around 3:00 a.m., Morant went live on Instagram, appearing shirtless while holding what looked like a handgun, dancing and singing along to music. The video quickly went viral, igniting debates about its implications.
Consequences
In response, the Memphis Grizzlies initially held Morant out of games for personal reasons, while the NBA launched an investigation. Although Glendale police found no criminal wrongdoing, the damage to Morant’s reputation was severe. He received an eight-game suspension without pay, costing him approximately $668,000 from his $12.6 million contract. Morant publicly apologized, stating he would seek help and focus on better decision-making.
Repeat Offenses
However, just two months later, on May 13, 2023, Morant was seen in another Instagram Live video, this time with a friend, briefly flashing a handgun again. This incident led to the Grizzlies suspending him from all team activities pending an NBA review. On June 16, 2023, the league handed down a devastating 25-game suspension for the upcoming season, resulting in a loss of around $7.6 million from his $33.5 million contract extension.
Even after serving his suspension, Morant continued to make headlines for the wrong reasons. On April 4, 2025, he was fined $75,000 for making finger gun gestures during games, which the NBA deemed inappropriate given his history. This ongoing saga raised questions about consistency in enforcement, especially as other players made similar gestures without penalty.
Keith Appling: A Tragic Family Incident
Keith Appling’s story shows the darker side of gun violence when it moves from social media into real life. A standout guard at Michigan State, Appling’s promising career took a tragic turn on May 22, 2021. He was involved in a fatal shooting that claimed the life of 66-year-old Clyde Edmonds, a relative.
The Incident
What started as a family argument escalated into violence when Appling shot Edmonds multiple times during a dispute over a handgun. Witnesses reported hearing gunshots as Appling fled the scene. He was later arrested and charged with first-degree murder and other offenses.
Consequences
On February 13, 2023, Appling pleaded guilty to reduced charges of second-degree murder, avoiding a potential life sentence. He was sentenced to 18 to 40 years in prison, a devastating outcome for a player whose life was once filled with promise.
Javaris Crittenton: Revenge and Regret
Javaris Crittenton’s fall from NBA prospect to convicted killer is a shocking tale highlighted in Netflix’s documentary Untold: Shooting Guards. The incident that defined his legacy occurred on August 19, 2011, in Atlanta.
The Incident
After being robbed at gunpoint months earlier, Crittenton sought revenge against those he believed were responsible. On August 24, 2011, he and his cousin drove up to a group of people, firing an automatic weapon in an attempt to hit his intended target, Trontavia Stevens. Instead, he struck an innocent bystander, 22-year-old Julian “Peepey” Jones, who was a mother of four.
Consequences
Crittenton was arrested and later indicted on multiple counts, including murder. He pleaded guilty to voluntary manslaughter and received a 23-year prison sentence, highlighting the tragic consequences of his choices.
Steven Jackson: A Dangerous Confrontation
Steven Jackson’s history with violence is well-documented, especially following the infamous Malice at the Palace incident in 2004. However, another serious incident occurred outside a strip club in Indianapolis.
The Incident
In 2007, after a confrontation at Club Rio escalated, Jackson drew his legally concealed weapon and fired shots into the air, claiming self-defense. Although no one was hit, the incident was a reminder of the dangerous environments professional athletes sometimes find themselves in.
Consequences
Jackson’s decision to pull the trigger, even in self-defense, raised questions about his judgment and the impact of such actions on his career.
Bob Royer: A Chilling Obsession
Bob Royer’s story is one of jealousy and obsession that led to deadly violence. After retiring from basketball, Royer confronted Elizabeth Darling, a woman he had been romantically involved with, leading to her murder.
The Incident
On May 29, 1973, Royer shot Darling twice in a premeditated act stemming from jealousy. After fleeing the scene, he committed suicide the following day, leaving behind a cryptic note.
Jason Williams: Recklessness and Cover-Up
Jason Williams’ tragic story involves reckless behavior with a firearm that led to a friend’s death.
The Incident
In 2002, during a gathering at his home, Williams retrieved a shotgun and accidentally shot his friend, Christohpie, while joking around. In an attempt to cover up the incident, Williams staged the scene to look like a suicide.
Consequences
Williams was eventually convicted of tampering with evidence and hindering apprehension, receiving a prison sentence that forever altered his life and career.
Carmelo Anthony: A Controversial Appearance
Carmelo Anthony’s involvement in a controversial underground DVD called Stop Snitching raised eyebrows and questions about his associations.
The Incident
In the summer of 2004, Anthony appeared in a video that threatened violence against police informants, which drew significant media scrutiny. Although he claimed ignorance of the video’s content, his participation lent credibility to a movement that obstructed justice.
Conclusion
The stories of these NBA players illustrate the dangerous intersection of fame, firearms, and poor decision-making. From Ja Morant’s reckless social media antics to Keith Appling’s tragic family violence, these incidents serve as cautionary tales about the consequences of gun violence and the responsibilities that come with being a public figure.
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This narrative captures the essence of the transcript, focusing on the serious implications of gun violence in the lives of NBA players.
