By Douglas Ernst - The Washington Times - Monday, June 29, 2020

NBA star Ja Morant says people are misinterpreting what he meant when he shared an anti-police messaging on social media.

The Memphis Grizzlies rookie apologized over the weekend for sharing an image of him in his no. 12 jersey, altered to say “F—- 12,” a pejorative for police officers.

“I want to first apologize for reposting something that didn’t clearly and accurately convey what I wanted to share,” the athlete wrote Sunday. “My post was intended to focus on the bad cops who get away with the murder of unarmed Black men and women, and those who continue to harass peaceful BLACK LIVES MATTER protestors.”

The post in question was taken down, although it was commented on by entertainment company Complex and its Twitter followers.

Some viewers responded to the magazine’s “Ja Morant has a jersey statement in mind” tweet with the following:

  • “Why y’all dry snitching? Made him take it down.”
  • “I mean, it’s perfect!”
  • “Give him the rookie of the year trophy now.”
  • “I would pay an extensive amount for that jersey.”
  • “His PR team has a long week ahead.”

The deleted tweet also included the line, “Nah. [For Real] tho 100” overlaying the “F—- 12” anti-cop message.

“I know there are good cops ’12’ out there,” the NBA guard continued. “I know some, and a few are family. I am thankful to the cops at Murray State who took care of me and the cops who continue to watch over me with the Grizzlies. We NEED good cops to step up and make sure other cops are not abusing their power. There have been too many Black lives taken by police that could have been prevented. You may see me as just a basketball player and I may lose fans for taking a stand, but I won’t stay silent.”

• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.

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