Desmond Bane Lands in Hot Water with NBA Fans over Viral Celebration
Memphis Grizzlies guard Desmond Bane sparked controversy during a game against the Philadelphia 76ers when he celebrated a three-pointer by pretending to shoot teammate Caleb Martin with his arms. The move, which involved Bane extending his arm in Martin’s direction and then pulling it back at a 90-degree angle, has drawn criticism from fans, many of whom have noted the similarity to gun taunts previously exhibited by Ja Morant, Bane’s teammate.
Morant has a history of run-ins with the law, including a gun-related suspension in 2023 after he was seen brandishing a firearm in a nightclub. He also received a 25-game suspension earlier this year for a second gun-related incident. Bane’s celebration has prompted social media users to jokingly refer to Morant as having “approved” the gesture, with many commenting that Bane has “learned from his teammate.”
Morant has also been involved in altercations and controversies unrelated to guns, including an altercation with 17-year-olds in 2022 and an alleged threat towards the head of security at a Memphis mall. He was investigated by the NBA for a separate incident involving a red laser being shone at an SUV containing Morant, but was cleared of any wrongdoing.