Ronald Acuna Jr. Risks Punishment as Controversial Action Inspired by Ja Morant Goes Viral at Padres vs. Braves

Ja Morant found himself in deep water last month due to a controversial act. Despite his history with firearms, which led to two major NBA suspensions, the Grizzlies star used a finger-g– sign on the court, not once but twice. First, he made the gesture at Buddy Hield, and the Warriors’ sharpshooter reciprocated the taunt. Both players immediately got penalized with a tech. But Morant did not learn his lesson.

Later that week, he used it again, this time in a victory against the Miami Heat. Obviously, the league was not pleased and penalized the 25-year-old with a $75,000 fine for “twice making an inappropriate gesture on the playing court.” Understanding the consequences, Morant decided to switch things up. While he let go of the initial finger-g– sign, he introduced a new celebration during the Hornets clash, enacting throwing a hand grenade into the crowd and covering his ears after a made bucket. Turns out, Braves’ star Ronald Acuna Jr. liked it enough to add it to his arsenal.

During today’s Padres clash, Acuna hit a massive home run early in the game. Hyped after the amazing hit, he brought out Morant’s hand grenade celebration. Sure enough, the tribute instantly went viral and could even land Ronald in trouble, maybe a fine from MLB for the potentially ‘inappropriate’ gesture.

Of course, when Morant did it last month, it sparked major controversy, as many questioned if such celebrations send a bad message to viewers. However, unlike the finger-g– sign, the Grizzlies star was not fined by the NBA this time. That’s because he had a valid explanation for his new move.

Ja Morant reveals the true meaning behind the hand grenade celebration, plans to use it until somebody objects

When the point guard pulled out the finger-gun gesture during the Warriors clash, the NBA immediately sent him a stern warning. Per veteran insider Shams Charania, “League ruled the celebrations were not intended to be violent in nature, but inappropriate and should refrain.” So, when Morant switched to the hand grenade celebration, he had a solid reasoning behind it: “It’s not what you think it is. I’m gonna take my words, I’m gonna throw them out there, and I’mma block out the noise.” Yes, Morant claims he is throwing his words into the crowd when he does it.

Moreover, he had no plans of letting go of the celebration anytime soon: “That’s my celebration now until somebody else has a problem with it, and I’ll find another one.” Well, the NBA did not fine him for it, which means he could continue using it next season as well. Maybe that’s why Acuna took the risk and replicated the gesture tonight. Unfortunately, the move eventually backfired as the Braves ended up losing to the Padres.