While Ja Morant has been making headlines lately for his actions and controversies, it’s time to shine the spotlight on the man who has been a constant support in his life – Temetrius Jamal Morant, affectionately known as Tee Morant. As the father of the talented Memphis Grizzlies star, Tee Morant has played a pivotal role in shaping Ja’s journey to success both on and off the court. In this article, we delve into the life of Tee Morant, exploring his background, his unwavering support for his son, and the lessons he imparts as a father figure. Join us as we uncover the story of Tee Morant, a behind-the-scenes hero amidst the whirlwind of attention surrounding his son.
How old is Tee Morant?
A multi-talented individual who wears many hats, Tee Morant has become a prominent figure in the world of basketball. With a diverse background as a former basketball player, entrepreneur, and media personality, Tee Morant has captured the attention of fans and critics alike. Born in the vibrant city of Memphis, Tennessee in 1978, Tee Morant possesses a youthful energy and passion that resonates with those around him. As of 2023, Tee Morant‘s age is 45 years.
Tee Morant, born to Mr. Morant and Saundra E. Dawson, grew up with an undisclosed brother. While his father is an entrepreneur, his mother works at Prisma Health Tuomey Hospital. Tee’s educational journey has been commendable. He completed his schooling at a local high school in Tennessee before pursuing higher education at Claflin University.
Tee Morant: Basketball Career
Tee Morant, originally from Southern California, had a basketball career at Claflin University after playing for Hillcrest High School. Notably, Tee had the opportunity to play alongside basketball legend Ray Allen. Despite his success in college basketball, Tee decided not to pursue a professional career in the sport. He tied the knot with Jamie Morant, who also played basketball in school, and together they have two children, Ja and Teniya Morant.
Tee Morant can often be seen on the sidelines, enthusiastically supporting the Memphis Grizzlies. However, his role goes beyond being a supportive parent. Tee is known for being a tough critic of his son, Ja. This tough love has played a vital role in shaping Ja Morant into a more competitive and driven basketball player, helping him reach new heights in his career with the Grizzlies.
Tee Morant: A NBA Dad with Business Ventures
Tee Morant, the father of NBA star Ja Morant, is known for his various business ventures and media presence. He manages a few local investments and has established himself as an entrepreneur. Interestingly, Tee’s main claim to fame is his presence on the sidelines during NBA games, where he has gained a significant fan following.
As for the specifics of his business ventures, there is limited information available. Nevertheless, it is estimated that Tee Morant’s net worth is around $5 million as of 2023.
However, not everyone is a fan of Tee Morant. While some criticize him as an attention-seeking parent, others see him as a genuinely enthusiastic supporter of the game. Regardless of these opinions, Tee Morant certainly brings an exciting presence to the NBA courtside.
Tee Morant: Supporter and Critic
Ja Morant’s rise to becoming one of the top NBA players can be attributed, in part, to the constant discipline and guidance of his father, Tee Morant. Even as a professional player, Ja continues to face his father’s scrutiny. Tee expressed his criticism of Ja’s performance throughout the playoff series, even though the Memphis Grizzlies emerged victorious against the Minnesota Timberwolves in six games.
Tee Morant: A Controversial Presence on the Sidelines
During the LA Lakers vs. Memphis Grizzlies game, Tee Morant, known for occasionally insulting NBA players and their parents, engaged in a verbal altercation with NFL star Shannon Sharpe. It all started when Grizzlies players, including Ja Morant, Dillon Brooks, and Steven Adams, got into a heated exchange with Sharpe toward the end of the first half. Sharpe initiated the confrontation after Brooks said something and motioned for him to have a face-to-face discussion. Adams also moved in Sharpe’s direction, requiring coaches to intervene. Ja Morant joined the conversation, and Tee Morant accompanied him, but security quickly intervened and separated everyone involved.
However, before the start of the second half, the ESPN broadcast showed that Tee Morant was on amicable terms with everyone. He continued to harbor admiration and respect for Sharpe, and there were no further incidents. Importantly, no one was ejected from the game or removed from the venue.
In another instance, during a game against the Lakers in December, Tee Morant was seen playfully messing with LeBron James from the sidelines as his son, Ja, delivered an outstanding performance. Ja scored 41 points, leading his team to a 104-99 victory. Ja responded to the interaction by retweeting a video with the comment: “these two some clowns… my dawgs,” followed by a flexed bicep and black heart emojis.
Tee Morant’s presence has gained attention during the 2022 playoffs. He had an ongoing bet with Karl-Anthony Towns’ father during the first-round matchup between the Grizzlies and the Timberwolves. The bet entailed the loser wearing the jersey of the other person’s son. Cameras captured the moment when Memphis eliminated the Timberwolves from the playoffs. Tee was also present courtside during the Grizzlies’ Game 1 loss to the Golden State Warriors in the Western Conference semifinals. After the game, Tee Morant embraced Steph Curry and Klay Thompson, displaying his appreciation for their skills.
Tee Morant: Social Media Presence
Tee Morant’s Instagram account has 39 K followers while his Twitter account has a following of 3741.
Ja Morant: A Rising Star with a Trail of Controversies
Ja Morant, a talented point guard, made his way into the NBA after being drafted by the Memphis Grizzlies in 2019 as the second overall pick. With his exceptional skills and potential, Morant quickly made a name for himself in the league. In 2020, he became the second Grizzlies player to be awarded the NBA Rookie of the Year title, and in 2022, he was honored as a starter in his first NBA All-Star Game. Notably, at the end of that season, Morant was recognized as the Most Improved Player, garnering praise from NBA icons like Kevin Durant, who hailed him as the league’s upcoming star.
Controversies Surrounding Ja Morant
However, in his young career, Morant has faced several controversies that have raised eyebrows and prompted disciplinary actions. Let’s take a closer look at each of these incidents:
Flashing a Gun on Social Media (May 14, 2023)
The Memphis Grizzlies suspended Morant after a video surfaced online, showing him brandishing a gun on Instagram Live. As a result, he was suspended from all team activities pending a review by the league. This marked the second time within a short period that the 23-year-old was suspended for showcasing a firearm online.
Wave of a Gun in a Strip Club (March 4, 2023)
During an Instagram Live session, Morant recorded himself waving a gun inside a Colorado strip club. The NBA responded by suspending him for eight games without pay, citing his conduct as detrimental to the league. Although no charges were filed against Morant, the Colorado police expressed concern over the incident. Subsequently, Morant enrolled in a counseling program and publicly accepted responsibility for his actions, emphasizing that he does not support violence.
Allegations of Threats Made with a Laser (January 29, 2023)
Following a game between the Grizzlies and the Indiana Pacers, members of the Pacers alleged that Morant and his friends aimed a red laser at them from a car. Witnesses claimed that the laser originated from a gun. While a confrontational post-game situation was confirmed, the NBA could not substantiate allegations of weapon threats against anyone.
Verbal Altercation Involving Ja Morant’s Father (January 20, 2023)
During a game against the Los Angeles Lakers, Morant’s father engaged in a heated exchange with NFL Hall of Famers and Fox Sports host Shannon Sharpe. Morant himself, along with teammate Dillion Brooks, approached Sharpe after the incident. Sharpe later apologized for his behavior on his show.
Disruption at a High School Volleyball Game (September 22, 2022)
TMZ reported that Morant, accompanied by friends and family, stormed into a high school volleyball game after a verbal altercation involving his sister. Witnesses claimed that one of Morant’s friends pushed past officers and allegedly slapped a phone out of a teenager’s hand, issuing threats. Morant defended his actions, stating his concern for his sister’s safety
Intimidation at a FootAction Store (July 22, 2022)
Four days prior to another incident, Morant’s mother expressed dissatisfaction with the service at a FootAction store in Memphis. She contacted Morant, who subsequently arrived at the store with eight or nine friends. Allegedly, they threatened an employee who sought refuge in the back room for nearly an hour. Although Morant was not identified as a suspect, the police report obtained by the Washington Post labeled his mother as “Unknown.”
Threatening the Head of Security at a Mall (July 22, 2022)
On the same day as the aforementioned incident, the head of security at a mall in the Memphis area reported an altercation involving Morant. The security guard claimed that a member of Morant’s group shoved him in the head, prompting him to file a police report. However, no arrests were made in relation to the incident.
Controversial Tweet Response (May 14, 2022)
When confronted with derogatory comments on Twitter, Morant responded with a now-deleted tweet. It is alleged that his response, “It’s free to see how hollows feel,” was a reference to shooting the user with hollow-point bullets.
Bottom Line
Tee Morant has been a constant support and guiding force in Ja Morant’s basketball journey. From his background as a former player to his unwavering support as a father figure, Tee has played a pivotal role in shaping Ja’s success both on and off the court. Despite the controversies that have surrounded Ja, Tee continues to be a proud and enthusiastic supporter, offering tough love and valuable guidance. Tee Morant may be a controversial presence on the sidelines, but there’s no denying his dedication to his son’s career. Behind the scenes, Tee Morant remains a hero amidst the whirlwind of attention surrounding his son.
