[Update 19 May 2023] It’s been a year of controversies for Ja Morant. Twice now, he’s been suspended for brandishing a gun during an Instagram livestream, with the second suspension expected to be longer than the eight games of the first. This, even more embarrassing considering it happened in the off-season. With this growing infamy in the narrative, Nike has pulled out his upcoming “Hunger” sneaker out from their apps and partner retailers.

If there’s anything to discern from this, the Swoosh pulled the same move before terminating their contract with Kyrie Irving after his anti-Semitic remarks. Although they haven’t offered any official word on this, the future isn’t looking too bright for the Grizzlies superstar.

Ja Morant and Nike are releasing the next iteration of the newly debut Nike Ja 1, in the form of a mismatched colorway titled “Hunger”.

This comes in the midst of Ja Morant’s suspension by the Memphis Grizzlies on 14 May, after he allegedly flashed a gun once again during an Instagram Live. This comes two months after he was involved in a similar incident, in which he was suspended by the NBA for 8 games.

In terms of the mismatched shoe design itself, one side comes in University Red while the other in Game Royal on the mesh uppers. To tie up the design, a jet-black Swoosh arrives on the midpanel, while a speckled midsole highlights the basketball shoe. Morant’s number “12” arrives on the heel, while his signature logo appears in gold on both tongues.

Whether the news of his latest controversy will impact the release of the Nike Ja 1 “Hunger” remains to be seen. But for now, it’s slated to drop at Nike and select retailers come 25 May, at a retail price of US$110. Stay tuned for more updates.

In other sneaker-related news, check out the UNDEFEATED x Converse Chuck 70 Mid.