Grizzles’ Ja Morant gives testimony regarding an altercation with a teenager during a pickup game, resulting in a lawsuit
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — Ja Morant, NBA star for the Memphis Grizzlies, testified in court on Monday regarding an altercation during a pickup basketball game last year. Morant explained that a teenager hit him in the face with a one-handed basketball pass at close range, prompting Morant to punch the teen in self-defence. The lawsuit was filed by Joshua Holloway, who was 17 at the time of the incident that occurred on July 26, 2022, at a basketball game on a court located at Morant’s parents’ home in the Memphis area.
Holloway, now 18, accused Morant and his close friend Davonte Pack of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. Morant, 24, claims he and Pack each punched Holloway once, and Morant asserts that Pack’s punch caused Holloway to fall to the ground. Morant contends that he acted in self-defence after Holloway threw the ball at him during a check-ball situation, a common practice in pickup games.
Morant’s lawyers argue that he is immune from liability under Tennessee’s “stand your ground” law, typically used in criminal cases but applied in this civil case after a recent ruling. No criminal charges have been filed against Morant. The hearing revealed that Holloway had been invited to play on Morant’s home court several times, and Morant testified that their previous interactions had been respectful.
During the altercation, Holloway had been guarding Morant, and frustration escalated throughout the day. Morant reenacted the incident in court, demonstrating that Holloway’s forceful one-handed pass struck him on the left side of the chin. Morant interpreted Holloway’s subsequent actions, including a shoulder bump and raised fists, as a fighting stance, prompting Morant to punch first. Pack followed with another punch, and Holloway was escorted off the court.
The hearing will continue on Tuesday, exploring further details of the incident and the application of Tennessee’s stand-your-ground law in this case.
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FAQs
What led to the altercation between Ja Morant and Joshua Holloway?
The altercation occurred during a pickup basketball game at Ja Morant’s parents’ home. Morant testified that Holloway hit him in the face with a forceful one-handed basketball pass during a check-ball situation, leading to a physical confrontation.
What legal actions has Joshua Holloway taken against Ja Morant?
Joshua Holloway, who was 17 at the time of the incident, filed a lawsuit against Ja Morant and Davonte Pack. The lawsuit includes allegations of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress.
How does Ja Morant justify his actions in the altercation?
Ja Morant claims self-defence, stating that he and Pack each punched Holloway once in response to perceived threats. Morant’s lawyers argue that he is immune from liability under Tennessee’s “stand your ground” law.
