Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has been ruled to have acted in self-defense during a pickup game at his parents’ home in 2022. The judge cited Tennessee law on self-defense, stating that Morant enjoys a presumption of civil immunity. The lawsuit filed by the teenager accusing Morant of punching him during the game has been dismissed, with the judge noting that the only provocateur in the situation was the plaintiff, Joshua Holloway.
The incident occurred when Holloway aggressively threw a basketball at Morant’s face during a check-ball situation. Morant claimed he was defending himself after Holloway bumped him in the chest and got into a fighting stance. Morant’s childhood friend, Davonte Pack, also intervened in the altercation, knocking Holloway to the ground. While Morant was not charged criminally, Pack was charged with misdemeanor assault, though that charge was later dismissed.
During a December hearing, Morant testified about the incident, explaining his actions and the sequence of events leading to the confrontation. His lawyers argued for immunity under Tennessee’s stand your ground law, which allows individuals to use force when feeling threatened in certain situations. The ruling noted that Holloway had been allowed inside the Morant home for recreational activities.
The ruling also mentioned Morant’s recent injury, a torn labrum in his right shoulder that required surgery and ended his season prematurely. This season started with Morant serving a suspension for a video he posted online in which he flashed a handgun. Morant had previously faced another suspension for a similar video. Despite the legal and personal challenges, Morant expressed remorse for his actions in the videos and continues to focus on his basketball career.
The judge’s decision to dismiss the lawsuit is seen as a validation of Morant’s claim of self-defense during the pickup game altercation. The ruling underscores the importance of understanding self-defense laws and the circumstances under which individuals are justified in using force to protect themselves. As Morant moves forward from this incident, he remains committed to his team and his career in the NBA, learning from his past mistakes and striving to be a positive role model both on and off the court.
