Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant got a pivotal update on the lawsuit he’s facing as a result of him punching a teenager in his home.
According to the latest updates, Morant–who is currently out of the NBA due to injury–was found to be acting in self defense.
Memphis Grizzlies Star Ja Morant’s Lawsuit Explained
For those not in the know, Morant was accused of assault, reckless endangerment and infliction of emotional distress in a civil lawsuit filed by a man named Joshua Holloway.
It stemmed from a pick-up game that Morant played with a number of kids and players from the Memphis area back in July 2022. Holloway, who was 17 at the time, was part of the group playing.
According to reports, Morant punched Holloway in a heated altercation. However, the Grizzlies star argued that he was acting in self-defense after the then-teenager threw the ball at him in frustration and it hit him in the face.
In a testimony, Morant explained that Holloway also bumped him in the chest and appeared to be ready to fight as he clenched his fists. In response, the Grizzlies guard punched Holloway, an action he admitted doing so–but again, as a form of self defense, according to NBC Sports
Morant’s friend, Davonte Pack also joined the fight and punched Holloway, resulting to his arrest and misdemeanor charge, which was later dismissed.
It led to Holloway taking legal action, prompting a civil immunity hearing in Memphis back in December 2023.
Judge Rules in Favor of Memphis Grizzlies Star Ja Morant
In a big win for Ja Morant, a Tennessee judge revealed a ruling on Monday indicating that there is merit to the Memphis Grizzlies superstar’s self-defense claim. With that, the burden of proof is now on Josh Joshua Holloway’s camp, as they have to prove that Morant didn’t act in self-defense.
Shelby County Circuit Judge Carol Chumney shared that Morant “enjoys a presumption of civil immunity” under the self-defense immunity statute of the state of Tennessee, per Baxter Holmes of ESPN.
While a trial was set in late April, the ESPN report noted that it will likely be rescheduled at a later date.
Sure enough, Holloway’s camp was “disappointed” with the decision but promised that they “will continue to take the steps necessary to protect and advocate for Joshua.”
Morant’s side has yet to issue a statement on the development. For now, though, it remains to be seen what will be their next steps as they look to clear the name of the Grizzlies scorer.
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