NBA Star Ja Morant Testifies About Altercation During Pickup Game Leading to Lawsuit

Syndication: The Commercial Appeal

MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) — In a courtroom testimony on Monday, NBA sensation Ja Morant recounted an incident from last year's pickup basketball game, where a close-range, one-handed pass from a teenager escalated into a brief scuffle, resulting in a lawsuit against the Memphis Grizzlies guard.

Morant told the court that during the game, the teenager hit him in the face with a forceful pass, prompting Morant to respond with a single punch to the teen's face. The legal action was initiated by Joshua Holloway, who was 17 at the time of the altercation on July 26, 2022, at a basketball court located at Morant's parents' residence in the Memphis area.

Holloway, now 18, has accused Morant and his close friend Davonte Pack of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. Morant, 24, claimed he acted in self-defense after Holloway threw the ball at him, hitting him in the chin during a customary check-ball situation.

Morant's legal team contends that he is protected under Tennessee's "stand your ground" law, arguing that Morant felt threatened at his home and was justified in using force. This law, typically applied in criminal cases, has been permitted for use in the civil case by Judge Carol Chumney's recent ruling.

No criminal charges have been filed against Morant, although Pack initially faced a misdemeanor assault charge in July, which was subsequently dropped.

Morant, who served a 25-game suspension earlier this season for posting a video online in which he flashed a handgun, has apologized for both incidents. The video was shared after he completed an eight-game suspension in March for a similar video filmed in a Denver-area strip club.

During the court hearing, Morant's father, Tee Morant, attested to the family's tradition of inviting local basketball players, including friends like Holloway, to play on their home court. Tee Morant mentioned that meals were prepared for the players after the pickup games.

Holloway, who had previously enjoyed a positive relationship with the Morants, displayed frustration on the day of the altercation. Tee Morant testified that he encouraged Holloway to play aggressively, leading to verbal exchanges between Holloway and Ja Morant.

In a detailed account during the testimony, Morant reenacted the incident with both legal representatives using basketballs brought to the courtroom. He explained that the altercation began during a check-ball situation, where Holloway's one-handed pass caught him off guard, leading to the ensuing confrontation.

The hearing is set to continue on Tuesday.