Memphis Judge Rules Ja Morant Acted in 'Self-Defense' After Striking Teenager
Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant added to his streak of bad P.R. in 2022 after punching a 17-year-old during a pickup basketball game. Then-minor Joshua Holloway sued Morant, but the Grizzlies player walked away scot-free after a Memphis judge determined he acted in self-defense.
The ruling by Shelby County Circuit Judge Carol Chumney now shifts the burden of proof to Holloway and his legal team.
In a statement provided to ESPN, Joshua Holloway's attorney, Rebecca Adelman, shared that her team was "disappointed" by the decision and "will continue to take the steps necessary to protect and advocate for Joshua."
The incident occurred at Morant's house, and it involved a 22-year-old Ja and the teenager playing a heated game of pickup basketball.
After Holloway allegedly threw the ball at Morant's face while checking, the NBA star approached and punched the teenager. Morant claimed the ball was used as a "lethal weapon," which held up in Memphis court as a "self-defense" move.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Ja Morant of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts against the Golden State Warriors during Game Two of the Western Conference Semifinals of the NBA Playoffs at FedExForum on May 3, 2022. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
After Morant's punch, his friend Davonte Pack entered the scuffle and punched Holloway in the face. Pack faced a misdemeanor assault charge, which was later dismissed.
As previously covered on OutKick, Ja's father, Tee Morant was present during the scene and encouraged Holloway to play aggressively with his son. Both Ja and Tee Morant claimed that Holloway threatened to shoot at their home in the aftermath.
Morant can now put this scuffle behind him in what was a rough 2022 for the Grizzlies guard. Months after Holloway filed the civil lawsuit against him, Morant started the year on the NBA's suspension list, missing the first 25 games of the 2023-24 season after multiple instances of brandishing a weapon on social media.
The first sign of Morant's unhinged behavior occurred in 2022 when he and his friends, including Davonte Pack, flashed a red-dot sight laser (believed to be attached to a firearm) at Indiana Pacers players and personnel after a testy matchup in Memphis.
The NBA and Grizzlies expect Morant to return a changed man after his spree of trouble. Only time will tell.
MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant reacts during the first half against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum on December 29, 2021. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela
Send a message: alejandro.avila@outkick.com