A judge ruled that the Grizzlies’ Ja Morant acted in self-defense when he punched a 17-year-old during a pickup basketball game at his house in Memphis.
In a win for Ja Morant, a Tennessee judge ruled Monday that the Memphis Grizzlies superstar fairly acted in self-defense when he punched a teenager at Morant’s home in July 2022, according to a court filing obtained by ESPN.
The ruling comes after a December 2023 civil immunity hearing in Memphis, where Morant testified that he «swung first» at Joshua Holloway, then 17, to protect himself during an altercation that led to Holloway filing a September 2022 lawsuit accusing Morant of assault.
The altercation came about during a pickup basketball game. Holloway, allegedly frustrated by losing several games, was accused of throwing a one-handed pass at Morant during a check-ball situation.
The ball hit Morant in the face, after which Morant said Holloway took a step toward him and that he then stepped forward and punched Holloway.
