Teen punched by Ja Morant faces uphill battle in lawsuit following judge’s decision NBA star acted in self-defense under Stand Your Ground law

Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant has been embroiled in a legal battle for nearly two years after allegations surfaced that he was involved in a physical altercation with a teen at his Tennessee home.

But on Monday, Shelby County District Judge Carol Chumney ruled that Morant acted in self-defense when he punched Joshua Holloway in the face during a basketball game in July 2022, in response to court records. obtained by ESPN.

Holloway was 17 years old on the time of the incident.

Last yr, Holloway filed a civil lawsuit against the two-time NBA All-Star. In his ruling, Judge Chumney cited state law regarding situations in which self-defense could also be raised and noted that Morant currently enjoys a “presumption of civil immunity.” Therefore, Holloway now has the burden of proof to persuade the jury that Morant didn’t act in self-defense.

Holloway is believed to have been a frequent guest at Morant’s home. Multiple witnesses testified in December to assist the court gain a deeper understanding of the causes of the argument between Morant and Holloway.

Among those that testified was former NBA player Mike Miller. Miller was at Morant’s home on the time of the incident and said hitting Morant in the face with a basketball “kind of started it all,” the judge wrote in the ruling.

Morant’s previously claimed he acted in self-defense and claimed the altercation resulted from Holloway’s actions while checking the basketball. A “check” often involves two opposing players passing the basketball to one another to ensure the opposite players are able to proceed playing.

Morant argued that Holloway showed him disrespect by putting the ball at his feet during a check. After passing the ball forwards and backwards for just a few moments, Holloway threw it back towards Morant with great force and struck the NBA star in the face.

According to Morant, Holloway then asked, “What are you doing?” then he pulled up his pant leg and walked over to Morant. Moments later, Morant allegedly punched Holloway in the face.

“Where I come from, he pulls up his shorts, that’s a fighting stance,” Morant stated during his testimony in December 2023, in response to Trade appeal.

Holloway’s attorney, Rebecca Adelman, expressed disappointment with the judge’s ruling but vowed to fight on her client’s behalf.

“We are disappointed and will continue to take the necessary steps to protect and support Joshua,” Adelman told ESPN.

The trial was scheduled to start in late April, nevertheless it is unclear whether it’s going to begin as planned. Morant stays a defendant in the case.

Legal problems loomed over Morant when he learned he could be suspended for the primary 25 games of the 2023-2024 season. described the NBA in June 2023 as “conduct to the detriment of the league.”

The punishment stemmed from multiple social media videos that surfaced in 2023 showing Morant apparently brandishing firearms. During the suspension period, the 24-year-old basketball star didn’t receive any salary.

Morant made his regular season debut in December 2023. However, after just nine games, a shoulder injury forced him to abruptly end the season.

Teen punched by Ja Morant faces uphill battle in lawsuit following judge’s decision NBA star acted in self-defense under Stand Your Ground law