A judge on Monday ruled that Memphis Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant claimed self-defense in a trial for punching a teenage boy during a heated argument.
“Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Carol Chamney ruled Monday that Morant acted in self-defense when he punched then-17-year-old Joshua Holloway in the summer of 2022,” the newspaper reported. new york post.
“During the altercation, Holloway, frustrated by losing multiple games, allegedly threw a ball with one hand in a ‘check-ball situation,’ hitting Morant in the face.” “Morant then landed a punch on Holloway, and Morant’s friend Davonte Pack also punched Holloway.”
Jay Morant, No. 12 of the Memphis Grizzlies, plays against the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 5 of the Western Conference Playoffs at FedExForum on April 26, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. (Justin Ford/Getty Images)
A misdemeanor assault charge filed against Pack was later dropped. Holloway filed a civil lawsuit against Morant in 2022.
according to ESPNThe ruling came after a civil immunity hearing held in Memphis in December 2023, during which Morant allegedly punched then-17-year-old Joshua Holloway during an argument to protect himself. Holloway filed a lawsuit accusing Morant of assault in September 2022. ”
The lawsuit has dogged the 24-year-old Morant during a chaotic 2023-24 season that began with a 25-game suspension by the NBA for conduct deemed harmful to the league.
The suspension came after a May 2023 video of Morant brandishing a firearm went viral on social media. He was suspended for eight games in March 2023 after posting an Instagram Live video of himself holding a handgun at a Denver nightclub.
Morant apologized for both incidents.
Judge Carol Chamney argued that Morant “enjoys the presumption of civil immunity under Tennessee’s self-defense immunity law, and the burden of proof is on Holloway’s defense team.”
“We are disappointed and will continue to take the necessary steps to protect and defend Joshua,” Holloway’s attorney, Rebecca Adelman, told ESPN.
Morant’s attorney has not released a statement on the matter.
