MEMPHIS, Tenn. – Ja Morant, guard for the Memphis Grizzlies, has recently received a favorable ruling in a lawsuit filed against him by Joshua Holloway. The Shelby County Circuit Court judge stated that Morant was acting in self-defense when he punched Holloway in the face during a pickup basketball game in 2022 at his home in Tennessee.
The lawsuit was filed by Holloway last year, but the judge’s ruling now gives Morant “the presumption of civil immunity” and shifts the burden of proof onto Holloway to demonstrate why Morant should be held civilly liable.
The incident between Morant and Holloway occurred after an extended period of pickup games at Morant’s residence. Holloway, who had been regularly visiting Morant’s home, initially at the invitation of Morant’s younger sister, eventually developed a relationship with the NBA star.
Several witnesses, including Morant, his father, sister, friend, and former NBA veteran Mike Miller, testified in court to provide insight into the events leading up to the altercation between Morant and Holloway.
Judge Carol Chumney utilized testimonies to establish a timeline of events. The altercation began when Holloway put a basketball at Morant’s feet, which was interpreted as disrespectful. Despite attempts to resolve the situation, it escalated until Holloway struck Morant in the face with the ball.
Following the confrontation, Morant responded by throwing a punch at Holloway, believing he was about to be attacked. Another individual, Davonte Pack, also intervened in the situation, further escalating the incident.
Chumney determined that Morant’s actions were justifiable under Tennessee state law as self-defense, ultimately ruling in his favor in the lawsuit. The ruling provides Morant some relief, shifting the responsibility onto Holloway to prove his case moving forward.