A Memphis judge ruled Wednesday that Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant and his legal team can proceed with their argument that the two-time All-Star acted in self-defense when he punched a teenager during a pickup basketball game at his home in July 2022.
Morant’s lawyers have acknowledged that Morant punched Joshua Holloway, who was 17 at the time, once in the chin after Holloway threw a basketball at Morant, arguing that Morant should not be liable under Tennessee’s “stand your ground” law, per the Associated Press. The law permits people to act with force in situations when they feel threatened at their homes.
Holloway filed the lawsuit against Morant when he was 17, and he has since turned 18. He has accused Morant and his friend, Davonte Pack, of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. Morant filed a countersuit against Holloway in April for damaging the NBA star’s reputation and potentially costing him millions in endorsement deals and his contract.
