Memphis, Tennessee – A tense legal battle centered on an alleged assault during a basketball game at the home of Memphis Grizzlies player Ja Morant came to a close this Monday. A Shelby County Circuit Court judge ruled in favor of dismissing the civil lawsuit brought against Morant, citing the NBA star’s credible claim of self-defense.
The lawsuit originated from a July 2022 incident, where Joshua Holloway, then 17, accused Morant of assaulting him during a friendly game. According to court documents, the confrontation was sparked when Holloway accidentally hit Morant with a basketball, leading to a physical altercation. Holloway claimed that Morant, along with his friend Davonte Pack, continued to attack him even after he fell to the ground. Though Pack was initially charged with misdemeanor assault, the charge was subsequently dismissed.
In testimony, Morant defended his actions claiming self-defense, asserting that Holloway’s aggressive behavior prompted the altercation. The case hinged heavily on this claim, with Tennessee law providing that a credible assertion of self-defense grants the defendant a presumption of civil immunity. In April 2024, it was determined that the burden of proof shifted to Holloway to demonstrate that Morant’s actions were not in self-defense.
Holloway attempted to challenge Morant’s version of events in his January 2025 testimony, painting the NBA player as the primary aggressor who used excessive force. However, Judge Carol Chumney found inconsistencies in Holloway’s account, finding it less credible than the testimonies of other witnesses at the scene.
A pivotal moment in the case came from the testimony of former NBA player Mike Miller, who was present during the incident. Miller corroborated Morant’s sequence of events, suggesting the initial basketball throw by Holloway precipitated the conflict.
Ultimately, Judge Chumney concluded that Morant acted in self-defense, leading to the dismissal of the case. In her ruling, Chumney expressed a hope that both parties would now focus more on basketball courts rather than courtrooms.
Adding another layer to this legal saga, Morant had countersued Holloway, claiming slander, battery, and assault, among other allegations. He accused Holloway of intentionally provoking the altercation and making threatening remarks upon leaving the scene. The present status of Morant’s countersuit remains unclear as of the latest updates.
This resolution marks the end of a protracted legal dispute that captured public and media attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. Legal analysts highlight that the outcome underscores the complexities of assault cases involving claims of self-defense, particularly when the parties involved are public figures.
Moving forward, this case may prompt discussions within professional sports about player conduct and the implications of off-the-court disputes.
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