Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant has received a favorable ruling in a lawsuit filed against him by Joshua Holloway. The Shelby County Circuit Court judge overseeing the case determined that Morant was acting in self-defense when he punched Holloway in the face during a pickup game at his Tennessee home in 2022.
This ruling grants Morant “the presumption of civil immunity” and places the burden of proof on Holloway to demonstrate that Morant should be held liable in the civil lawsuit. The altercation between Morant and Holloway occurred after hours of pick-up games at Morant’s house. Holloway, initially there at the invitation of Morant’s younger sister, had developed a relationship with the Grizzlies star.
Testimony from nine witnesses helped shed light on the events leading up to the altercation. The judge, Carol Chumney, examined the timeline of events to reach her decision. According to Chumney’s filing, the situation escalated when Holloway put a basketball at Morant’s feet instead of passing it to him, which Morant and others perceived as disrespectful.
The interaction continued with both parties rolling and kicking the ball back and forth until it went to the other end of the court. Holloway eventually rolled the ball back to Morant, prompting Morant to chest pass it back. In response, Holloway immediately struck Morant in the face with the ball, causing him to stumble back.
Morant’s question, “What you on?” was met with non-verbal aggression from Holloway, who pulled up his shorts. This action, supported by testimony from six witnesses, signified Holloway’s intent to fight. Morant interpreted Holloway’s behavior as a threat and in an effort to protect himself, he threw a single punch.
After the punch, Holloway gathered himself and stepped forward again, leading Morant’s friend, Davonte Pack, to respond with a punch of his own. Holloway fell to the ground upon receiving the punch. Chumney deemed Morant’s actions to be self-defense under Tennessee state law, justifying the use of force.
This ruling provides Morant with legal protection in the civil suit, shifting the burden of proof onto Holloway. The judge’s decision highlights the context and events leading up to the altercation, painting a clearer picture of the circumstances. The ruling grants Morant the presumption of innocence and underscores the importance of self-defense in the case.