Grizzlies’ Ja Morant Explains Why He Punched A Teenager Last Year, Says It Was Self-Defense

Memphis Grizzlies Basketball star Ja Morant said that he punched a teenager in self-defense in July 2022. 

Morant offered the defense at a hearing on his assault of Joshua Holloway, who was 17 at the time.

He said that Holloway hit him in the face with a one-handed basketball pass at close range, which prompted Morant to strike him. Holloway, now 18, has accused Morant and Davonte Pack of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect and infliction of emotional distress. 

If Morant and his lawyers claim the action was in self-defense, the case could be dismissed. If not, Morant will be heading to trial in April 2024. His lawyers are trying to dismiss the case under Tennessee’s “stand your ground” laws, which allow people who feel threatened to act with force under certain circumstances.

Several of Morant’s friends and family testified on the basketball players’ behalf. His father, Tee Morant, said that his son would host pick-up games at his house and recalled the match between Morant and Holloway as “highly competitive.” 

The lawsuit is one of many off-court issues that Morant is currently facing.

He has been suspended by the NBA for 25 games for “conduct deemed detrimental to the league” for incidents in which he displayed firearms.

His first eligible game back would be against the New Orleans Pelicans on December 19. Morant was also suspended eight games for last season, also for brandishing a firearm at a nightclub around Denver.