NBA’s Ja Morant Testifies About Pickup Game Altercation in Court Testimony

NBA sensation Ja Morant recounted an incident during a pickup basketball game in Court Testimony, detailing an altercation where he claimed a teenager hit him in the face with a ball, leading to a physical confrontation. The incident occurred on July 26, 2022, at the Memphis-area home of Morant’s parents, involving a teenager named Joshua Holloway, then 17.

Morant testified that Holloway hit him with a one-handed pass to the face during a check-ball situation, following which the teen assumed a fighting stance. Morant, in self-defense, acknowledged punching Holloway once. Holloway subsequently fell to the ground after being hit by Morant’s close friend, Davonte Pack.

Holloway, now 18, has filed a lawsuit against Morant and Pack, citing assault, reckless endangerment, and emotional distress. Morant, invoking Tennessee’s “stand your ground” law, argued he acted in self-defense.

Despite the altercation, no criminal charges have been filed against Morant. Morant’s suspension from NBA games earlier in the season and prior video incidents were also brought up during the hearing.

During Morant’s Court testimony, he described the lead-up to the altercation, indicating that the incident deviated from their previous friendly interactions. Morant emphasized feeling disrespected by Holloway’s actions during the game.

The courtroom session included a reenactment of the incident, with Morant demonstrating the altercation with the involvement of both legal counsels and basketballs brought to the court. Morant highlighted feeling threatened by Holloway’s actions, justifying his physical response.

The session also revealed alternative approaches Morant could have taken, according to Holloway’s lawyer, suggesting Morant could have de-escalated the situation without resorting to physical confrontation.

Morant acknowledged that other options were available but expressed feeling threatened and opted to defend himself. The hearing provided insights into the events that led to the altercation and Morant’s perspective on the unfolding situation.