Ja Morant – Source: Tim Nwachukwu / Getty
A Judge has declared Ja Morant acted in self-defense when he punched a teen at his house during a pick-up basketball game.
Ja Morant has faced several setbacks in his NBA career in the last 18 months. The biggest setback happened after he returned from a 25-game suspension in December only to have a season-ending shoulder injury weeks later.
According to ESPN, Morant finally has some good news on his plate.
On Monday, April 8 a Tennessee Judge ruled Ja Morant acted in self-defense in a civil lawsuit from a teenager who alleged he was assaulted at the NBA player’s home. The ordeal allegedly happened in July of 2022 but Morant didn’t receive his chance to testify until December 2023.
“We’re disappointed, and we will continue to take the steps necessary to protect and advocate for Joshua,” Rebecca Adelman, Holloway’s attorney, told ESPN.
Joshua Holloway who was 17 at the time alleged Morant hit him after a basketball he passed toward the star. The issue started when the ball accidentally hit Morant in the face.
Morant allegedly painted a different picture in court according to CBS Sports.
Ja alleged the teen was upset after losing several games and launched the ball at him. Morant’s friend Davonte Pack allegedly also struck the teen and was arrested on assault charges that were later dropped.
After the ruling on Monday, Holloway’s lawyer will have an uphill battle to prove Morant didn’t act in self-defense.
