Ja Morant’s attorneys are looking to have a civil suit against the NBA star thrown out of court.
The lawsuit centers around an alleged physical altercation between the Memphis Grizzlies star and a teenager during a pickup game at Morant’s home in July 2022.
In a motion to dismiss that was filed Monday, Morant’s attorney argued that the basketball player was acting in self-defense and cited Tennessee’s self-defense immunity statute, the Commerical Appeal reported.
Morant allegedly punched then-17-year-old Josh Holloway during a game of pickup basketball at the pro player’s home.
“Morant acted in self-defense when [Josh Holloway] intentionally struck him in the face with a basketball at Mr. Morant’s family home last July,” the motion states. “He therefore enjoys civil immunity under the [Self-Defense Immunity] Statute.”
The motion would require a hearing within 40 days of it being filed, and all other aspects of the case would be paused, according to Morant’s attorneys.
The attorneys also asked in the motion for “the mandatory damages that the [Self-Defense Immunity] Statute affords [Morant]: an award of attorney fees, costs, lost income and expenses.”
Morant’s father, Tee Morant, provided some more insight into what occurred that day during his deposition in the case.
Tee Morant said he had encouraged Holloway to play aggressively against Morant during the 1-on-1 game.
“I was telling Josh to go at Ja … act like he’s not an NBA player as far as confidence purposes,” Morant said, the Commerical Appeal reported. “‘You’re going to Oak Hill. So once you get there, if you can compete against Ja at this level — once you get there, it should be easier.’”
Morant has been in the headlines for all the wrong reasons this year as two gun-related issues led to suspensions from the NBA.
He was hit with a 25-game ban to start next season after a second instance of flashing a firearm on social media.
Morant apologized for his actions in a statement after the NBA announced the suspension.
“I’ve had time to reflect and I realize how much hurt I’ve caused,” Morant said at the time. “I want to apologize to the NBA, the Grizzlies, my teammates and the city of Memphis. To Adam Silver, Zach Kleiman and Robert Pera — who gave me the opportunity to be a professional athlete and have supported me — I’m sorry for the harm I’ve done.
“To the kids who look up to me, I’m sorry for failing you as a role model. I promise I’m going to be better. To all of my sponsors, I’m going to be a better representation of our brands.
“And to all of my fans, I’m going to make it up to you, I promise.”
