The judge rules in Ja Morant’s favor, citing the “Stand Your Ground” law

On Wednesday, a judge ruled in favor of Ja Morant’s lawyers, arguing that the NBA star claimed immunity under Tennessee law in the assault of a teenager last year in self-defense.

Morant’s lawyers admitted that he punched then 17-year-old Joshua Holloway at Morant’s house last July during a basketball game after Holloway threw the ball in his face. His lawyers are citing the “stand your ground” law, which allows people to use violence if they feel threatened in their homes.

The judge ruled that Ja Morant’s lawyers could plead self-defense to block the lawsuit

Morant did not deny hitting the teenager, but said he was acting in self-defense after being hit in the chin by a basketball thrown by Holloway. Under Tennessee’s stand your ground law, immunity can be granted in self-defense cases, but that can be determined by a judge, who can instead decide whether the case should proceed.

Moran and her boyfriend, Davonte Pack, were charged with assault, battery or neglect, reckless endangerment and infliction of emotional distress by the teenager. Morant filed a counterclaim accusing Holloway of defamation, assault and battery.

Based on The commercial appeal, Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Carol Chumney granted part of Morant’s motion to dismiss the civil case. In the ruling, the judge allowed the civil case to be put on hold while Morant’s lawyers challenge the self-defense immunity law.

“We are pleased with today’s outcome,” Will Perry, one of Morant’s attorneys, said after the verdict.

Holloway’s attorney argued that ignoring the immunity claim hurt the teenager’s case by preventing lawyers from focusing on rebutting the NBA star’s claim.

“Under the circumstances, the court will find that the affirmative defense … was not waived by the defendant, although it certainly could have been more specifically stated in the answer,” Chumney said. “Since the trial is not scheduled until next year, the court finds that this does not prejudice the plaintiffs.”

An arrest warrant was issued for Ja Morant’s boyfriend, Davonte Pack, on Monday

Earlier this week, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office issued an arrest warrant for Morant’s longtime friend on a misdemeanor charge of assault with intent to commit bodily harm in Holloway’s case.

“The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office has obtained an arrest warrant for Davonte Pack, who has been charged with simple assault in connection with a July 2022 altercation at the residence of Mr. Pack, Memphis Grizzlies basketball player Ja Morant, and a juvenile basketball player, Mr. Morant. in Eads,” the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office said in a statement The commercial appeal. “SCSO consulted with SCDAG before obtaining the warrant.”

Witnesses to the incident told attorneys that Pack punched the teenager hard enough to knock him to the ground. After beating him, Pack testified that he pulled Moran out of the fight. Others who were present said the debate was swift.

Holloway claimed Morant and Pack punched him multiple times and said Morant went to his house and returned with a gun.

Ja Moran is currently suspended for 25 games for another incident

Moran was suspended for 25 games starting the 2023-24 NBA season after he was seen flashing a firearm in a second Instagram Live incident. He was banned for 8 games earlier this year for his first offence. After going to a counseling program to learn how to better manage stress and apologize for his actions, he relapsed, leading to an extended suspension.

After his second IG Live incident, Morant apologizes and takes responsibility for his actions.

“I had time to think and realize how much pain I had caused. 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 made it possible for me to be a professional athlete and supported me, I am sorry for the harm I have caused,” his statement began.

“I’m sorry to the kids who look up to me for failing you as a role model. I promise I’ll be better. I will better represent our brands to all my sponsors. And I promise to all my fans that I will make it up to them.”