In Memphis, Tennessee, a legal dispute involving NBA star Ja Morant and college basketball player Joshua Holloway has been resolved with the dismissal of Holloway’s lawsuit. The case revolved around an altercation during a pickup basketball game at the Morant family residence in 2022, where Holloway claimed that Morant punched him.
The decision was handed down by Shelby County Circuit Judge Carol Chumney, who ruled that Morant acted in self-defense during the incident. Holloway, who now plays basketball for Samford University, alleged assault after a one-on-one basketball dispute. According to the court, the altercation occurred after Holloway threw the basketball at Morant with force during a “check-ball” situation, a common practice in informal games.
Morant’s defense centered on the claim that he was reacting to an aggressive act, as he felt threatened when Holloway’s throw hit him in the face. Witnesses, including former NBA player Mike Miller, corroborated that Holloway’s action initiated the conflict. Morant testified that the aggressive nature of Holloway’s actions led him to fear for his safety, prompting the punch as a defensive response.
Judge Chumney’s April 2024 ruling indicated that Morant was presumed to have civil immunity from such liability according to Tennessee law. The defense invoked the ‘stand your ground’ statute in the state, generally applicable in criminal cases but used in this civil matter to assert Morant’s right to defend himself when feeling threatened in his own home.
As part of his civil challenge, Holloway was tasked with proving Morant’s liability despite the self-defense claim. During a January hearing, Holloway argued that Morant’s response was excessive. However, the judge found Holloway’s testimony unconvincing compared to other accounts of the incident.
Notably, both individuals involved in the dispute are recognized as leaders in the sport, Judge Chumney noted, underscoring their opportunities to be role models for the youth. In her conclusion, she expressed hope that both players would direct more focus to their basketball careers and less to legal battles.
The resolution of this case allows both figures to move forward with their professional lives, leaving the courtroom behind and returning their attention to their respective basketball careers. This outcome emphasizes the importance of resolving disputes maturely, especially for athletes who hold significant influence over young fans.