Morant's lawsuit for smacking a teen to go through 2025

2025 will still be more than just basketball for Ja Morant as his long-standing legal battle continues.

The controversial lawsuit against Ja Morant for punching a teenager during a pick-up basketball game is about to extend to next year, per Lucas Finton of Memphis Commercial Appeal. This would mark the third year of litigation as multiple delays, attorney changes, and filings of legal motions occurred, often on the side of the plaintiff.

Details behind Ja’s embattled case

In September 2022, Ja hosted a pick-up hoops game outside of his home in Eads, Tennessee, which several local players in the area attended. As such, tempers flared when the Memphis Grizzlies sensation went head-to-head with then-high school cager Joshua Holloway.

Morant allegedly got hit by a basketball in his face by Holloway, prompting him to strike back with a blow as a response. According to testimonies, both players approached each other during the sequence in which Ja’s longtime friend Davonte Pack entered the scene and smacked Halloway, landing him on the ground.

In Ja’s argument, according to his lawyer, the Grizzlies star was acting in self-defense when punching Holloway whom they claimed was in a “fighting stance” as they went face-to-face. Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Carol Chumney ruled that Morant is entitled to claim that he only defended himself in the altercation as witness testimonies state that Morant's punch was more of a “chin check” and not a “hard hit at all.” Furthermore, Chumney noted that Holloway didn't show visible bruises or sustain serious damage, as he even drove himself home.

Out of Chumney's favor for Morant, Rebecca Adelman and Leslie Ballin withdrew their representation for Holloway, citing an unspecified conflict of interest. Still determined to push through, Holloway's camp ultimately tapped Stephen Leffler as their new lawyer who requested more time to study and be familiarized with the case in the previous June hearing.

Dates to note in Ja’s next court process

The next court appearance will be held on Nov. 22 this year, and attorneys will be summoned to present any new evidence to discuss the case. The second phase of the immunity hearing is set for Jan. 7, 2025, wherein Holloway's legal team will contest Morant's self-defense claims.

These dates will coincide with the Grizzlies’ important 2024-25 campaign, and we can only hope that things will work out for Ja.

Related: Memphis favored as one of the top teams to win it all amongst non-title teams