The ongoing legal battle involving Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant is set to stretch into its third year, with proceedings surrounding a 2022 altercation with teenager Joshua Holloway now extended into 2025. The lawsuit, initiated in September 2022, has faced numerous delays, legal motions, and changes in legal representation, keeping the case in the spotlight.
The incident took place during a pickup basketball game at Morant’s home in Eads, Tennessee, where tensions flared, resulting in Holloway allegedly hitting Morant in the face with a basketball. Morant responded with a punch, which his defense claims was in self-defense, as Holloway was reportedly in a “fighting stance.”
In a pivotal hearing in December 2023, Shelby County Circuit Court Judge Carol Chumney allowed Morant to argue self-defense, noting that witness testimony characterized the punch as a “chin check” rather than a forceful strike. Judge Chumney also highlighted that Holloway did not show signs of injury or disorientation after the altercation, even managing to drive himself home.
Complications arose in April 2024 when Holloway’s legal team underwent a shake-up, with his attorneys stepping down due to conflicts of interest. Stephen Leffler, a seasoned lawyer also involved in the high-profile Tyre Nichols case, took over the reins, seeking more time to delve into the case details.
The next hearing, scheduled for November 22, 2024, may unveil new evidence, as the legal drama intensifies. The second phase of the immunity hearing, where Holloway’s team will contest Morant’s self-defense argument, is set to commence on January 7, 2025. As both sides prepare for the next round, the stakes are higher than ever in a case that has captured national attention.
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