MEMPHIS, Tenn. — On Monday afternoon, Memphis Grizzlies star Ja Morant took a stand in the courtroom a week before his return to the basketball court following his NBA suspension.
The ongoing lawsuit accuses Morant of assaulting then-17-year-old Joshua Holloway during a pickup game at Morant's home.
The testimonies began the days-long process as legal teams wait for Judge Carol Chumney to decide if Morant is immune from liability. Monday, new details of what happened during the July 26, 2022, basketball game were brought to light.
“All the players on the court pretty much said, 'Come on man, let’s play.' So, I picked the ball up, gave him a chest pass, and he fired the ball right back at me," said Morant. "But before that, everything was all good."
Before the chest pass, Morant said Holloway rolled the ball towards Morant's feet, which the Grizzlies star called disrespectful.
Carter said Holloway then proceeded to "square-up" and got in a stance, balling up his hands in front of Morant, which is why Morant punched Holloway in self-defense.
Keenan Carter, who represents Morant, said this case comes down to credibility.
In his opening statement, Carter claimed the point guard is protected under Tennessee's "Stand Your Ground Law."
Carter also claims the story Holloway told to authorities and stated in the lawsuit about what happened during the basketball game has changed several times.
"He stands alone. 11 other people, including the plaintiff's teammate and childhood coach, stand with Mr. Morant," said Carter.
However, Rebecca Adelman, representing Holloway, disputed the claims, saying Morant needs to be held accountable for his bad behavior.
“This is the reason that Joshua Holloway stands alone…Somehow or another they are gaining an advantage, whether it’s through money or other resources from Mr. Morant,” said Adelman.
Ja's father, Tee Morant, also testified Monday morning and will continue his testimony on Tuesday. Holloway, now 19, is also expected to testify Tuesday to give his side of the story.
Carter said both legal teams have until Wednesday, Dec. 13 to carry the hearing out. A contingency date is planned for Dec. 20 to take care of unfinished business if needed. If there is a trial in the civil case, it is scheduled for April.