Ja Morant Sued For Attacking Teen, NBA Star Claims Self-Defense: Report

BY Erika Marie 10.3K Views
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Memphis Grizzlies v Minnesota Timberwolves
MINNEAPOLIS, MN - NOVEMBER 30: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies reacts to a call on the floor in the second quarter of the game against the Memphis Grizzlies at Target Center on November 30, 2022 in Minneapolis, Minnesota. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by David Berding/Getty Images)
A 17-year-old claims Ja Morant attacked him during a game, but the NBA star he was only acting in self defense.

An altercation that reportedly occurred over the summer is at the center of a lawsuit against Ja Morant. The Memphis Grizzlies star has been named in a lawsuit that claims Morant attacked a 17-year-old during a basketball game at his home in Tennessee.

According to TMZ, the NBA star hosted the pickup game at his residence on July 26. It was stated that during the game, a verbal argument ensued and soon escalated.

New Orleans Pelicans v Memphis Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - DECEMBER 31: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the New Orleans Pelicans at FedExForum on December 31, 2022 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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TMZ claims the court documents are sealed, but they were able to finesse a few details from the police. The victim reportedly said things turned sour after he "accidentally" hit the baller in the face with the basketball. The teen suggested he only tried to toss the ball to Morant, not hurt him.

However, Morant allegedly didn't see it as a mistake. According to the teen, the NBA star "approached him, put his chin on his shoulder, and asked a bystander 'Should I do it to him?'"

Then, Morant allegedly struck him "with a closed fist, knocking him to the ground."

The purported victim also claimed that while on the ground, the basketball star "continued sticking him." Another man, alleged to be Morant's brother, "jumped in and began hitting him as well." When police responded to the scene, it was noted that the teen had a "large knot" on his head.

Sacramento Kings v Memphis Grizzlies
MEMPHIS, TENNESSEE - JANUARY 01: Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies brings the ball up court during the game against the Sacramento Kings at FedExForum on January 01, 2023 in Memphis, Tennessee. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Justin Ford/Getty Images)
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When speaking with the Grizzlies star, the baller admitted to hitting the teen. However, he claimed he was only retaliating in self-defense. He said his accuser threw the basketball at him out of anger during an argument and "began to approach him as if he wanted to fight."

He also told the authorities that the teen threatened to "light his house up" while being removed from the residence. Morant claimed his family didn't feel safe and "were put in fear" that something dangerous would occur.

It is unclear what damages the teen is seeking.

[via]

About The Author
Since 2019, Erika Marie has worked as a journalist for HotNewHipHop, covering music, film, television, art, fashion, politics, and all things regarding entertainment. With 20 years in the industry under her belt, Erika Marie moved from a writer on the graveyard shift at HNHH to becoming a Features Editor, highlighting long-form content and interviews with some of Hip Hop’s biggest stars. She has had the pleasure of sitting down with artists and personalities like DJ Jazzy Jeff, Salt ’N Pepa, Nick Cannon, Rah Digga, Rakim, Rapsody, Ari Lennox, Jacquees, Roxanne Shante, Yo-Yo, Sean Paul, Raven Symoné, Queen Naija, Ryan Destiny, DreamDoll, DaniLeigh, Sean Kingston, Reginae Carter, Jason Lee, Kamaiyah, Rome Flynn, Zonnique, Fantasia, and Just Blaze—just to name a few. In addition to one-on-one chats with influential public figures, Erika Marie also covers content connected to the culture. She’s attended and covered the BET Awards as well as private listening parties, the Rolling Loud festival, and other events that emphasize established and rising talents. Detroit-born and Long Beach (CA)-raised, Erika Marie has eclectic music taste that often helps direct the interests she focuses on here at HNHH. She finds it necessary to report on cultural conversations with respect and honor those on the mic and the hardworking teams that help get them there. Moreover, as an advocate for women, Erika Marie pays particular attention to the impact of femcees. She sits down with rising rappers for HNHH—like Big Jade, Kali, Rubi Rose, Armani Caesar, Amy Luciani, and Omerettà—to gain their perspectives on a fast-paced industry.

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