Memphis Grizzlies star, Ja Morant, and his family members have been issued subpoenas to appear and testify in an upcoming court hearing for a civil lawsuit. The lawsuit, which dates back over a year, accuses Morant of assaulting a teenager during a pickup basketball game at his residence outside Memphis in July 2022. The hearing, set to begin on December 11 at the Shelby County Circuit Court, aims to determine whether Morant was acting in self-defense when he punched Joshua Holloway, then 17 years old, after being hit in the chin with a basketball.
Morant’s lawyers will argue for the dismissal of the case during the immunity hearing. They contend that Morant acted in self-defense, which should absolve him of any legal responsibility. The hearing is expected to span multiple days, potentially extending into the following week. If the case proceeds, a trial could start in April 2024. As of now, Morant has not testified in the matter, but he is scheduled to do so shortly before his anticipated return to the court on December 19 for the Grizzlies, following the completion of his 25-game suspension imposed by the NBA after a video emerged in May showing him displaying a handgun.
Aside from Ja Morant, subpoenas have also been issued for his close friend, Davonte Pack, as well as his parents, Tee and Jamie. Additionally, other friends and witnesses who were present during the altercation in July 2022 have received subpoenas. Four members of the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office, involved in investigating the incident, have also been served with subpoenas. It is worth noting that some members of Morant’s circle have already been deposed in the case, including Tee Morant.
Rebecca Adelman, Joshua Holloway’s attorney, has affirmed that her client is prepared for the upcoming hearing. Both sides will present their arguments and evidence, accompanied by witness testimonies. Morant’s lawyer will have the opportunity to question him under oath, while Adelman will cross-examine him. The court will subsequently review the information presented and determine whether the case should proceed to trial.
The subpoenaed court appearance comes at a precarious time in Morant’s professional career. He is due to return to the court in less than a week, following the completion of his suspension imposed by the NBA. The suspension was triggered by a separate incident in which Morant was filmed displaying a handgun. These off-court issues have raised concerns about his behavior and may have an impact on his reputation and future opportunities within the league.
As the court hearing approaches, Ja Morant and his legal team must now prepare to mount a defense against the allegations levied against him. The outcome of the hearing and potential trial will have significant ramifications for both Morant’s personal life and his professional basketball career. The testimonies, evidence, and legal arguments presented in court will ultimately determine whether Morant is found liable for the assault or if he acted in self-defense. Until then, the cloud of uncertainty hangs over Morant, leaving fans and the basketball community awaiting a resolution to this ongoing legal saga.
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