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Memphis Grizzlies superstar Ja Morant is just one week away from returning to the court after serving a 25-game suspension from flashing a gun on social media.
But Morant may soon find himself back on the shelf pending the results of a civil lawsuit.
The 24-year-old took the stand on Monday to testify in a suit that alleges he assault Memphis-area teenager Joshua Holloway during a pick-up basketball game.
Morant claims he acted in self-defense.
But during his testimony, he also claims to have swung first during the altercation.
“You testified that this basketball was a weapon, yes?” Holloway’s attorney, Rebecca Adelman, asked Morant during cross examination.
“Yes,” Morant replied.
“A lethal weapon?” she asked.
“It hurt,” Morant said.
Morant testified that during the altercation, he asked Holloway, “What you on?” Then, Morant said, Holloway didn’t reply but instead pulled up his shorts.
“Him pulling up his shorts, where I’m from, that’s a fighting stance,” Morant said.
Morant said Holloway took a step toward him and that he then stepped forward and punched Holloway.
“I hit him first — to protect myself,” Morant said.
That’s when Morant’s friend Davonte Pack also allegedly punched Holloway.
Morant’s father, Tee, testified that his son frequently held pickup games at his house. He also stated that this particular game was “highly competitive.” Morant and Holloway were guarding each other and talking trash to one another. Tee Morant is expected to resume testifying Tuesday.
NBA commissioner Adam Silver recently praised Morant for how he’s handled his recent suspension.
“We’ve, together, laid out a program for him over the last several weeks, and to the best of my knowledge, he’s complied with everything he’s been asked to do,” Silver said. “As I said, we’ll talk at least once this week before he comes back, and we will review the program and make sure the conditions are in place for him to be successful going forward.”
Silver did not speak on the ongoing court case. But it’s hard to imagine he’ll be too pleased with the testimony.