On Wednesday, a Memphis judge ruled that Grizzlies point guard Ja Morant and his legal team can proceed with their argument that the two-time All-Star acted in self-defense when he punched a teenager during a pickup basketball game at his home in July 2022. Judge Carol Chumney issued a stay on the case and set a hearing for Oct. 12.

Per the Associated Press, Morant’s lawyers admitted that Morant punched then 17-year-old Joshua Holloway once in the chin after Holloway threw a basketball at Morant, but are arguing that Morant should not be liable under Tennessee’s “stand your ground” law. The law permits people to act with force in situations when they feel threatened at their homes. Holloway’s attorney, Rebecca Adelman, argued in court that the “stand your ground” argument came too late in the process and is not applicable to a civil case, describing the tactic as a “Hail Mary of Hail Marys.” Holloway, who has since turned 18; accused Morant and his friend, Davonte Pack, of assault, reckless endangerment, abuse or neglect, and infliction of emotional distress. Morant filed a countersuit against Holloway in April for damaging the NBA star’s reputation and potentially costing him millions in endorsement deals and his contract.

Editorial credit: Wawx / Shutterstock.com