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

BYErika MariePublished on January 03, 202310.3K Views

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.

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.

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.

About The Author

Erika Marie is a seasoned journalist, editor, and ghostwriter who works predominantly in the fields of music, spirituality, mental health advocacy, and social activism. The Los Angeles editor, storyteller, and activist has been involved in the behind-the-scenes workings of the entertainment industry for nearly two decades. E.M. attempts to write stories that are compelling while remaining informative and respectful. She's an advocate of lyrical witticism & the power of the pen. Favorites: Motown, New Jack Swing, '90s R&B, Hip Hop, Indie Rock, & Punk; Funk, Soul, Harlem Renaissance Jazz greats, and artists who innovate, not simply replicate.

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