Ja Morant is a professional basketball player who plays for the Memphis Grizzlies in the NBA. He is widely regarded as one of the most exciting and talented young players in the league, having won the Rookie of the Year award in 2020 and being selected as an All-Star in 2023.
However, his career has been marred by several controversies and legal troubles, including a civil lawsuit that alleges he assaulted a teenager during a pickup game at his home in 2022.
Who Are Ja Morant Parents?
Jamie and Tee Morant are Ja Morant’s parents. Teniya, his younger sister, was reared with him. It’s interesting to note that his parents inspired them to pursue athletics because they were athletes in their youth. Both Ja Morant’s parents are of African-American descent. To raise their kids, however, they made Dalzell, South Carolina, their permanent home.
Ja Morant’s Mom
Jamie, the mother of Ja Morant, was born in Appling, Georgia, on December 20, 1975. In her birthplace, she attended and graduated from Harlem High School in 1994. As a student, Jamie played point guard in basketball tournaments for her school.
She graduated from Orangeburg, South Carolina’s Claflin University, with a bachelor of science in biology. She was a star athlete who played softball for the institution until 1999 when she graduated. After graduation, she intended to pursue a professional softball career, but she put it on hold when she fell pregnant near the conclusion of her time in college.
Ja Morant’s Dad
The senior basketball player, known as Tee, decided to pursue his passion for barbecuing rather than pursue his dream of playing professional basketball after learning that his girlfriend Jamie was expecting their first child.
Tee started playing basketball in high school and carried it out while he was a student at Claflin University, where he got to know Jamie. He once played on the same court as NBA legend Ray Allen because he was that skilled.
They were part of the adjacent Hillcrest High School state championship squad in 1992–1993 and went on to score double digits at Orangeburg, South Carolina’s NAIA Claflin College. He supposedly played basketball for a number of teams overseas, including a club in Columbia, and semi-professionally.
What’s the Latest Testimony in Morant’s Lawsuit Involving His Father?
Ja Morant, the star point guard of the Memphis Grizzlies, is facing a civil lawsuit from a teenage basketball player who claims Morant punched him during a pickup game at Morant’s house in July 2022.
The lawsuit, filed by Joshua Holloway, seeks $1.5 million in damages for assault, battery, and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Morant’s attorneys argue that he acted in self-defense and that Holloway provoked the incident by throwing a basketball at Morant’s chest.
What Happened During the Pickup Game?
Morant took the stand on Monday, Dec. 11, 2023, for the first time since the lawsuit was filed. He testified for more than three hours, answering questions from both his attorney, Keenan Carter, and Holloway’s attorney, Leslie Adelman.
Morant said that he invited Holloway and other players to his house for a friendly game of basketball, but things turned sour when Holloway became aggressive and disrespectful. Morant said that Holloway bumped him in the chest, balled his fists, and got into a fighting stance.
Morant said he reacted instinctively and punched Holloway once in the face, causing him to fall to the ground. Morant said he then walked away and did not hit Holloway again.
Morant denied that he had any prior hate or jealousy towards Holloway, who was a rising star at a local high school. Morant also denied that he threatened Holloway or his family after the incident.
You can also read out more information in thebelow tweet:
After completing his 25-game suspension, Ja Morant is eligible to return to the Grizzlies on Tuesday night.
More on the civil lawsuit unrelated to his suspension and how Memphis has fared without him: https://t.co/nD534H0tru pic.twitter.com/RBG7hu9oj8
— The Athletic (@TheAthletic) December 19, 2023
What Did Morant’s Father and Friend Say?
Morant’s father, Tee Morant, also testified on Monday, corroborating his son’s version of events. He said that he was present at the game and witnessed the altercation. He said that Holloway was the aggressor and that Morant acted in self-defense.
He said that Holloway threw the basketball at Morant with force and that Morant only punched him once. He said that he tried to calm the situation down and that he apologized to Holloway and his mother, who was also there.
He said that he did not see any blood or serious injury on Holloway’s face. He also said that he reported the incident to the police 13 days later, after Morant received threats on social media from Holloway and his friends.
Morant’s close friend, Davonte Pack, was also playing at the game. Pack’s testimony was postponed on Monday and will likely be heard on Tuesday. Pack is also facing a separate lawsuit from Holloway, who accuses him of assaulting him after Morant punched him. Pack’s lawyer, John Chumney, said that Pack did not touch Holloway and that he was trying to break up the fight.
What Did the Doctor and the Plaintiff Say?
Dr. James Andrews, an orthopedic surgeon who examined Holloway after the incident, is expected to testify about Holloway’s injuries and the medical treatment he received. Holloway claims that he suffered a broken nose, a concussion, and a fractured orbital bone as a result of Morant’s punch.
He also claims that he has experienced headaches, dizziness, blurred vision, and emotional trauma since then. Holloway’s lawyer, Leslie Adelman, questioned Morant’s conduct and behavior and suggested that he should be held accountable for his actions.
Adelman said that Morant, as an NBA star and a community leader, should have been more responsible and respectful towards Holloway, who looked up to him as a mentor. Adelman also said that Morant’s punch was unprovoked, excessive, and malicious.
How Will the Lawsuit Affect Morant’s Career?
The lawsuit comes at a critical time for Morant’s career, as he is set to return to the NBA after a 25-game suspension for brandishing a gun in a video. Morant, who was the Rookie of the Year in 2020 and an All-Star in 2021, is eligible to play on Dec. 19 against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Morant’s coach, Taylor Jenkins, said that he expects Morant to be “full go” for that game. Morant’s reputation and image, however, could be affected by the outcome of the lawsuit, as he is widely regarded as one of the faces of the NBA’s next generation and a role model for Memphis’ youth.
Adelman, Holloway’s attorney, questioned Morant’s conduct and behavior and suggested that he should be held accountable for his actions. Carter, Morant’s attorney, defended Morant’s character and integrity, and said that he was a victim of a false accusation. The jury will ultimately decide who is telling the truth and who is liable for the damages.
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