The judge granted this relief recently in the case brought by 17-year-old Holloway against NBA superstar Ja Morant. On the pickup basketball incident at Morant’s parents’ house in July 2022, the ruling said self-defense. On April 23, 2025, Judge Carol Chumney took action on a decisive vote. Specifically, this ruling highlighted the burgeoning intricacies of the case and climate surrounding the dispute.
The confrontation took place during a daylong series of pickup games, culminating in a physical exchange between Morant and Holloway. Testimony indicated that the confrontation soon turned violent when Holloway punched Morant in the face with a basketball. This act, according to reports, escalated those tensions, causing Morant to fear for his safety.
Morant explained that he was scared for his safety after Holloway’s ill-placed toss hit him directly in a warm-up, check-ball type situation. After this incident, Holloway challenged Morant, chest bumped him and got into a combat ready stance. To respond to what he saw as a direct threat, Morant socked Holloway once in the face.
Holloway accused Morant of being the aggressor and using force that was disproportionate. Judge Chumney found problems in Holloway’s testimony, particularly after cross-referencing it with accounts from other witnesses. She ruled that Holloway’s account lacked credibility, thereby allowing Morant’s lawyers to invoke a self-defense claim in the civil case.
Chumney noted the responsibilities that come with being in the public eye, stating, “and in the limelight, each have unique opportunities to inspire youth and demonstrate mature leadership.” She expressed hope that both parties could focus more on their athletic careers than on legal disputes: “This Court sincerely hopes that moving forward they each will be able to spend more of their time on the ‘court’ and less at the ‘courthouse.’”
In her 10-page ruling, Chumney made clear that Morant has a presumption of civil immunity under Tennessee law. It seems to be this legal protection that led her, in what must have been an incredibly difficult decision, to dismiss the lawsuit against him.
With the case nearing resolution, it should serve as a wakeup call on how fast sportsmanship can turn sour. This is particularly pronounced among youth athletes. The incident has served as another reminder of the awful landscape public figures must navigate. Beyond that, it highlights just how important conflict resolution is in competitive environments.
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