Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant's legal team has filed a motion to dismiss a civil lawsuit stemming from a physical altercation with a teenager last year. Morant has consistently maintained he acted in self-defense, a claim central to the motion. His attorneys argue he is entitled to civil immunity under Tennessee's Self-Defense Immunity Statute, according to the Commercial Appeal.

The incident occurred during a pickup basketball game at Morant's residence. Morant alleges the teenager intentionally hit him in the face with the basketball. Following the incident, Morant and witnesses, including his father, Tee Morant, claim the teenager threatened to shoot at the house. Morant's initial police report documented these threats, and it's been reported that Morant subsequently displayed a firearm in response.

Morant's legal representation asserts his single punch to the teenager was solely for self-protection and was not excessive force, claiming it wasn't even strong enough to knock the teenager down.

The motion requests a hearing within 40 days and a stay on all proceedings related to the civil case. Morant's attorneys are also seeking legal fees, costs, lost income, and expenses under the Self-Defense Immunity Statute.

This altercation is one of several incidents involving Morant since last summer. He was allegedly involved in an incident at a Memphis mall where he and his associates reportedly threatened the head of security. Separately, the Indiana Pacers alleged that after a dispute between associates of Morant and their team, a red laser, suspected to be from a gun, was pointed at them from an SUV carrying Morant. The NBA investigated this incident but found no evidence of anyone threatening others with a weapon.

Morant is currently suspended for the first 25 games of the upcoming NBA season for a second incident involving displaying a gun on Instagram Live. This follows an eight-game suspension for a similar incident in a Denver nightclub in March.