While NBA fans are anticipating Ja Morant’s debut on the court this season, the Memphis Grizzlies star appeared in a court of law on Monday (Dec 11).

According to CBS News, Morant testified at the Shelby County, Tenn., Circuit Court that in July 2022 he punched a teenager in self-defense after an argument during a pickup game at his home.

Joshua Holloway, who was 17 years old during the incident, claims he was assaulted by Morant.

At the hearing, Morant faced a series of questions from attorneys representing Holloway and his own defense team about the incident.

“You testified that this basketball was a weapon, yes?" Rebecca Adelman, Holloway's attorney, asked Morant during the cross-examination.

"Yes," Morant said.

"A lethal weapon?" Adelman asked.

"It hurt," Morant responded.

Morant also testified that he asked Holloway, "What you on?" Holloway didn't reply but instead pulled up his shorts, according to Morant.

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"Him pulling up his shorts, where I'm from, that's a fighting stance," Morant explained.

Morant said Holloway took a step toward him and then punched Holloway.

"I hit him first, to protect myself," Morant said.

Davonte Pack, a close friend of Morant who was in court Monday, also admitted punching Holloway after Morant did, according to a deposition filed by Adelman, the Memphis Commercial Appeal reports.

With his appearance at the immunity hearing, Morant could have the case dismissed if he can prove that acted in self-defense; if they cannot do so, a trial could begin in April of 2024. 

The hearing is just one of several off-the-court issues that Morant is encountering. In March, he was suspended for eight games for flashing a handgun during an Instagram

Currently, Morant is nearing the end of a 25-game suspension for "conduct deemed detrimental to the league” after he brandished another gun on social media. 

During the media session at the In-Season Tournament on Saturday (Dec 9), NBA Commissioner Adam Silver said that Morant has “complied with everything” that was required of him during his suspension and he intends to “check in” with him before his official return to the court. 

Morant’s first eligible game would be at New Orleans on Dec. 19.