Authorities have issued an arrest warrant for a person who was described as a close friend of beleaguered Grizzlies guard Ja Morant, authorities said Monday.
The order stems from the alleged 2022 altercation with a teenager at Morant’s Tennessee home. Davonte Pack is wanted for simple assault in connection with the alleged incident with the teenager during a drop-in basketball game on July 26.
“The Shelby County Sheriff’s Office obtained an arrest warrant for Davonte Pack, who has been charged with simple assault in connection with the July 2022 altercation involving Mr. Pack, Memphis Grizzlies basketball player, Ja Morant, already a youth basketball player at Mr. Morant’s residence in Eads,” the Shelby County District Attorney’s office said in a statement.
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April 24, 2023; Los Angeles, California, United States; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant (12) reacts during the first half of Game Four of the 2023 NBA Playoffs at Crypto.com Arena. (Gary A. Vásquez-USA TODAY Sports)
The Washington Post first obtained transcripts of depositions filed with the court, in which Pack appeared to admit that it was possible to “avoid conflict with [the teen] on an aggressively blocked ball”.
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At one point, Pack was asked if he had a reason for hitting the 17-year-old, to which he responded by saying, “No, there really isn’t any reason.”
Attorneys for both sides argued in front of a Shelby County Circuit Court judge earlier this week. Morant reportedly filed a countersuit against a teenager in April. According to The Washington Post, a judge is likely to rule this week on Morant’s motion to dismiss the teen’s civil lawsuit against him.
Ja Morant #12 of the Memphis Grizzlies drives to the basket during Round One of Game Four of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers on April 24, 2023 at Crypto.Com Arena in Los Angeles, California. (Andrew D. Bernstein/NBAE via Getty Images)
Morant’s lawyers have previously stated that Morant “acted in self-defense” during the alleged incident.
The civil lawsuit against Morant was initially filed last September by the teen’s family. The lawsuit accused Morant and Pack of committing assault and battery during the basketball game.
April 26, 2023; Memphis, Tennessee, United States; Memphis Grizzlies guard Ja Morant catches a ball during warmups prior to Game 5 of the 2023 NBA Playoffs against the Los Angeles Lakers at FedExForum. (Petre Thomas-USA TODAY Sports)
Prosecutors later decided not to charge the NBA star, writing that there was “not enough admissible evidence.” Pack’s name was not mentioned in the brief.
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In June, the NBA announced that Morant was suspended for the first 25 games of the upcoming 2023-24 season after he brandished what appeared to be a weapon in an Instagram Live video.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
