"Ja Morant is a thug lock him up” – Fans react in awe after police release video of teen accusing Ja Morant of beating him up

To say that Ja Morant has been in the headlines lately would be an understatement. For months now, it seems like Morant has continued to dominate headlines. First for his antics both on and off the court, and more recently for his successful return to the floor and commitment to doing better.

Despite that, fans didn't hold back when body cam footage surfaced of police officers responding to a call from a 17-year-old about a fight. The incident, which didn't emerge until during the season, allegedly saw Morant get frustrated during a pickup game before he and a friend jumped the teen.

Below you can see the body cam footage from officers who responded to the teenager's call, as well as some fan reactions.

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Daily Loud

@DailyLoud

Police body cam footage released from encounter with 17-year-old who accused Ja Morant of beating him up

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Police body cam footage released from encounter with 17-year-old who accused Ja Morant of beating him up 👀
https://t.co/luUhx2umSK

Jake Mitchell

@JakeNoleMitch13

@DailyLoud The officers on their way to arrest him.

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@DailyLoud The officers on their way to arrest him. https://t.co/dhVQdbfb20

fan account

@Asensii20

@DailyLoud Ja Morant is a thug lock him up

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@DailyLoud Ja Morant is a thug lock him up

Shoboat

@Shobeezy

@DailyLoud The Memphis Grizzlies & the NBA watching the body cam footage of Ja Morant's alleged teenage victim:

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@DailyLoud The Memphis Grizzlies & the NBA watching the body cam footage of Ja Morant's alleged teenage victim: https://t.co/WpMi6KE4y2

𝗺𝗼𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘆🌤

@mlyred

@DailyLoud Ja Morant and his “gang” when they see a 17 year old calling him trash:

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@DailyLoud Ja Morant and his “gang” when they see a 17 year old calling him trash: https://t.co/BhonS4Xdcd

A-Manifest

@Thebigshort08

@DailyLoud Pay that young man his money .

@DailyLoud Pay that young man his money .

kalothe1

@kalothe1

@DailyLoud police ain’t even believe it “like basketball player ja morant, like memphis grizzlies ja morant”

10

@DailyLoud police ain’t even believe it😂😂 “like basketball player ja morant, like memphis grizzlies ja morant”

Emmy

@Emmmyalluu

@DailyLoud Ja morant stay out of controversy for 24 hours challenge: impossible

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@DailyLoud Ja morant stay out of controversy for 24 hours challenge: impossible

ѕнα∂ყ™ 🥀

@9illeh

@DailyLoud Instigating him to hit you then going to the police is wild

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@DailyLoud Instigating him to hit you then going to the police is wild 💀

Jack Monaco

@jackjmonaco

@DailyLoud “Hit me then”

*Gets hit*

3

@DailyLoud “Hit me then”

*Gets hit* https://t.co/1d2bSoOrup

Osh

@itsoshh

@DailyLoud Bro couldn’t even do anything smh. Ja such a thug

2

@DailyLoud Bro couldn’t even do anything smh. Ja such a thug

Mike W

@mike_w87

@DailyLoud

@DailyLoud https://t.co/yN2kUwGxz1

Himothy Hawthorn

@SWiiiM1993

@DailyLoud Do not ever tell an officer you said “hit me then!”

@DailyLoud Do not ever tell an officer you said “hit me then!”

Opie Winston

@GoodNuz412

@DailyLoud Why the hell does Ja Morant have a random 17 year old at his house playing basketball

@DailyLoud Why the hell does Ja Morant have a random 17 year old at his house playing basketball

Pablo in America

@PabloP91035074

@DailyLoud Dude this is seriously something the Memphis organization needs to consider as they journey forward into the future with this young star/thug 🤷🏽‍♂️ Oof #JaMorant

@DailyLoud Dude this is seriously something the Memphis organization needs to consider as they journey forward into the future with this young star/thug 🤷🏽‍♂️ Oof #JaMorant

TigersHoops23

@mnsportsfan55

@DailyLoud Why is Ja hanging out with teenagers and fighting them at his house

@DailyLoud Why is Ja hanging out with teenagers and fighting them at his house

Ja Morant and his team deny jumping teen

After the incident took place, fans had no idea until months later, when the reports of Ja Morant and his friend jumping the teen surfaced. At the time, Morant's legal team denied the situation, saying that he acted in pure self-defense when striking the teen.

In addition, he denied that Morant went into his house and emerged with a firearm tucked in his waistband as the teen has claimed. He was quoted by several outlets, saying:

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“The July 26th incident was purely self-defence. Again, after this was fully investigated by law enforcement, they came to the decision not to charge Ja with any crime. Any of the dozens of witnesses will confirm Ja acted in self-defence and that he did not have a firearm.”

So far there have been no further updates, however as you can see in the police body cam footage, one of the officers confirms the teen has a welt on his head. Whether or not he was jumped like he claims, or whether Morant was acting in self defense, only time will tell.

Currently, Morant seems to be focused on helping his team make a deep run in the playoffs as the Grizzlies hope to capture a Conference Championship. As Morant continues to play phenomenally it seems the only thing that could hold the young star back is himself.

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