An Alabama jury has awarded $9.25m in damages to former University of Alabama basketball player Kai Spears after finding the New York Times defamed him by incorrectly reporting he was at the scene of a fatal shooting.
Key facts
- An Alabama jury awarded $9.25m in damages against the New York Times.
- The case was brought by former Alabama men's basketball player Kai Spears.
- The Times had reported Spears was a passenger in a car involved in a fatal shooting.
- Spears filed the lawsuit in 2023.
- The Times says it had not lost a libel case in more than 50 years.
An Alabama jury has awarded $9.25m in damages after finding that the New York Times defamed a college basketball player by incorrectly reporting that he was at the scene of a fatal shooting, according to the Guardian.
Kai Spears, who played for the University of Alabama men’s team, sued the Times in 2023 after it published a report stating he was a passenger in a car involved in the shooting.
The Times attributed its report to a person familiar with the investigation. According to the Guardian, the newspaper reported that the person had spoken “on the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.”
The reporting incorrectly linked Spears to the death of a young mother, the Guardian reported.
The verdict is notable given the Times’ own position on its libel record. According to the Guardian, the Times says it had not lost a libel case in more than 50 years.
The jury’s award of $9.25m marks the outcome of a legal battle that began when Spears filed suit in 2023 over the published report.
Why it matters
Defamation cases against major news organisations are rare and rarely successful, making a jury verdict against the New York Times significant for both press and the individuals affected by inaccurate reporting. The outcome underscores the potential consequences of relying on anonymous sources when reporting on serious matters.
Frequently asked questions
Who is Kai Spears?
Kai Spears is a former player for the University of Alabama men's basketball team who sued the New York Times for defamation.
Why did Kai Spears sue the New York Times?
He sued after the Times published a 2023 report incorrectly stating he was a passenger in a car involved in a fatal shooting, linking him to the death of a young mother.
How much was Kai Spears awarded?
An Alabama jury awarded him $9.25m in damages.