New York Times ordered to pay $9.25 million in Alabama defamation case
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A jury ordered The New York Times to pay $9.25 million in damages to former University of Alabama basketball player Kai Spears. The case stems from a 2023 article about a campus-area shooting that incorrectly named Spears. The Times said it will appeal the verdict.
Key Facts
- The jury awarded Kai Spears $9.25 million in damages.
- The New York Times published the article in March 2023.
- The shooting occurred on January 15, 2023, killing a 23-year-old woman.
- The Times said it has not lost a defamation case in over 50 years.
- Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander called the error 'unintentional'.
The Verdict
A jury in Alabama ordered The New York Times to pay $9.25 million in damages to Kai Spears. Spears, a former University of Alabama basketball player, sued the newspaper for defamation. The jury found in favor of Spears, who claimed the article caused emotional distress. The Times reported that it has not lost a defamation case in more than 50 years.
The Article
The article was published in March 2023 and concerned a shooting near the University of Alabama campus. The shooting occurred on January 15, 2023, when basketball player Darius Miles fired shots near campus. A 23-year-old woman was killed and several students were injured. The Times reporter interviewed witnesses under condition of anonymity. One witness said Spears was in a car stopped near campus at the time of the shooting. The newspaper later acknowledged the error and corrected the article.
Reaction
Times spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander called the error 'unintentional'. Stadtlander said the newspaper is disappointed with the verdict and considers it unfounded. The Times is exploring the possibility of an appeal.
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New York Times ordered to pay $9.25 million in Alabama defamation case
