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NewsWPLG Local 10 – Main FeedAugust 21, 2026Miami-Dade

Alabama jury awards $9.25 million in defamation lawsuit against The New York Times

A Tuscaloosa jury ruled that The New York Times defamed a college basketball player by falsely reporting his presence at a fatal shooting. The court ordered the publication to pay $9.25 million in damages to the athlete.

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Why It Matters

This verdict establishes a significant financial penalty for a major media organization regarding the accuracy of its reporting on a private individual.

Key Facts

  • A jury in Tuscaloosa, Alabama, found The New York Times liable for defamation.
  • The jury awarded $9.25 million in damages to a college basketball player.
  • The defamation claim stemmed from an incorrect report stating the player was at the scene of a fatal shooting.
  • The verdict was delivered on Thursday.

Who's Mentioned

personCharlie Stadtlander“Spokesperson for The New York Times.”locationTuscaloosa“Location of the shooting and the court.”personMatt Glover“Attorney for Kai Spears.”personKai Spears“Former University of Alabama basketball player and plaintiff in the defamation l”locationU.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama“Venue where the nine-day trial took place.”locationAlabama“Jurisdiction where the trial took place.”organizationThe New York Times“Defendant in the defamation lawsuit.”