TUSCALOOSA, Ala. \u2013 An Alabama jury on Thursday awarded $9.25 million 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 in Tuscaloosa. <\/p>\n
Kai Spears, who played for the University of Alabama men\u2019s team, sued the Times in 2023 after it published a report<\/a>, citing a person familiar with the investigation, that indicated he was a passenger in a car<\/a> involved in the shooting. The Times reported that the person had spoken \u201con the condition of anonymity to discuss sensitive matters.\u201d<\/p>\n Days later, the Times acknowledged its error in an editor’s note and corrected the story. <\/p>\n The eight-person jury delivered its verdict after a nine-day trial in the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Alabama. Matt Glover, an attorney for Spears, said he was pleased with the decision and believes \u201cthis verdict will improve journalism throughout the country.\u201d<\/p>\n The Times was reviewing its legal options after losing in court, spokesperson Charlie Stadtlander said.<\/p>\n \u201cWe\u2019re disappointed the jury found The Times liable for an honest mistake,\u201d Stadtlander said in a statement Thursday. \u201cWe thank the jury for its service, but believe the verdict and award of damages are contrary to law and not supported by the evidence.”<\/p>\n