An Alabama federal jury ordered The New York Times to pay $9.25 million in damages. The payment is for defaming former University of Alabama basketball player Kai Spears. The lawsuit stemmed from a March 2023 article that incorrectly identified Spears as present at a fatal shooting in Tuscaloosa.
Following a nine-day trial, the jury found the newspaper liable for defamation and false light invasion of privacy. The New York Times acknowledged the error and published a correction after the lawsuit was filed. A company spokesperson expressed disappointment with the verdict, calling it an "honest mistake." The spokesperson stated the newspaper is reviewing its legal options. The verdict marks the first time in over 50 years that the Times has lost a defamation lawsuit in the U.S. over one of its articles.