NBA official Bill Spooner sues writer for tweet

[KMBReferee]

Originally Posted by amusedofficial

However, for someone to "publish" the accusation that someone agreed to intentionally tank a call is actionable libel. Make no mistake about it, putting it on tweeter is "publication" in the legal sense.

A statement from a coach "reporting it through channels" is evidence, admissible at trial. But the coach's statement can be taken as proof of the writer's reckless disregard for the facts, one of the elements of libel against a person in the public eye.

Agreed. And I might add that most, if not all, sports reporters identify themselves as such on Twitter and are followed on Twitter for that express purpose.

Even if Spooner said he'd "get it back" the reporter shows reckless disregard by not asking the official what he meant and writing in a context that suggests official intended to compromise his integrity.

Disagree on this one. If Spooner said he'd "get it back", then he has no case whatsoever. In fact, the NBA should investigate (which is probably what brought on this lawsuit in the first place), and consider not retaining him for next season. There's no gray area in a statement like that, and such a thing has no place in officiating, IMO.

As anyone can see, that tweet had long-term ramifications that could cost Spooner his job. That's why he filed the lawsuit. He probably had to in order to clear his name and stay in good standing with the NBA. It's one thing for Joe Blow on Twitter to tweet and say it. But when you're a national beat writer, it comes with a whole different perspective and credibility. And as such, a false accusation hurts Spooner and threatens his job.

So if Jon Krawczynski lied, I hope the judge adds punitive damages on top of the specified ones. Reporters can't get away with lying on officials.

[Adam]

Chances are he mis-heard the statement made by Spooner, and his preconceived bias led him to believe the worst of what he heard.