Kai Spears v. The New York Times Company - Defamation
Aug 20, 2026OUTCOME: A federal jury found in Kai Spears' favor on his claims of defamation and false light/invasion of privacy and awarded him $9.25 million.
Steve New represented University of Alabama basketball player Kai Spears in a defamation lawsuit against The New York Times Company after the newspaper incorrectly reported that Spears was present at t ... he scene of a fatal shooting. Spears was not at the scene. The case was litigated for more than three years and culminated in a nine-day federal jury trial in Tuscaloosa, Alabama.
