Jury Awards Sports Broadcaster $25 Million in Defamation Case Over Racist Rant Misattribution
In a significant legal victory, a jury has awarded sports broadcaster Scott Sapulpa $25 million in damages after a newspaper wrongly identified him as the commentator responsible for a racist rant during a high school basketball game. The incident, which occurred during a March 2021 women’s basketball game between Midwest City High School and Norman High School in Oklahoma, garnered widespread attention after one of the commentators, Matt Rowan, launched into a vitriolic racist tirade against the players, including the use of racial slurs, while thinking his microphone was off.
The Norman team’s decision to kneel during the national anthem in support of the Black Lives Matter movement triggered Rowan’s offensive remarks. However, the largest newspaper in the state, The Oklahoman, incorrectly attributed the comments to Scott Sapulpa, who was one of the two commentators covering the game.
In the defamation lawsuit filed by Sapulpa, a jury found the newspaper guilty of defaming him and awarded him $5 million in actual damages and an additional $20 million in punitive damages. The jury’s decision underscores the significant impact of false accusations and the importance of accurate reporting, particularly in cases involving sensitive issues such as racism.
“We’re just so happy for Scott. Hopefully, this will vindicate his name,” stated Michael Barkett, Sapulpa’s lawyer, following the verdict.
The case highlights the legal concept of “actual malice,” where a publication knowingly or recklessly publishes false information with the intent to harm someone’s reputation. The jury’s verdict indicates that The Oklahoman acted with actual malice in falsely attributing the racist remarks to Sapulpa.
As the legal battle concludes, Sapulpa’s victory serves as a reminder of the importance of journalistic integrity and accountability in accurately reporting events, particularly in cases involving sensitive issues of race and discrimination.
