Judge Sends Boxers to Trial Over Steroid Gossip
By TIM HULL
Mar 29, 2011
To read the entire article:
Here is the official lawsuit document (PDF file):
By TIM HULL
Mar 29, 2011
(CN) - Boxer Emmanuel Pacquiao can go forward with a defamation suit against Floyd Mayweather Jr., Oscar De La Hoya and several promoters, a federal judge ruled, finding that the Filipino pugilist showed evidence that the group conceived a career-ending plot to spread rumors that Pacquiao uses performance-enhancing drugs.
U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks of Nevada declined to dismiss the lawsuit, as requested by De la Hoya, promoter Richard Schaefer and Mayweather Promotions.
...
In their motions to dismiss the suit, the defendants claimed that the alleged statements were not defamatory and that Pacquiao, a public figure, had failed to show that they intended malice. The defendants, including Mayweather's father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., and uncle Roger Mayweather, also argued that Pacquiao could not show that they had engaged in a conspiracy to defame him.
Judge Hicks disagreed, however.
"Specifically, Pacquiao alleges that defendants, together, conspired to defame him by publicly stating that he used PEDs," Hicks wrote. "These allegations support his claim for malice. Therefore, the court finds that the conspiracy allegations are sufficient within the context of the defamation per se claim and should not be stricken from the amended complaint. Accordingly, the court shall deny moving defendants' motions to dismiss."
Pacquiao seeks more than $5 million in damages.
U.S. District Judge Larry Hicks of Nevada declined to dismiss the lawsuit, as requested by De la Hoya, promoter Richard Schaefer and Mayweather Promotions.
...
In their motions to dismiss the suit, the defendants claimed that the alleged statements were not defamatory and that Pacquiao, a public figure, had failed to show that they intended malice. The defendants, including Mayweather's father, Floyd Mayweather Sr., and uncle Roger Mayweather, also argued that Pacquiao could not show that they had engaged in a conspiracy to defame him.
Judge Hicks disagreed, however.
"Specifically, Pacquiao alleges that defendants, together, conspired to defame him by publicly stating that he used PEDs," Hicks wrote. "These allegations support his claim for malice. Therefore, the court finds that the conspiracy allegations are sufficient within the context of the defamation per se claim and should not be stricken from the amended complaint. Accordingly, the court shall deny moving defendants' motions to dismiss."
Pacquiao seeks more than $5 million in damages.
Here is the official lawsuit document (PDF file):
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