Alabama player sues New York Times over their story about death of Jamea Harris

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - A University of Alabama basketball student-athlete has filed a lawsuit against the New York Times.

In March of 2023, the Times reported that Kai Spears was present during a Tuscaloosa shooting that left Jamea Harris dead.

Spears and his team are suing the New York Times over their story about his involvement in the death of Harris. The Times states that Spears was at the scene of the crime, although his team says that is categorically false and untrue.

Spears’ teammates Brandon Miller and Darius Miles were present at the time of the shooting. Miles is currently being held on a capital murder charge.

“There was an absolute disregard for the truth with this New York Times story,” Stephen New, Spears’ attorney said.

Wednesday, Spears told the Washington Post “I don’t think it is mistaken identity. I just think they didn’t do their due diligence” referring to the Times reporting.

New says they have proof, through witness statements and video, that Spears wasn’t at the scene the night Harris was killed. New hopes this lawsuit sends a strong message.

“The truth matters and journalistic integrity matters. That’s the message we’re looking to send,” New said.

New says they also plan to depose Tuscaloosa police officers who he says cleared Spears of any wrong doing or being at the scene or having any knowledge of any of it.

We’re still waiting to hear back from the Times about the lawsuit, but after their story ran in March, they told us they were confident in their reporting and stand by it.

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