Avery Johnson Sues FireAvery.com for libel

by Jakedfw on Apr 1, 2008 1:40 AM CDT in News

While details are scant, Mavsmoneyball has learned that Dallas Mavericks head coach Avery Johnson has filed suit against FireAvery.com late yesterday. In an email exchange, principal site author Greg [last name withheld by request] explained: "I can't say much on the advice of my attorney. But the basic facts are that Avery is unhappy with what I'm writing and is suing me for libel."

The Dallas Maverick press office was closed by the time we were informed of the lawsuit and Avery Johnson was unavailable with the team on the road in Los Angeles. However, team owner Mark Cuban replied via an email inquiry:

I can't and won't control what my employees do on their personal time, so I can't comment on anything Avery or anyone else does outside of the arena. However, I will say that if bloggers want to be held to the same standard as journalists, then they better be prepared to face the consequences.

With the threat of the lawsuit, FireAvery.com is understandably silent, but we will follow this up as well as we can.

Update [2008-4-1 15:53:24 by Wes Cox]:For those who didn't realize, this is an April Fool's post. Avery is not the new George Karl.

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Comments

wow...

so we should ban bloggers, sue websites, maybe we should also flog any media that dares criticizes Avery!

What a joke, I never knew how big of an ego Avery had until this season!!! Maybe he should focus on changing minds with wins and better coaching.

by aluzzi on Apr 1, 2008 2:54 AM CDT reply actions

+1 MM

"I could have knocked him out in the third round but I wanted to do it slowly, so he would remember this night for a long time." - Mike Tyson

by inactive lsb user on Apr 1, 2008 3:02 AM CDT up reply actions

is this a joke?

April fools?

by aluzzi on Apr 1, 2008 3:28 AM CDT reply actions

well...

Let me just say that this WAS posted on April 1.
:)

by Jakedfw on Apr 1, 2008 9:13 AM CDT up reply actions

In before

Avery Johnson AND fireavery.com sue you for libel. :)

by Wes Cox on Apr 1, 2008 9:19 AM CDT up reply actions

the mavs will make the playoffs!

APRIL FOOLS!

by zkmavz on Apr 1, 2008 9:58 AM CDT reply actions

oh snap!

by Wes Cox on Apr 1, 2008 10:36 AM CDT up reply actions

Avery's New Book

I find the below description of Avery's new book totally hilarious. Avery's really going to give us some "secrets of success"? How's that working out for the NBA team he coaches?!

He makes me so mad...he's crossed the line by suing fireavery.com. Ever heard of free speech? Is he going to come after commentators on blogs, like me, next?

Libel is "a written or oral defamatory statement or representation that conveys an unjustly unfavorable impression". There's no unjustly unfavorable impression here -- the Mavs' current state of affairs speaks for itself, and the responsibility lies with the head coach.

Anyway, here's the book info.:

Link to book

Avery Johnson is a coach, a teacher, and sometimes even a preacher, but most of all, he is a motivator, driving his team with the same fiery passion that allowed him to earn his championship credentials as an NBA player. Growing up in New Orleans's Lafitte Housing Project, he was never the biggest, fastest, or strongest, but by the strength of his will and character, he persevered. Now he offers the lessons he learned on his journey from the bottom of the bayou to the heights of success in this inspiring book.

Aspire Higher is the essential game plan for reaching your goals. Johnson begins by outlining what it takes to get to the top: determination and discipline provide the foundation that allows you to make the right decisions, on the basketball court or in the boardroom. The goal isn't just to be successful, however; it's also about caring for other people along the way. "I care about you more than I care about winning," Johnson often tells his players.

Avery Johnson's personal and professional experiences illuminate crucial lessons, inspiring readers just as he has inspired teammates and players. His spirited message is for anyone looking for the tools and secrets of success in business, school, sports, and more--anyone looking to aspire higher.

by dirk41 on Apr 1, 2008 12:10 PM CDT reply actions

Tony Parker

sued X17online.com for claiming he cheated on Eva.. remember that? Are you saying that kind of shit is free speech?

A 12 year old spamming AVERY SUCKS comments on a blog is completely different than someone creating and publicizing a website with the sole purpose of defiling a [relatively successful to this point] NBA coach's name. I dunno, Brodyv, aren't you Mr. Pre-law? What do you think?

by Turkish41 on Apr 1, 2008 12:39 PM CDT up reply actions

I think the...

...difference between the two is that fireavery.com operates as an opinion blog, the main opinion being that Avery Johnson should no longer be the coach of the Dallas Mavericks. It may not be a mainstream one thanks to his excellent winning percentages, but it's also not a frivolous one given the collapses he's been at the helm for. On the other hand, that website made a flat assertion about Parker engaging in adultery, not as a matter of opinion, but of fact.

Just a friendly Warriors fan, in for a cup of tea...

by Zack Vank on Apr 1, 2008 3:20 PM CDT up reply actions

I just realized

this is way too believable since George Karl actually did this earlier this season.

by Wes Cox on Apr 1, 2008 2:50 PM CDT reply actions

Ha!

That's what makes it funnier, Wes. :)

by Jakedfw on Apr 1, 2008 2:57 PM CDT up reply actions

I'm slow today

by Wes Cox on Apr 1, 2008 3:00 PM CDT up reply actions

And i posted the update because this

post was getting linked from message boards with some really confused people who are even slower than me. On the radio this morning on whatever station I was listening to they said the Dallas Cowboys were changing their name to the Arlington Cowboys. They actually got calls from people who believed it. Crazy...

by Wes Cox on Apr 1, 2008 3:05 PM CDT up reply actions