Former NBA great John Stockton has stepped up his rebellion against coronavirus restrictions by suing Washington state officials for cracking down on doctors' misinformation about the virus. The lawsuit alleges that the doctors' free speech rights were “violated because they spoke out against the coronavirus mainstream.” story. “
He and other plaintiffs recently filed a lawsuit in federal court, with presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. listed as one of their attorneys. The complaint also names the state's attorney general as defendants, along with the executive director of the Washington Medical Commission, which regulates doctors in the state.
“The purpose of this lawsuit is to protect the right of physicians to speak and the public's right to hear their messages,” the complaint states. “The purpose is for the committee to investigate and prosecute doctors who have publicly spoken out against the so-called “mainstream coronavirus theory,'' a series of public health edicts issued by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). ) and its repetition by major news outlets has eroded public trust in public health officials, resulting in the CDC repeatedly apologizing and promising improvements. became.”
Why is John Stockton involved in this?
The complaint says Stockton, 61, spoke on his own behalf and that “people have a right to hear public speeches from doctors licensed in the state of Washington who disagree with mainstream claims about the coronavirus.” The lawsuit is being filed on behalf of “all Washington residents who share our belief in First Amendment rights.” .
Stockton played college basketball at Gonzaga University in Spokane, but his season ticket there was suspended after he refused to wear a mask during games. He also assisted in the legal efforts of former Washington State football coach Nick Rolovich, who was fired in 2021 for refusing to take state-mandated vaccinations.
In a 2022 interview with The Spokesman-Review, Stockton also made the baseless claim that “over 100 professional athletes have died from vaccination.”
What does Stockton's lawsuit seek?
His lawsuit includes doctors who say they were prosecuted by the state and Children's, a nonprofit founded by Kennedy known for misleading, unsubstantiated or debunked claims about vaccines and the pandemic. Health defense has also been added.
The Washington Medical Commission issued a 2021 COVID-19 Misinformation Notice stating that “treatments and recommendations for this disease that fall below the standard of care established by medical experts, federal authorities, and legitimate medical research… “You may be subject to disciplinary action.”
The lawsuit seeks a declaration that the state's actions violate doctors' First Amendment rights. It also seeks an injunction against initiating or continuing any investigation or prosecution against a licensed Washington state physician based on the physician's written or oral communications to the public. According to the complaint, the defendants have investigated, indicted, and/or sanctioned approximately 60 physicians since September 2021.
A message seeking comment from the commission was not immediately returned.
Follow reporter Brent Schrotenboer @Schrotenbohr. Email: bschrotenb@usatoday.com
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: NBA legend John Stockton teams up with RFK Jr. in legal battle
