Congratulations to Newport Beach Partners Jeremy Johnson and Benjamin Price, and Associate Courtney Serrato on a successful four-week jury trial and complete defense verdict for BWB&O’s clients, a youth soccer coach, soccer league, and soccer organization! The referee (“Plaintiff”) of a youth soccer game, filed a lawsuit and sought recovery through five causes of action, including defamation against all three of BWB&O’s defendants.
Plaintiff’s lawsuit against BWB&O’s clients stemmed from a dispute that arose at a youth soccer game in Laguna Niguel, and specifically the youth soccer coach’s alleged statements about the smell of alcohol on the Plaintiff’s breath, and observations relating to the same before the game started. Police were called to the game, who then conducted a sobriety test of Plaintiff after the game. The sheriff’s deputies found no evidence that Plaintiff was intoxicated.
The only remaining claim at the time of trial was a single claim for defamation against all three Defendants. Plaintiff alleged emotional distress, embarrassment, and humiliation as a result of the statements and public sobriety test. Prior to trial Plaintiff demanded seven figures to settle. At closing of the trial, Plaintiff asked the jury for approximately $880,000.00. The jury returned a defense verdict, awarding Plaintiff zero dollars.
Congratulations to our attorneys and a huge thank you to our incredible support team Deborah Hernandez and Pamela Carvalho!