No doubt the question was inappropriate, and there is a link on espn about the NFLPA saying GM's can't cross the line. I don't know if some sort of legal action can be brought because they did cross that line, I'm not a lawyer but there could be something there. I would think it would just be some monetary figure for violating some code but I don't think they can force the Dolphins to take him.
That would be subject to whatever state's law applies relative to libel and slander. There is a dinstinction, I believe, between the legal standard that applies to libel and slander depending upon whether or not the person is considered a "public figure". I'm sure if someone knowingly put out false information about someone and they could prove it damaged them, they would have a claim.
I applaud Bryant and Clausen for being mature enough to just limit their reaction to stupid questions. That had to be tough on both of them seriously.
The NFL is big business and I would think rumors are not regarded all that much. In the case of Clausen, who knows? He fell to where he did, maybe many of the teams didn't need a quarterback? Maybe they wanted to roll the dice and see how late they could get him. I think that putting a label on someone that young and saying "he isn't a good leader" is a little speculative. He may in fact not be a good leader .... right now. That isn't to say he can't evolve into one. I certainly wasn't a good leader when I first put on stripes, but I learned, progressed and became one. These guys are betting on the future and their egos are monumental. It may be tragic, and JC may end up being the better pick but that is what the draft is all about. The later rounds are where you make the best deals.
To me, in order to have a claim for libel or slander it would have to be something very factual like drug use. You either used drugs or you didn't. Whether or not someone is a leader is a very subjective thing. In some eyes Clausen may be an unbelievable leader, others may have a different opinon of his leadership qualities. Can someone named "Jimmy" ever really be a leader though? :grin: Jimmy "Da Gangsta" Clausen, nice pinky extension, yo!
Well it happens every day in the real world as well. An employer goes online and finds a facebook page and decides not to hire someone because of one thing or another. In that situation, those people should be able to sue as well if your idea were to fly. The problem comes back to the reason for not hiring, or picking someone. How in the world do you prove something like that. The guy hiring/picking will simply say that had no bearing on the situation. I do think the NFL should have to follow all labor laws and a question like that has to violate some law so they should be punished (if it does). Also, you can sue for slander if someone did it to you to intentionally hurt you with employers. So there is adequate protection, the only question is, why is this not going down as a violation of labor law. Maybe it isn't, but that seems like an unfair question to ask.
Here's a followup article by SI. There's always two sides to a story I guess. Jeff Ireland's prostitute question to Dez Bryant not worth outrage - Jim Trotter - SI.com
Who knows where a rumor starts? If it starts on his own team that he's not a good leader, that is a legitimate question? Why do they say this Jimmy? If someone says he has bad character and it is reported widely, it is a legitimate question, if only to dispel a rumor. Public figures are reported on widely in the media and they have very little recourse to sue for defamation. People have a right to speak an opinion about public figures.
this makes the story way different. and if it is true, then dez isnt being completely honest about the way it went down. but arent these interviews tape recorded? :huh:
