NBC: Zimmerman doesn't deserve a payout from us

[alp227]

Source: Orlando Sentinel

Attorneys for NBC Universal Media LLC have filed an official response to the defamation suit filed by murder defendant George Zimmerman, saying the murder suspect deserves no payout from it.

In two pleadings that total more than 100 pages, the company also asks Circuit Judge Debra S. Nelson to put a temporary hold on the civil suit until Zimmerman's second-degree murder case is concluded.

"While there is no legitimate basis for Zimmerman's claims against these defendants, who fairly and accurately reported about a news event that has captivated the nation, now is simply not the time to litigate them," wrote Gregg D. Thomas, a Tampa attorney who specializes in media issues and was hired by NBC.

...

Zimmerman filed suit against NBC in December, alleging that NBC and its Miami affiliate, WTVJ, falsely portrayed him as a racist in five reports.

Several involved the way NBC employees edited a now-famous recording of a 911 call Zimmerman made to Sanford police the night he shot Trayon Martin, one year ago today.

Read more: http://www.orlandosentinel.com/news/local/trayvon-martin/os-george-zimmerman-nbc-stay-20130226,0,231067.story

[onehandle]

1. Let the NRA take care of their own. nt

[hlthe2b]

2. Of the many news stories of recent years that have left me too depressed to speak...

the murder of Trayvon Martin (and yes, I DO believe that is what it was and am not about to argue the point with the "visiting" Zimmerman fans), leaves me most so.

I can't even imagine how his parents can stand this demonization of their son and the beatification of one I DO believe ought to serve many many years in prison (and ought to be there now).

[freshwest]

6. +1

[Sunlei]

15. yes, I read this story then looked after my horse. I thought about how Treyvon

went to his local stable and rode horses on a regular basis. Thought about how a youth took 2 years! of flight school during high school. Horse riding,flight school and High School takes a lot of dedication, patience and time.

Some police wannabe, another violent sad sack of society murdered the child and hurt us all forever.

[goclark]

17. +1 too

[LiberalFighter]

3. I hope the attorney is stupid enough to use up all of Z's funding for non-legal purposes.

Z is probably stupid enough to let it happen too. With any luck his daddy judge will help him financially.

[24601]

9. Two points - speculation on the first - the lawyer took the case on contingency and gets paid

a percentage of any winnings.

The 2nd, not speculation - on Jimmerman's father. He was not a judge and his magistrate service wasn't in Florida:

“Robert J. Zimmerman served as a full-time magistrate from 2000-2006. Please be advised that in Virginia magistrates are judicial officers, but they are not considered "judges" and do not possess trial jurisdiction. More detailed information on the role of the magistrate in Virginia is available on Virginia's Judicial System Website .”

Read more: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/crime/zimmerman-dad-worked-as-magistrate#ixzz2M2wbTZ00 - See more at: http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/crime/zimmerman-dad-worked-as-magistrate#sthash.LdfKD0ME.dpuf

[triplepoint]

5. Will murderer zimmerman EVER see the inside of a prison cell?

or is this just another case of "Southern Justice?" When's he due back in court?

[amandabeech]

7. The murder trial is progressing at a decent pace for one of such high profile.

The Self Defense hearing will be in Aril and the trial, I believe, will be held in June or early July, IIRC.

This is mostly about the poor editing of some of those police recordings. There's no indication that this suit will push off the SD hearing or the trial, at least at this time.

[Cha]

8. Money Grubbing zimmerman should have thought of all this BEFORE

he shot and killed poor Trayvon Martin.

Before he disobeyed the 911 operator. Before he became a predator.

[davidpdx]

10. One of the few times I agree with NBC

Zimmerman deserves nothing but a jail cell for the rest of his life. I highly doubt it will happen though.

[marshall]

11. The issue isn't whether he deserves any money

The issue is whether MSNBC in accurately and purposely misreported the news. Not to say Zimmerman shouldn't collect, but I think arguing the point over his worthiness is a weak approach.

[stevenleser]

14. Since every piece of tape/digital media is edited to fit time constraints, I doubt they are going

to be able to prove that the editing was done maliciously to harm Zimmerman.

The hurdles to prove libel/slander here in the US are far too high for most suits to prevail.

[Comrade_McKenzie]

16. Those who goofed were fired. NBC as a whole shouldn't be held accountable.

It's not like they ruined the Gulf of Mexico or something.

[jambo101]

12. Its probably lawyers looking for more money

Rather than the Zimster at this point, I dont think Zimmerman is smart enough to come up with a scheme to make money..

[Doctor_J]

13. "Murderer-turned-entrepeneur George Zimmerman"

only in America