U.S. Supreme Court won’t hear John Stockton’s case regarding COVID-19 sanctions

WASHINGTON, DC – The U.S. Supreme Court won’t hear the case brought by NBA legend and Spokane native John Stockton over the sanctioning of Washington doctors over the COVID-19 vaccine.

Stockton and others sued the state, saying it didn’t have the right to sanction doctors who violated the Washington Medical Commission’s COVID-19 misinformation policy.

Stockton’s case said that violated the doctors’ First Amendment rights.

The former Gonzaga and Utah Jazz star was outspoken about his beliefs during the COVID-19 crisis. Gonzaga even prohibited him from attending basketball games when he wouldn’t wear a mask in the arena.

The case was filed in federal court and the court dismissed the case.

Stockton’s team then appealed to the 9th Circuit Court of Appeals, which affirmed the lower court’s decision to dismiss.

The judge determined Stockton and the other plaintiffs could not prove they were subject to direct injury and therefor, did not have the right to sue.

Other plaintiffs included Children’s Health Defense, the non-profit previously led by Health and Human Services Secretary Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.

The plaintiffs had one more shot, asking the U.S. Supreme Court to weigh in.

Monday, the Court turned down the request to hear the case, but did not elaborate on why.


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