Do I have a libel case?

[swimcoach10]

What is the name of your state? Colorado

I coach a youth sport and have for 15 years. The parent of a former swimmer has written a letter to our governing body accusing me of emotional abuse of her daughter at our national meet. She includes "quotes" of things she was not present to hear, and has a list of grievances containing false information. There were two other adults there from our team that can support what actually happened. At the conclusion of the letter she states that I am not a good role model and should not be allowed to work with children in any capacity. In addition to coaching, I often teach special classes for gifted children, and will be doing some volunteer coaching in the summer. Not only could this possibly cost my job (although the team parents' board knows the statements are false) and additional jobs, but casts a very dark shadow on my reputation both locally and nationally. How should I proceed?

 

[seniorjudge]

What is the name of your state? Colorado

I coach a youth sport and have for 15 years. The parent of a former swimmer has written a letter to our governing body accusing me of emotional abuse of her daughter at our national meet. She includes "quotes" of things she was not present to hear, and has a list of grievances containing false information. There were two other adults there from our team that can support what actually happened. At the conclusion of the letter she states that I am not a good role model and should not be allowed to work with children in any capacity. In addition to coaching, I often teach special classes for gifted children, and will be doing some volunteer coaching in the summer. Not only could this possibly cost my job (although the team parents' board knows the statements are false) and additional jobs, but casts a very dark shadow on my reputation both locally and nationally. How should I proceed?

You didn't state anything defamatory.

But, if you feel you were defamed, hire a lawyer ($20K to get started) and set aside two or three years of your life for court. Will you win? Flip a coin to see.

 

[HomeGuru]

What is the name of your state? Colorado

I coach a youth sport and have for 15 years. The parent of a former swimmer has written a letter to our governing body accusing me of emotional abuse of her daughter at our national meet. She includes "quotes" of things she was not present to hear, and has a list of grievances containing false information. There were two other adults there from our team that can support what actually happened. At the conclusion of the letter she states that I am not a good role model and should not be allowed to work with children in any capacity. In addition to coaching, I often teach special classes for gifted children, and will be doing some volunteer coaching in the summer. Not only could this possibly cost my job (although the team parents' board knows the statements are false) and additional jobs, but casts a very dark shadow on my reputation both locally and nationally. How should I proceed?

**A: refute the letter in writing and deliver to the governing body. Have the 2 other witnesses do the same.