Basketball legend John Stockton is switching gears and using his voice to take a stand against government officials who have restricted doctors from speaking freely about the COVID-19 pandemic. Known for his impressive career in college and professional basketball, the former Utah Jazz player has filed a federal lawsuit against the state of Washington’s attorney general’s office and medical commission. The rules enacted during the pandemic have suppressed medical professionals from sharing their views that challenge the mainstream media narrative. Stockton and his attorney Rick Jaffe appeared on “Fox First” Saturday to discuss the lawsuit, advocating for Americans’ freedom and the freedom to share scientific information.
The lawsuit aims to protect the First Amendment rights of Americans, specifically the right to free speech. Stockton believes that the regulations imposed by the state of Washington are a violation of American freedoms. The former Gonzaga University player and Spokane, Washington, native is fighting for the freedom to speak up and challenge the mainstream narrative. In September 2021, the Washington State Medical Commission issued a press release stating that it had unanimously agreed to adopt a statement on what it termed “COVID-19 Misinformation.” This statement came after the Federation of State Medical Boards announced in July 2021 that doctors who spread misinformation about the COVID-19 vaccine may face punishment, including the revocation of their medical license.
However, what constitutes misinformation or disinformation regarding COVID-19 has been constantly changing throughout the pandemic. Initially, the “lab leak theory” suggesting that the virus originated from a lab in Wuhan, China was deemed misinformation. Yet, in recent times, the FBI and the Department of Energy have acknowledged that it is the most probable explanation for the pandemic’s origin. Even Dr. Anthony Fauci has admitted that some of the guidelines, such as social distancing, were based on speculation rather than solid evidence.
Yet, anyone who questioned the establishment’s narrative faced the threat of being ostracized and having their professional license suspended, as Stockton’s lawsuit in Washington state claims. His lawyer Robert F. Kennedy Jr., a Democratic Party member and former independent presidential candidate, openly acknowledges that Stockton’s views were not well-received by the mainstream.
Despite facing social and professional consequences for speaking against the establishment, Stockton has been vocal about his opposition to COVID restrictions. In March 2022, the Gonzaga alum had his basketball season tickets suspended for refusing to wear a face mask. As the host of the podcast “Voices for Medical Freedom,” he has been using his platform to question the policies most Americans blindly accept. Now, he has taken the fight to the courtroom in hopes of shedding light on the suppression of dissenting voices by the medical and political establishment during the pandemic.
While Stockton has received support from fellow doctors and medical professionals, he hopes that his lawsuit will raise awareness among the general public. Through this federal lawsuit, Stockton is challenging the silencing of professionals and advocating for the freedom to express opposing views, especially during times of crisis.
Despite facing backlash and being deemed an outlier, Stockton believes that it is essential to protect freedom of speech and continue questioning the mainstream narrative. With this lawsuit, he is using his voice and influence to inspire others to speak up and stand against the suppression of information in America.