Athletic Trainers Defamation Lawsuit Dismissed by U.S. District Court

By Jeff Birren, Senior Writer D.C. United trainer Reade Whitney flashed a hand gesture at a photoshoot session during the 2023 Major League Soccer All-Star game festivities. Photos were posted online and subsequent comments debated whether it was a racist gesture. The team conducted an internal review and the trainer was fired. D.C. United issued a public statement concerning the termination without naming Whitney. He responded by filing a lawsuit alleging defamation. The District Court granted