In a resolute decision, a federal judge has tossed out a high-profile lawsuit spearheaded by ex-NBA star John Stockton and an organization co-founded by Robert F. Kennedy Jr. against Washington State's top legal officer. The suit aimed to halt the state medical commission's pursuit of unprofessional conduct charges against two physicians for disseminating COVID-19 misinformation.
As a game plan to defend their stance, the plaintiffs, including doctors Thomas Siler and Richard Eggleston, charged with spreading false claims about COVID testing and vaccines, sought to sideline the Washington Medical Commission's regulations. Despite their efforts, U.S. District Court Judge Thomas O. Rice agreed with Attorney General Bob Ferguson, shooting down their legal challenge, as reported by the Office of the Attorney General.
Responding to the dismissal, AG Ferguson succinctly stated, "Adding famous names to a baseless lawsuit can't change what it is," signaling a stark message that medical practice in the state comes with the expectation to abide by established rules. Ferguson's conviction stands clear that the doctors in question must be accountable before the medical commission to justify their actions, as per Office of the Attorney General.
Previously, in a separate but similar attempt, Eggleston found himself making a failed legal bid against the commission in 2023 before the same judge, seeking comparable relief. Notably, this earlier lawsuit did not feature the support of Stockton or Kennedy's outfit.
The allegation against Eggleston from August 2022 accused him of minimizing the severity of COVID-19, incorrectly discrediting test accuracy, and endorsing treatments like ivermectin, despite scientific consensus on their inefficacy and risks. Siler, charged in October of 2023, faced scrutiny over bog posts that echoed misinformation about the virus's transmissivity and misrepresented the safety and efficacy of vaccines and treatment drugs. The article from the Office of the Attorney General confirms their cases are still actively underway.
This recent legal scrap is just one among a slew of challenges fought off by Ferguson's team, who have demonstrated a steadfast commitment to upholding public health measures throughout the pandemic's duration. The legal crew composed of Assistant Attorneys General Andrew Hughes, Sarah Smith-Levy, Jon Guss, with paralegals Amy Hand and Christine Truong, worked the case for the Washington Attorney General's Office.
