By Alabama Public Radio
Birmingham, AL – Former Alabama football coach Mike Price won an important legal battle in his 20 million dollar lawsuit against Sports Illustrated yesterday.
US District Judge Lynwood Smith ordered the magazine to release the names of confidential sources used in its story about Price. Judge Smith ruled that Alabama's law protects newspaper, television and radio reporters from being forced to disclose their sources ... but NOT magazine reporters.
Price sued Sports Illustrated over its article about his behavior at a topless bar and hotel in Florida.
Price's attorney Stephen Heninger calls the order to release the unnamed sources "a major victory."
A Sports Illustrated spokesman says they are now reviewing the ruling.