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Ryan Zimmerman, Ryan Howard sue Al Jazeera over doping allegations

MLB sluggers Ryan Zimmerman and Ryan Howard became the first to sue Al Jazeera over a report linking both athletes, among others, to the alleged use of human growth hormone.

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According to the defamation lawsuit filed on Tuesday, Zimmerman and his lawyers are attempting to "redress an unjust injury" to his public image and reputation, which "have been damaged by outrageously false and defamatory statements recklessly published by Al Jazeera".

William Burck of Quinn Emanuel, the attorney for Zimmerman, has requested the suit be decided by jury trial.

Burck, who also represents Howard, has filed a similar defamation suit on Howard's behalf against Al Jazeera.

Zimmerman's representatives claim the defendants publicly smeared the Washington Nationals veteran with "false and unsubstantiated allegations of performance-enhancing drug use, based on uncorroborated accusations by a third party that had been unequivocally recanted prior to defendants’ publication".

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Zimmerman's suit names Al Jazeera America, LLC, undercover investigator Liam James Collins, and Deborah Davies as defendants.

It seeks damages on two counts of alleged defamation: libel, and the false light invasion of privacy.

"The financial impact of this harm on Mr. Zimmerman ultimately will be in the millions," the suit claims.

In a statement, the Philadelphia Phillies' Howard said: "Today I authorised my attorneys to file suit against Al Jazeera and its reporters.

"Their irresponsible reporting forced me to take this action to protect my name and to fight back against the spreading of these lies. I will have no further comment, as the filing itself contains all I need to say."

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