Cottrell plans to persevere in defamation suit despite ruling

OZARK, Ala. (AP) Ronnie Cottrell was focusing on his new job at Carroll High School in Ozark when he found out his claims against the NCAA were dismissed in a defamation lawsuit in Tuscaloosa.<br> <br> But he plans to press ahead with his claims against a recruiting analyst and wants to make sure a jury hears the whole story.<br> <br> Tuscaloosa Circuit Court Judge Steve Wilson dismissed claims of conspiracy and negligence Thursday in the suit filed by Cottrell and Ivy Williams, both former Alabama assistant coaches. The judge also dismissed Cottrell&#39;s defamation and other claims against the NCAA, but left Williams&#39; defamation claims for trial Monday.<br> <br> ``I&#39;m going to be there on Monday and we&#39;re going to fight the fight,&#39;&#39; Cottrell told the Montgomery Advertiser in a story Friday. ``We&#39;re just going to go in there and go to work.<br> <br> ``I&#39;m thankful a jury will at least hear what happened.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> Cottrell, new head football coach at the Ozark school, learned of the judge&#39;s ruling after presiding over an offseason workout session. The judge left intact his claims of libel and slander against recruiting analyst Tom Culpepper and Williams&#39; defamation and invasion of privacy claims against the NCAA,<br> <br> Cottrell&#39;s brother expressed more emotion about Wilson&#39;s ruling.<br> <br> ``It was stunning,&#39;&#39; Danny Cottrell, a Brewton pharmacist, told the Mobile Register. ``But justice and the law aren&#39;t necessarily the same things.&#39;&#39;<br> <br> (Copyright 2005 by The Associated Press. All Rights Reserved.)

http://accesswdun.com/article/2005/7/130844