The United States Supreme Court has declined to review a case brought by NBA Hall of Famer John Stockton challenging COVID-19 vaccine mandates and related treatment regulations. Stockton’s lawsuit, filed against the Washington Medical Commission, contended that the agency’s investigation and sanctioning of physicians who discourage COVID-19 vaccinations or advocate treatments like ivermectin infringes upon the First Amendment. However, in their order list issued on May 1, 2026, the justices opted not to add the case of Stockton v. Brown to their docket.
John Stockton, known for his time as a point guard with the Utah Jazz, emerged as a vocal opponent of vaccine mandates during the COVID-19 pandemic. His lawsuit, supported by organizations such as the Children’s Health Defense, encountered setbacks in lower courts. A federal appeals court dismissed the case, finding that the plaintiffs did not demonstrate the requisite concrete injury to pursue a claim. Stockton’s subsequent appeal to the Supreme Court was rejected without comment, as noted in an article by Kelsey Dallas.
This decision comes as the Supreme Court also declined to review other notable cases, including one involving an Indiana gun dealer’s dispute with the City of Chicago over gun sales and straw purchasers. The justices are set to reconvene for their next private conference on May 14, with further orders anticipated on May 18.
For more details on the Supreme Court’s decision and the implications of this denial, please refer to the full article by Amy Howe on SCOTUSblog.