For a public figure to win a defamation suit in the USA is off the charts difficult, because the 1st ammnedment is arguably the central American value. Virtually every benefit of doubt is given to the person making the accusations, as the constitution demands a free exchange of ideas.

Specifically, the judge has to find actual malice, meaning PBF & Co had to "know the statement was false." I suppose if someone said "I saw Manny inject" and that can be proved false Pac would have a case; but mere speculation that he takes steroids is indeed constitutionally protected speech. After all, many people have speculated about many athletes even when they had yet (or had never) tested positive: (hollyfied, Woods, Dykstra, Sosa, every offensive lineman in the NFL, etc) and never had to pay a dime in court.

Pac appears to be reating like Clemons, thinking his faithful fans will assume if he's willing to file a suit, he must be innocent.The lady doth protest too much, methinks.