"Uncouth" threats do not constitute defamation; action dismissed but sanctions denied

When a newspaper sued several defendants who had accused her of "yellow journalism," the Court ultimately ruled that the statements, while "uncouth" were merely expressions of opinion and not defamatory.  The defendants then sought sanctions for filing a frivolous action which they deemed merely an effort to harass them.  The Court rejected their characterization of the claim as frivolous, since it was factually based and "colorable" under law, and both sides appealed.  The Court of Appeals affirmed both rulings.