Well, in al66pine's defense, h/she was asking a hypothetical, and made it clear it was a hypothetical.
I totally agree with you there.
smear: "damage the reputation of (someone) by false accusations; slander."
MB earned his reputation. If his family and his family's lawyers hadn't made such a big deal out of what a young, innocent boy he was, the information about his thuggery likely wouldn't be such a big deal, either. But they've painted a false picture of "innocent young boy" to smear an innocent police officer. It's totally justified, IMO, to point out facts that show the falsity of that picture. And to defend the innocent cop who has been smeared mercilessly.