A CNN employee says losing a high-profile defamation case this week might have been expected inside the network, but that didn't stop it from leaving a bruise.

Zachary Young alleged CNN defamed him in a report by chief security correspondent Alex Marquardt that said he operated in a "black market."

The matter was resolved just four hours after a Florida jury had found the network liable for defamation and awarded $5 million to security contractor Zachary Young.

A Florida jury concluded the network smeared the man’s reputation, awarding $5 million for losses and suffering and weighing additional punitive damages.

Zachary Young claimed CNN ruined his business and reputation when the network ran a story on private contractors charging Afghans trying to flee their country, but he says he didn't participate in the