I’m not debating that Musk slandered him, and I think Musk should have payed out in court. However I still think Vernon’s response to Musk’s submarine solution

I’m not debating that Musk slandered him, and I think Musk should have payed out in court. However I still think Vernon’s response to Musk’s submarine solution was distasteful. Instead of saying “sorry, this won’t work because xyz”, or “we’ll try that if our original plan fails”, he told Musk to “stick it where it hurts”. Not a very professional response.