There's a very distinct implication.

There's two ways to imply bias:

*This lion, Cecil we'll call him, was killed unethically by even the lowest of standards IF the stories of how he was taken are true. As Eddie said in the first post, it harms the entire sport of hunting.

*The lion was killed ethically, IF the stories about him are not true. If they are not true, it harms those who are up in arms.

See? Both said "IF". But saying "IF" Doesn't hide your real conclusion.