The internet is a great and convenient place to find news and information. On the other hand, it has become a hub of misinformation and disinformation, a place where fake news can proliferate almost unchecked. Despite the efforts of social media platforms to weed out fake news, much of it remains on the internet. As recently revealed by ExpressVPN, Sports stars are some of the biggest victims of online falsehoods.
False reports about soccer stars often involve transfers
Soccer stars like Neymar, Messi, and Ronaldo have all been the subject of fake news. For instance, when it became clear that Messi would leave PSG, the internet erupted with rumors about his likely destination. The most widespread reports claimed Messi was keen on reuniting with Barcelona or his former coach, Pep Guardiola, at Manchester City. The Argentine phenom eventually signed with David Beckham’s Inter Miami in the United States.
Neymar’s move from PSG was also fake news fodder. Rumors emerged about his mindset, fitness, commitment, and his potential new team. The fake reports about Neymar’s alleged fitness issues got so rampant that Neymar spoke out against the account, spreading the rumors. “I still believe in a future without fake news,” the Brazilian wrote.
While Neymar’s anger was understandable, soccer stars have come under fire for spreading fake narratives. Soccer stars involved in transfer sagas or contract negotiations sometimes encourage the spread of fake news to increase their value or pressure a club into buying them.
Fake rumors claimed Michael Jordan had ended his association with Nike
Michael Jordan has had a long and profitable relationship with Nike. Understandably, therefore, a false claim that he had terminated the partnership threatened to break the internet. It claimed that Jordan severed his ties with Nike following the brand’s collaboration with transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney. It turned out that a satire website dubbed Patriot Party Press originated the news.
Another NBA legend, Lebron James, has been the subject of many false rumors. Elon Musk was perhaps partly to blame for one fake tweet that claimed James had asked to leave the Lakers. Many people believed the tweet because it came from a verified account named @kIngjamez. Musk introduced the $8 blue check mark identifying a verified account, making it easier for people to impersonate celebrities and spread fake news.
Is Tom Brady going to back out of his deal with Fox Sports? Fake News
Tom Brady, one of the greatest quarterbacks of all time, signed a deal to become a sports analyst for Fox News after his retirement. Andrew Marchand of the New York Post cast doubt on Brady’s commitment to the deal. He said that after talking to people close to Brady, he got the impression that the former NFL would back out of the agreement. Quoting a post by Sports Illustrated reporting Marchand’s claims, Brady wrote ‘Fake News’. He is planning to start his new role in fall 2024.
Fake News Won’t Leave Sport Any Time Soon
Speculation is part of sport, especially during the transfer season. A huge percentage of reports that emerge during transfer or trade season are false. Also, sports stars are celebrities, and people love speculating about celebrities.