On Monday, a social media user reported that two-time Super Bowl champion Sony Michel passed away in a motorcycle accident. It was later revealed that former Ravens running back Alex Collins was involved in a fatal crash, not Michel.
Michel had to debunk that report on social media, writing, “Fake news.”
As you’d expect, the NFL community rallied together to slam the person’s awful report.
Anyone who posts a fake death for clout deserves prison https://t.co/DsUx555JgX
— MinkahBurgh Steelers (@SteelersWin109) August 14, 2023
“Tweeting something like this without direct confirmation of it being true should get you banned from Twitter. Ridiculous,” one person said.
Tweeting something like this without direct confirmation of it being true should get you banned from Twitter.
Ridiculous. https://t.co/R5ASK2eYzu pic.twitter.com/mYPFSykAK1
— Pats Buzz (@PatsBuzz) August 14, 2023
Another person replied, “This dude had to tweet about a clout chaser proclaiming he was dead. This is where we are as a society.”
This dude had to tweet about a clout chaser proclaiming he was dead.
This is where we are as a society. https://t.co/558oAY005o
— JC’s Pops (@JDub9911) August 14, 2023
“The dude who made that tweet needs to be held accountable. Lying about someone’s death is insane,” a third person added.
The dude who made that tweet needs to be held accountable. Lying about someone’s death is insane. https://t.co/06TVoy7Nez
— Ashton Anthony (@ashtongriffith_) August 14, 2023
The person who whiffed on this reporting issued an apology.
“Was an honest mistake,” he said. “If I were making it up that would be a very random name to pick. With that said I made a mistake trying to be first, not correct. Two separate parties told me, I will never trust anyone again with news. You guys are right, was a bad, bad move. I am sorry.”
Apologizing is certainly a start, but this reporting was so reckless that Michel’s loved ones could’ve been seriously affected.