Always check your sources.
By this juncture in the realm of social media, counterfeit posts mimicking Adam Schefter have become rather commonplace. So much so, that despite the availability of blue verification checkmarks for a mere $8 a month, it still comes as a surprise when someone gets duped.
Nevertheless, that’s precisely what occurred on Monday, marking the unofficial kickoff of NFL free agency during the league’s legal tampering period. Strangely enough, a post from a user claiming to be Schefter, announcing that Baltimore Ravens linebacker Patrick Queen had inked a deal with the Seattle Seahawks, managed to gain traction, with several ESPN personalities, including Jeremy Fowler and Marcus Spears, unwittingly spreading it further.
Upon realization of their blunder, both Fowler and Spears took to social media to acknowledge being deceived. “This is obviously a fake. Carry on,” remarked Fowler, alongside the faux report. “Died a Slow death with Fake #FakeSchefty acct,” quipped Spears. “I’ll be back soon.” Granted, errors are bound to occur, especially given the deluge of NFL news flooding in throughout the day.
However, what’s truly perplexing about both Fowler and Spears falling for the ruse is that it wasn’t even a particularly convincing hoax. It wasn’t a case of “Adarn Schefter” or someone with a purchased blue checkmark to lend an air of authenticity. Instead, it was a mere Seahawks fan with the handle @PenixToMetcalf who had altered their display name and profile picture to mirror the renowned NFL insider before adopting Schefter’s tweeting style.
Adding a humorous twist to the situation is the fact that Fowler was on the NFL Live set with the genuine Schefter on Monday afternoon, presumably in close proximity to his ESPN colleague when he retweeted a post from someone impersonating him.
Not a good look.
