Julio Jones, the wide receiver for the Atlanta Falcons, did not break both his legs in a catastrophic car crash.
A hoax report from fake news purveyor Global Associated News says the third-year Falcons standout “has broken both of his legs in a traffic altercation,” citing the “Atlanta highway safety authority,” which isn’t a real state agency.
“He has been transported via ambulance to a local Atlanta hospital for treatment, and the full extent of his injuries are not known at this time, however, both of his legs were visibly broken and not life threatening according to sources,” the fake piece reads.
But Global Associated News has a tiny disclaimer that reads: “FAKE... THIS STORY IS 100% FAKE! this is an entertainment website, and this is a totally fake article based on zero truth and is a complete work of fiction for entertainment purposes! this story was dynamically generated using a generic ’template‘ and is not factual. Any reference to specific individuals has been 100% fabricated by web site visitors who have created fake stories by entering a name into a blank ’non-specific' template for the purpose of entertainment.”
The website creates its rumors via a site called FakeAWish.com, which allows people to input names to produce false reports.
Recently, a hoax article from the Global Associated News claiming Michael Vick, the Eagles quarterback, broke both his legs in a car accident has gone viral.
Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning and Green Bay Packers quarterback Aaron Rodgers have also been victims of car crash hoaxes in recent months.
Rich Hoover, who owns the Global Associated News, told the New York Times several years ago that he gets revenue from the viral fake articles.
“I’d be lying if I said there wasn’t some twisted sense of satisfaction or accomplishment,” he said at the time.
