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Oct 04, 2023

NFL fans duped by fake Adam Schefter tweet detailing Colts' suspension

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is not being investigated

Indianapolis Colts wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. is not being investigated for potential violations of the NFL's gambling policy. But on Monday, erroneous accounts from a fake Adam Schefter page said that he was.

That duped several people.

At 4:14 p.m. ET, a Twitter account claiming to be ESPN's Adam Schefter said that Pittman was not simply under investigation, but had already been handed a lengthy suspension.

"#Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. has been suspended for the 2023-2024 NFL Regular Season following an investigation related to gambling, per sources," the tweet said.

#Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. has been suspended for the 2023-2024 NFL Regular Season following an investigation related to gambling, per sources. pic.twitter.com/TSBOCzRVCd

— Adam Schefter (@adamscheftrrre) June 5, 2023

At the time of writing, that tweet had over 267,000 views. So, it made quite an impression.

Only, a closer look shows that it was a faux Schefter account.

For starters, Adam Schefter's Twitter handle is @AdamSchefter. The one who tweeted the information about Pittman being suspended is @adamscheftrrre. Additionally, while some of the rules implemented by Elon Musk on Twitter have muddied the waters on verified and unverified accounts, @AdamSchefter is verified while @adamscheftrrre is not.

And there are other clues. @AdamSchefter joined Twitter in June 2009, follows more than 3,700 accounts and has over 10.3 million followers. @adamscheftrrre joined in February 2022 and at the time of writing, is following two accounts and has 29 followers.

Most fake accounts can be figured out but some require close looks than others. This one, though, was pretty obvious.

But the same name and photos being used was enough to make some people believe that Pittman was the man being suspended.

#Colts WR Michael Pittman Jr. has been suspended for the 2023-2024 NFL Regular Season following an investigation related to gambling, per @AdamSchefter pic.twitter.com/X26PWCtvvG

— BJC #BillsMafia (@BryceJamesFan) June 5, 2023

Can you imagine if Michael Pittman bet against the Colts in this game and dropped this pass on purpose? pic.twitter.com/YGlSAL6LB2

— JJ Gruden (@TakingThePoint5) June 5, 2023

And…this is why you need to look in the name of the account, that's not actually Adam Schefter… figures fraudulent @nflrums would fall for it. pic.twitter.com/HkHMkGCU1z

— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) June 5, 2023

The reports on Pittman were perhaps easier to believe because reports had come out that a member of the Colts was under investigation. Those reports were true.

Destin Adams of Colts on FN reported that cornerback Isaiah Rodgers was the Indianapolis player under investigation.

Sources have told me that the #Colts player under investigation for multiple gambling infractions is CB Isaiah Rodgers Sr. pic.twitter.com/a5x1uKGQff

— Destin Adams (@TheDestinAdams) June 5, 2023

That was corroborated by other accounts, including Schefter (the real one) in a tweet that has roughly twice the views of the fake.

NFL is probing the Colts' CB Isaiah Rodgers for possible betting, via @HolderStephen and @DavidPurdum:https://t.co/AT3ASAsmTQ

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) June 5, 2023

If you see something on Twitter — either good or bad — take a few seconds to look into the account tweeting it. It's well worth the time.

Michael is a writer and editor for The Comeback Media. Fan of most sports and a total nerd when it comes to sports history. Michael spent most of his life in the Bay Area, but lived in Arizona for 2 years and moved to Indiana in April, 2023.

Other loves include good tacos, pizza and obscure Seinfeld quotes.

Feel free to voice your agreements or disagreements. If you do so respectfully, Michael will gladly respond in kind.

Twitter: @mfdixon1985Email: [email protected]

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Chelios was hired in 2021, which coincided with ESPN acquiring the NHL's broadcasting rights

No one has called more Finals games than Breen

"We shouldn't have to be waiting to the NBA Finals to be able to appreciate Jokić."

"Visibility is a key to expanding our reach and fan base. As the only professional women's sports team in North Carolina, there is massive opportunity to broaden our community and be a true home team for our entire region."

"I could make the argument and would make the argument, Skip needs Shannon right now more than Shannon needs Skip because it's gonna be hard replacing Shannon Sharpe on that show."

The LA Kings announced on Monday that Alex Faust and the team had parted ways, ending a six-year run in Los Angeles.