HARLAN COBEN: When fake news changes the outcome of sports matches ...
'That’s your problem, SportsTard. You lied about that. You’re lying about this'
During the third quarter of Super Bowl LI, sports analyst Jake Schmoe came on the radio and said, “With the Atlanta Falcons leading, 28-3, I predict a Falcon victory over the New England Patriots.” Jake Schmoe was wrong. Two days later, Jake reads off scores during a Sports Update. “And in NBA action, the Miami Heat beat the Minnesota Timberwolves, 115-113. Let’s take some calls. Hello?” “Fake news, Jake.” “Excuse me?” “The Timberwolves won.” “Uh, no, they didn’t. As I just reported-- ” “Fake news, Jake! Remember when you said the Falcons were going to win?” “Yes, I looked at the score in the third quarter and-- ” “That’s your problem, SportsTard. You lied about that. You’re lying about this.” “No, see, that was an analysis. This is news.” “Prove it, snowbird! Prove the Timberwolves lost.” “Well, OK, if you watch a video of the game, the score will show that the Heat won by two.” “And suppose I didn’t record it? Hello, remember a little thing called the Super Bowl?? Were you right ...
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