NFL chief survives online hoax
On Tuesday, online rumors spread that Roger Goodell—the National Football League’s front man had passed. Users and reporters jumped all over it. Here’s the gist of the prank.
Even the biggest organizations are subject to being hacked.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell is alive and well, despite a hacker’s efforts to prove otherwise on Tuesday.
The polarizing head of America’s most powerful sports league was said to have passed away, according to the league’s own Twitter account. NFL officials quickly refuted the claim and pointed to the work of a hacker.
TechInsider first reported that a hacker group identifying itself as Peggle Crew was claiming responsibility.
The initial false tweet was sent at 12:36 p.m. and read: “We regret to inform our fans that our commissioner, Roger Goodell, has passed away. He was 57.”
Shortly after that tweet was sent, the hackers sent another stating: “Oi, I said Roger Goodell has died. Don’t delete that tweet.”
Finally, at 12:45 p.m., the perpetrator wrote, “OK, OK, you amateur detectives win. Good job.”
Reporters quickly debunked the report:
The @NFL account was hacked. Roger Goodell is fine. Carry on.
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) June 7, 2016
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