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Football Hall of Fame Apologizes for Wrongly Announcing NFL Star’s Death
The Hall of Fame retracted its premature death notice and apologized after family and reporters confirmed Lem Barney is alive, ending confusion among fans.
- On Saturday, November 29, 2025, the Pro Football Hall of Fame apologized and rescinded an earlier email announcing Lem Barney's death, saying, `Based on conflicting information regarding the reported passing of Lem Barney, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is rescinding the email sent earlier today.`
- The Hall said it had not independently confirmed the report before sending the email, which followed consultation with media sources associated with the Detroit Lions; the Barney family faced similar false rumors earlier this year.
- TMZ quoted the family saying Barney was alive, while Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press confirmed via Lemuel "Lem" Barney III and a nurse who provided a selfie and voice confirmation.
- The erroneous announcement alarmed Detroit Lions fans and sparked corrections across outlets, as NFL.com reported the Hall rescinded its email and Tony Paul confirmed Barney is alive with family.
- The episode highlights risks for well-known figures like Lem Barney, whose 11-season NFL career and seven Pro Bowls make false reports especially consequential amid AI-driven hoaxes.
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12 Articles
NFL Hall of Famer Lem Barney Not Dead, Family Says
Detroit Lions star and Pro Football Hall of Famer Lem Barney is "alive and well," his family tells TMZ. Amid reports that the 80-year-old football icon has died, his son, Lem Barney III, has confirmed to TMZ he is alive, adding that he spoke to him…
·Los Angeles, United States
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Pro Football Hall of Fame Issues Apology After Falsely Announcing NFL Legend’s Death
The Pro Football Hall of Fame was forced into damage-control mode on Saturday after it mistakenly announced that Detroit Lions icon Lem Barney had passed away. What began as a routine tribute quickly spiraled into one of the most embarrassing blunders the organization has faced in years. A False Report Sparks Confusion The trouble started …
Coverage Details
Total News Sources12
Leaning Left1Leaning Right3Center1Last UpdatedBias Distribution60% Right
Bias Distribution
- 60% of the sources lean Right
60% Right
L 20%
C 20%
R 60%
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