A Step-By-Step Guide To Dealing With Syracuse Rumors

A Syracuse Orange-related rumor has appeared. Is it true? Is it nonsense? Does it matter? Should I have not killed that hobo in a fit of rage? Too late anyway.

Avoid this common fate by knowing exactly how to act and what to do when a Syracuse-related rumor rears its ugly head.

Step 1: Identify The Source

Someone tweets, "I really hope this isn't true! #SMH" and then includes a link to a website with some extremely disparaging news related to SU. Rather than focus on WHAT the news is, identify WHO is providing the news.

Is it Charles Robinson? F***************************K.

Is it ESPN? Sure, they employ disloyal idiots and flat-out idiots but they still have enough cred in the bank to assume if they're running with it, it's probably legit.

Is it Syracuse.com? Double-check to make sure it's legitimate reporting and not Bud Poliquin reprinting a crazy quote from a crazy reader who sent in a crazy email with their crazy theory. If it's not, then be concerned.

Is is the Daily Orange? When they're not busy writing columns featuring every regurgitated Fox News talking point there is, they're usually pretty legit. Be afraid.

Is it from a website that I've never read before and didn't even know existed until right now? BRAAAAAAHM. It's bulls**t.

What Should I Do: Ignore.

What Shouldn't I Do: Retweet the link, ask others if this obviously non-credible website is credible. If you have to ask, you already know.

Step 2: Identify The Reasoning Behind The Rumor

Usually, the person who puts the rumor out there isn't the one who initially concocted it. So where did they get it from?

Did they read it on a gambling message board? Walk away and never speak of this again.

Did they get it from a "rock solid" source inside SU who has never steered them wrong? If you knew how many times someone has emailed me with information from such a source that turned out to be 100% wrong, you know that it's a meaningless claim.

Do they not provide sources at all? Of course they didn't.

What Should I Do: Remember to keep the list of people you trust for information small.

What Shouldn't I Do: Assume people on the Internet are altruistic and nice.

Step 3: Understand Why The Rumor Caught Fire

Did you rumor come out on the heels of a bad week for SU? For example...

Two years ago, Syracuse loses four in a row. Point-shaving rumors emerge.

Earlier this season, Syracuse struggles. Rumors of widespread academic suspensions & NCAA Violations emerge.

Recently, Syracuse loses three in a row. Boeheim retirement rumor emerges.

What Should I Do: Recognize that there are people associated with Syracuse Athletics who just want to watch the world burn because SU doesn't go undefeated every year.

What Shouldn't I Do: Feed the monster by continuing to infer that there is truth where none exists.

Step 4: Stop Being A Ninny

Did you throw wood on the fire by trying to find truth in random occurrences and assumptions? Stop.

Did you just forget to do any checking and just assume it was true? Stop it, dummy.

Did you immediately contact your "source" at SU to find out if its true? Your Dad doesn't count as a source. Stop.

Did you check to see if anyone at Syracuse.com, the Daily Orange, ESPN or another major news outlet is saying anything before freaking out? No? You're a numbskull.