We probably don’t have to tell you this, but you shouldn’t believe everything you read on the Internet.
Case in point? Recent erroneous reports that former Chicago Bear William "Refrigerator" Perry had died. (Via USA Today)
Despite Internet rumors to the contrary the former defensive lineman and Super Bowl champion — (Via YouTube/chitown2100) — who participated in the infamous Super Bowl Shuffle … and once fought 7' 7" former NBA basketball player Manute Bol in a celebrity boxing match … is alive and well. (Via Fox)
Rumors of Perry's death reportedly started when a fan site for his alma mater, Clemson University, retweeted a user who was reporting the death of a different William Perry. (Via TigerNet)
Then the Internet ran with it.
Thankfully, someone bothered to look into the matter and they’ve now confirmed that Perry is, in fact, not dead.
Perry's agent told the Chicago Tribune, "I know he is not dead." (Via Chicago Tribune)
While Clemson University tweeted, "Our William Perry is still alive and well." (Via Twitter / @ClemsonFB)
And the man himself chimed in saying … "I heard about the rumors that I passed away online. #SMH. Just wanted to let everyone [know] that they are not true and Im doing fine. Thanks guys!" (Via Twitter / @FridgePerry72)
Perhaps we shouldn’t be surprised that the Internet fumbled this one, but let it be a lesson for us all — check your sources.
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