Stand up for the facts!
Our only agenda is to publish the truth so you can be an informed participant in democracy.
We need your help.
I would like to contribute
Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes (15) holds the trophy after their win against the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFL Super Bowl 57 football game, Sunday, Feb. 12, 2023, in Glendale, Ariz. (AP)
Rumor about NFL investigating Patrick Mahomes for drug use during Super Bowl started as satire
If Your Time is short
-
The NFL has not announced an investigation into Kansas City Chiefs quarterback Patrick Mahomes for suspected use of performance-enhancing drugs.
The Kansas City Chiefs came back from a double-digit deficit in the first half to defeat the Philadelphia Eagles and win Super Bowl LVII. But some social media users are claiming the Chiefs’ win could be ruled illegitimate.
"#BREAKING: Chiefs Super Bowl legitimacy put on hold as NFL plans to launch an investigation on possible PED (performance-enhancing drug) use by Patrick Mahomes during halftime," a Feb. 12 tweet claimed. "Sources confirm his rapid postgame drug test came back POSITIVE and if guilty the Chiefs could be stripped of the win."
This tweet was shared from an account that claims to be an "esteemed sports journalist," but it appears to be satirical. The Twitter account’s profile picture was taken from a blog post about headshots. Though the Boston Globe logo looms behind the profile picture, nobody named Simon Charles is listed on the paper’s staff directory.
His claim seems as far-fetched as his profile. There is no evidence of the National Football League investigating players, including Chiefs quarterback Mahomes, for suspected performance-enhancing drug use, which is prohibited.
NFL spokesperson Brian McCarthy said the claim was "absolutely false." Under the NFL and the NFL Players Association’s performance-enhancing substances policy, five players from each team are randomly selected to be drug tested. Mahomes was not one of the Chiefs players chosen to be tested.
Featured Fact-check
There also have been no reports from credible media outlets about Mahomes being investigated for possible drug use.
At the end of the first half, Mahomes was tackled by an Eagles linebacker, aggravating a high ankle sprain the quarterback had suffered during the playoffs and was still recovering from.
Sports Illustrated reported that during halftime, Mahomes refused treatment for his ankle, telling the team’s staff that he was fine. Chiefs head coach Andy Reid said Mahomes was able to "push through the pain" and carry the team to victory.
We rate claims about a Mahomes investigation Pants on Fire!
Our Sources
Tweet, Feb. 12, 2023
Email exchange, Brian McCarthy, NFL spokesperson, Feb. 13, 2023
NFL Communications, "Latest News and Press Releases," accessed Feb. 13, 2023
NFL, "Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances 2022," accessed Feb. 13, 2023
Sports Illustrated, "Patrick Mahomes Got Help From Chiefs Trainers and Teammates to Win His Second Career Super Bowl," Feb. 13, 2023
Defector, "Patrick Mahomes Can’t Be Denied," Feb. 13, 2023
Yandex, Reverse image search, Feb. 13, 2023
Phoenix Headshots, "Why Are White Backgrounds So Popular For Professional Headshots?," May 2, 2016
Browse the Truth-O-Meter
More by Sara Swann
Rumor about NFL investigating Patrick Mahomes for drug use during Super Bowl started as satire
Support independent fact-checking.
Become a member!
In a world of wild talk and fake news, help us stand up for the facts.