In a bizarre online incident, veteran NFL reporter Jane Slater found herself having to confirm she was alive after a malicious piece of fake news claimed she had died. The false report circulated on social media, shocking fans before being debunked by Slater herself with characteristic humour and professionalism.
The Disturbing Fake News Story
According to recent posts on X (formerly Twitter) by Slater, she had been quietly reporting on news involving Dallas Cowboys owner Jerry Jones and British boxer Anthony Joshua. She also covered the activation of Cowboys cornerback Trevon Diggs from the Injured Reserve. Amidst this regular reporting, she was confronted with a shocking piece of misinformation about herself.
The fake news story, which originated from a Facebook account named "Star Nation," claimed a veteran reporter who covered the Dallas Cowboys for over a decade had passed away at the age of 40. It described a tragic domestic violence incident, stating the reporter left behind a five-year-old child. The post claimed the heartbreaking circumstances left loyal fans stunned and devastated. Crucially, the article linked to the story did not mention any name.
Fan Outrage and Slater's Unfazed Response
Fans quickly reacted with anger and confusion on the Facebook post. One user called it the "worst piece of journalism I’ve ever seen," while another labelled it "sick." A third comment pointed out a similar fake story had been circulated about a Dallas Cowboys cheerleader, demanding such false reports be banned. Others pleaded for an explanation on why people spread such false information, with one user emphatically stating, "False!!!!!!! Jane Slater is alive and well!!!"
The fake news was brought to Slater's attention when an X user named "Garold" tagged her, asking, "@SlaterNFL did you pass away??" along with a screenshot. Slater responded with witty disbelief, writing, "I don’t think so? But does this mean there is glitch in the matrix? I’m gonna wrap myself in bubble wrap until NYE." She swiftly proved her vitality by posting a live video from the gridiron, captioned with a Shakespearean reference related to Chargers safety Derwin James.
Business as Usual for the Unperturbed Reporter
The false report reportedly did not bother Slater, who continued her work with little heed to the online noise. Demonstrating her focus, her latest activity on X was to repost a message from four-time Grammy nominee Charlie Puth about analog trends in 2026. This move underscored her commitment to staying above the fray of internet trolling and concentrating on her professional duties.
The incident highlights the troubling trend of completely fabricated news targeting public figures, causing unnecessary distress to fans and readers. It also showcases the resilience required by journalists in the digital age, where verifying one's own existence can sadly become part of the job.
