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Other Discussions => Other / General Sports => Patriots / Football => Topic started by: Roy H. on January 16, 2013, 05:03:39 PM

Title: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Roy H. on January 16, 2013, 05:03:39 PM
One of the more bizarre sports stories in recent memory:

http://deadspin.com/5976517/manti-teos-dead-girlfriend-the-most-heartbreaking-and-inspirational-story-of-the-college-football-season-is-a-hoax
Title: Manti Te'o Dead Girlfriend Story was a Hoax
Post by: Donoghus on January 16, 2013, 05:05:27 PM
Explosive story from Deadspin shaking up the Twitterverse right now.

One of the feel good stories of the college football season was concerning ND star Te'o and the story of him playing though the deaths of his grandmother & girlfriend within 24 hours of each other.

Evidently, its not true.

http://deadspin.com/5976517/manti-teos-dead-girlfriend-the-most-heartbreaking-and-inspirational-story-of-the-college-football-season-is-a-hoax

Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Donoghus on January 16, 2013, 05:09:42 PM
Between being a non-factor/getting railroaded in the national title game & this story, this kid's draft status is going to take a serious nosedive.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Birdman on January 16, 2013, 05:15:32 PM
speechless!!!!
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Mencius on January 16, 2013, 05:18:54 PM
Funny tweet I read:
Quote
I'm just going to assume every girlfriend is fake until Brent Musburger has visual confirmation
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Donoghus on January 16, 2013, 05:24:49 PM
Notre Dame issues a statement saying that Te'o was the victim of this hoax.

Ummm....huh?  ???
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: PhoSita on January 16, 2013, 05:37:12 PM
This is unlike anything ever.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Birdman on January 16, 2013, 05:41:37 PM
how can anyone stoop this low if he is involved
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Roy H. on January 16, 2013, 07:06:16 PM
how can anyone stoop this low if he is involved

It will be interesting to read what his motivations were (assuming he was involved).

A lot of people assume he was doing it to get sympathy votes for the Heisman. 

Who knows, though?  Maybe he was sick of answering questions from his parents / church about why he didn't have a girlfriend.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: barefacedmonk on January 16, 2013, 07:12:01 PM
I see dead people...
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Kane3387 on January 16, 2013, 07:41:04 PM
Quote
Who knows, though?  Maybe he was sick of answering questions from his parents / church about why he didn't have a girlfriend.

In all seriousness these athletes are expected to have women. But that's not everyone's cup of tea. For someone to go to the length he did to look like he had a woman in his life means there was likely a ton of pressure on him to do so. Again in all seriousness his reputation as a football player and pro prospect could be really influenced by this.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Smokeeye123 on January 16, 2013, 07:50:10 PM
T'eo could have the intelligence and personality of a slug and I'm sure real, attractive, girls would be throwing themselves at him...It must of just been an embarrassing prank. I don't see what he'd gain by faking it.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Kane3387 on January 16, 2013, 08:04:35 PM
T'eo could have the intelligence and personality of a slug and I'm sure real, attractive, girls would be throwing themselves at him...It must of just been an embarrassing prank. I don't see what he'd gain by faking it.

Yeah I don't get the heisman thing. When this started he wasn't even a consideration. It was after her death that people even began to consider a MLB could win it if I read the article right.

It's just weird. He's the campus king of ND and yet he makes some girl from the Internet his gf? A girl he never even spent time with in person?
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Chelm on January 16, 2013, 08:25:08 PM
Is it at all possible he's hiding his lack of a girlfriend to cover up for his sexual orientation?  I mean, footballers (and athletes in general) are traditionally very buttoned up about this thing.  Plus, he and his family are Mormon...

Just a thought.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: greg683x on January 16, 2013, 08:47:15 PM
T'eo could have the intelligence and personality of a slug and I'm sure real, attractive, girls would be throwing themselves at him...It must of just been an embarrassing prank. I don't see what he'd gain by faking it.

just a prank?  i dunno dude.  Youre saying someone stayed up every single night talking to him on the phone pretending to be his sick girlfriend in the hospital??  who is that dedicated to a lie to keep it going for that long?

I agree that there are sick enough people in this world to follow through on that, but given the information provided the odds are in the favor of him being in on it.

Big giant red flag if youre an NFL team.  Linebackers with no book smarts, ok.  Linebackers with no street smarts and horrible instincts, not ok.  and thats only if he wasnt in on it.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Snakehead on January 16, 2013, 08:59:49 PM
T'eo could have the intelligence and personality of a slug and I'm sure real, attractive, girls would be throwing themselves at him...It must of just been an embarrassing prank. I don't see what he'd gain by faking it.

just a prank?  i dunno dude.  Youre saying someone stayed up every single night talking to him on the phone pretending to be his sick girlfriend in the hospital??  who is that dedicated to a lie to keep it going for that long?

I agree that there are sick enough people in this world to follow through on that, but given the information provided the odds are in the favor of him being in on it.

Big giant red flag if youre an NFL team.  Linebackers with no book smarts, ok.  Linebackers with no street smarts and horrible instincts, not ok.  and thats only if he wasnt in on it.

It's really too strange and ridiculous to be true.

This is the most bizarre story I've heard in... well maybe ever.  I can't think of anything like it.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Fan from VT on January 16, 2013, 09:02:37 PM
Is it at all possible he's hiding his lack of a girlfriend to cover up for his sexual orientation?  I mean, footballers (and athletes in general) are traditionally very buttoned up about this thing.  Plus, he and his family are Mormon...

Just a thought.

Very interesting thought, especially since it's another guy that was in charge of the fake identity, and that this other guy and Manti apparently knew each other fairly well.  They may have cooked it up together as a cover, then gotten carried away in the soap-style twitterverse.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Snakehead on January 16, 2013, 09:04:41 PM
Is it at all possible he's hiding his lack of a girlfriend to cover up for his sexual orientation?  I mean, footballers (and athletes in general) are traditionally very buttoned up about this thing.  Plus, he and his family are Mormon...

Just a thought.

Very interesting thought, especially since it's another guy that was in charge of the fake identity, and that this other guy and Manti apparently knew each other fairly well.  They may have cooked it up together as a cover, then gotten carried away in the soap-style twitterverse.

But then why go the cancer death route?

That brings so much more attention onto it.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: jackson_34 on January 16, 2013, 09:16:20 PM
Is it at all possible he's hiding his lack of a girlfriend to cover up for his sexual orientation?  I mean, footballers (and athletes in general) are traditionally very buttoned up about this thing.  Plus, he and his family are Mormon...

Just a thought.

Very interesting thought, especially since it's another guy that was in charge of the fake identity, and that this other guy and Manti apparently knew each other fairly well.  They may have cooked it up together as a cover, then gotten carried away in the soap-style twitterverse.

That's what I thought when initially reading it. Mormon family, catholic uni, perhaps a front to adhere to a football image/mentality. It's a possibility I guess.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Kane3387 on January 16, 2013, 09:21:14 PM
Is it at all possible he's hiding his lack of a girlfriend to cover up for his sexual orientation?  I mean, footballers (and athletes in general) are traditionally very buttoned up about this thing.  Plus, he and his family are Mormon...

Just a thought.

That's basically what my initial post was referring too.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Fan from VT on January 16, 2013, 09:44:42 PM
Is it at all possible he's hiding his lack of a girlfriend to cover up for his sexual orientation?  I mean, footballers (and athletes in general) are traditionally very buttoned up about this thing.  Plus, he and his family are Mormon...

Just a thought.

Very interesting thought, especially since it's another guy that was in charge of the fake identity, and that this other guy and Manti apparently knew each other fairly well.  They may have cooked it up together as a cover, then gotten carried away in the soap-style twitterverse.

But then why go the cancer death route?

That brings so much more attention onto it.

Once he was getting really famous, maybe they were worried about being able to keep the hoax going? Too much attention, so they "killed" her off. Or, they are 20-22 and thought it would be funny to fool people like that.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Eja117 on January 16, 2013, 10:21:47 PM
every once in a million years something makes me speechless and this is pretty much it.  Instead of a euphoric drug this is dystopic reality.  I feel like one of those robots on Star Trek whose head blew up when the guy said "Everything I say is a lie. I'm lying."
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: greg683x on January 16, 2013, 10:36:35 PM
Is it at all possible he's hiding his lack of a girlfriend to cover up for his sexual orientation?  I mean, footballers (and athletes in general) are traditionally very buttoned up about this thing.  Plus, he and his family are Mormon...

Just a thought.

Very interesting thought, especially since it's another guy that was in charge of the fake identity, and that this other guy and Manti apparently knew each other fairly well.  They may have cooked it up together as a cover, then gotten carried away in the soap-style twitterverse.

But then why go the cancer death route?

That brings so much more attention onto it.

Once he was getting really famous, maybe they were worried about being able to keep the hoax going? Too much attention, so they "killed" her off. Or, they are 20-22 and thought it would be funny to fool people like that.

yeah but her death draws more attention than just saying, oh we broke up.  Unless youre fishing for attention, which i think is the motive.

I just cant believe that there are people out there that are too stupid to realize that people will figure this lie out.

The media digs through peoples trash, you dont think they'll check for details on your dead girlfriend?
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Snakehead on January 16, 2013, 10:40:44 PM
Is it at all possible he's hiding his lack of a girlfriend to cover up for his sexual orientation?  I mean, footballers (and athletes in general) are traditionally very buttoned up about this thing.  Plus, he and his family are Mormon...

Just a thought.

Very interesting thought, especially since it's another guy that was in charge of the fake identity, and that this other guy and Manti apparently knew each other fairly well.  They may have cooked it up together as a cover, then gotten carried away in the soap-style twitterverse.

But then why go the cancer death route?

That brings so much more attention onto it.

Once he was getting really famous, maybe they were worried about being able to keep the hoax going? Too much attention, so they "killed" her off. Or, they are 20-22 and thought it would be funny to fool people like that.

yeah but her death draws more attention than just saying, oh we broke up.  Unless youre fishing for attention, which i think is the motive.

I just cant believe that there are people out there that are too stupid to realize that people will figure this lie out.

The media digs through peoples trash, you dont think they'll check for details on your dead girlfriend?

You took the words right out of my mouth here.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Celtics18 on January 17, 2013, 01:31:44 AM
I just saw a video on ESPN of the interview where Te'o talks about his "girlfriend."  Maybe I'm naive myself, but based on that, I believe the kid, believe he got taken advantage of, and feel bad for him. 
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 17, 2013, 08:35:08 AM
He might have actually been catfished, but he is going to have to answer a bunch of questions for anyone to believe it.  Just some he needs to answer: Who have you been talking to since she allegedly died?  Where did you send the flowers you sent, how did you purchase them, and do you have the receipt? Why did you say you met her and looked into her soulful eyes if you never did? When you learned of the deception in December, why didn't you get ahead of the story and release a statement at that time? How long have you known Ronaiah Tuiasosopo and when and where did you meet?

etc.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 17, 2013, 10:06:31 AM
some "maybe it is too soon" humor

(https://fbcdn-sphotos-h-a.akamaihd.net/hphotos-ak-prn1/v/710955_10151230214203583_977539117_n.jpg?oh=a80f625850b427cf0ecbbc1522af03f3&oe=50FA813A&__gda__=1358608904_5af61fcfde7e153d40c8022d28ce2d20)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: PhoSita on January 17, 2013, 10:17:41 AM
Reading the Deadspin article, I don't believe for an instant this kid could possibly be stupid enough to have actually believed this.

Seems much more likely to me that he's just an incredibly huge narcissist.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: StartOrien on January 17, 2013, 10:39:49 AM
Don't buy this online-only story for a second.

What are the chances that the middle linebacker, a heisman candidate, for one of the most successful college football teams in the country needs to resort to an online relationship for romance?

And on top of it, you've got multiple stories citing that they physically met, the father saying that she'd go to Hawaii on vacation. Someone's pumping them this info. He's in love with enough to have these 8 hour conversations, but so ashamed of the fact that it's online only that he goes to great length to provide the South Bend Tribune fictionalized stories about how they met? Doesn't add up one bit.

So to me, there's 2 options. 1 increasingly more likely than the other.

1. Someone came up w/ the idea, and thought the attention that it'd bring him would significantly improve his draft stock. And they absolutely 100% would've been right if it wasn't for the people at DeadSpin.

2. He's gay. Lot less likely, but to me it's the only other reason you'd make up this imaginary girlfriend story. Extremely religious background, extremely religious school.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 17, 2013, 10:55:51 AM
SO the girl never existed eh?

Wow that's going to be a draft stock plummet. I don't think teams would touch this kid simply because he's lying. (allegedly)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 17, 2013, 11:21:45 AM
Don't buy this online-only story for a second.

What are the chances that the middle linebacker, a heisman candidate, for one of the most successful college football teams in the country needs to resort to an online relationship for romance?

And on top of it, you've got multiple stories citing that they physically met, the father saying that she'd go to Hawaii on vacation. Someone's pumping them this info. He's in love with enough to have these 8 hour conversations, but so ashamed of the fact that it's online only that he goes to great length to provide the South Bend Tribune fictionalized stories about how they met? Doesn't add up one bit.

So to me, there's 2 options. 1 increasingly more likely than the other.

1. Someone came up w/ the idea, and thought the attention that it'd bring him would significantly improve his draft stock. And they absolutely 100% would've been right if it wasn't for the people at DeadSpin.

2. He's gay. Lot less likely, but to me it's the only other reason you'd make up this imaginary girlfriend story. Extremely religious background, extremely religious school.
But why tell the school about it before anything is public?  I mean if you made this crap up, why rat yourself out?
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: StartOrien on January 17, 2013, 12:01:37 PM
Don't buy this online-only story for a second.

What are the chances that the middle linebacker, a heisman candidate, for one of the most successful college football teams in the country needs to resort to an online relationship for romance?

And on top of it, you've got multiple stories citing that they physically met, the father saying that she'd go to Hawaii on vacation. Someone's pumping them this info. He's in love with enough to have these 8 hour conversations, but so ashamed of the fact that it's online only that he goes to great length to provide the South Bend Tribune fictionalized stories about how they met? Doesn't add up one bit.

So to me, there's 2 options. 1 increasingly more likely than the other.

1. Someone came up w/ the idea, and thought the attention that it'd bring him would significantly improve his draft stock. And they absolutely 100% would've been right if it wasn't for the people at DeadSpin.

2. He's gay. Lot less likely, but to me it's the only other reason you'd make up this imaginary girlfriend story. Extremely religious background, extremely religious school.
But why tell the school about it before anything is public?  I mean if you made this crap up, why rat yourself out?

Because they knew the heat was on.

If you read the article you'll remember them reaching out to the girl whose image was used as the "girlfriend."

Quote
And now here it was on a dead girl's Twitter profile. After googling Lennay Kekua's name, Reba began to piece things together. She called up the classmate. He expressed alarm, Reba told us later, and "immediately began acting weird." "Don't worry about it," he told her. Moments after the phone call, Reba's picture was removed from the @LoveMSMK Twitter profile.

If you're behind the hoax and this happens, you probably know that the jig is up or coming close. So before Deadspin can finish digging and publish their story you come up with this alternate story. I mean, the report was only filed 3 weeks ago?
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: indeedproceed on January 17, 2013, 12:06:11 PM
Don't buy this online-only story for a second.

What are the chances that the middle linebacker, a heisman candidate, for one of the most successful college football teams in the country needs to resort to an online relationship for romance?

And on top of it, you've got multiple stories citing that they physically met, the father saying that she'd go to Hawaii on vacation. Someone's pumping them this info. He's in love with enough to have these 8 hour conversations, but so ashamed of the fact that it's online only that he goes to great length to provide the South Bend Tribune fictionalized stories about how they met? Doesn't add up one bit.

So to me, there's 2 options. 1 increasingly more likely than the other.

1. Someone came up w/ the idea, and thought the attention that it'd bring him would significantly improve his draft stock. And they absolutely 100% would've been right if it wasn't for the people at DeadSpin.

2. He's gay. Lot less likely, but to me it's the only other reason you'd make up this imaginary girlfriend story. Extremely religious background, extremely religious school.
But why tell the school about it before anything is public?  I mean if you made this crap up, why rat yourself out?

Because they knew the heat was on.

If you read the article you'll remember them reaching out to the girl whose image was used as the "girlfriend."

Quote
And now here it was on a dead girl's Twitter profile. After googling Lennay Kekua's name, Reba began to piece things together. She called up the classmate. He expressed alarm, Reba told us later, and "immediately began acting weird." "Don't worry about it," he told her. Moments after the phone call, Reba's picture was removed from the @LoveMSMK Twitter profile.

If you're behind the hoax and this happens, you probably know that the jig is up or coming close. So before Deadspin can finish digging and publish their story you come up with this alternate story. I mean, the report was only filed 3 weeks ago?

Now add this:

http://deadspin.com/5976734/cardinals-player-says-he-met-manti-teos-fake-dead-girlfriend?tag=manti-te.o
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: esel1000 on January 17, 2013, 12:07:09 PM
The part that makes no sense is that he was in love with a girl he never met and never took the time to see her when she was going through adversity? Even when she was in a car accident and had cancer and even died he never once went out there to see her/her family?? Online relationship or not, that makes NO sense...
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 17, 2013, 12:14:00 PM
Don't buy this online-only story for a second.

What are the chances that the middle linebacker, a heisman candidate, for one of the most successful college football teams in the country needs to resort to an online relationship for romance?

And on top of it, you've got multiple stories citing that they physically met, the father saying that she'd go to Hawaii on vacation. Someone's pumping them this info. He's in love with enough to have these 8 hour conversations, but so ashamed of the fact that it's online only that he goes to great length to provide the South Bend Tribune fictionalized stories about how they met? Doesn't add up one bit.

So to me, there's 2 options. 1 increasingly more likely than the other.

1. Someone came up w/ the idea, and thought the attention that it'd bring him would significantly improve his draft stock. And they absolutely 100% would've been right if it wasn't for the people at DeadSpin.

2. He's gay. Lot less likely, but to me it's the only other reason you'd make up this imaginary girlfriend story. Extremely religious background, extremely religious school.
But why tell the school about it before anything is public?  I mean if you made this crap up, why rat yourself out?

Because they knew the heat was on.

If you read the article you'll remember them reaching out to the girl whose image was used as the "girlfriend."

Quote
And now here it was on a dead girl's Twitter profile. After googling Lennay Kekua's name, Reba began to piece things together. She called up the classmate. He expressed alarm, Reba told us later, and "immediately began acting weird." "Don't worry about it," he told her. Moments after the phone call, Reba's picture was removed from the @LoveMSMK Twitter profile.

If you're behind the hoax and this happens, you probably know that the jig is up or coming close. So before Deadspin can finish digging and publish their story you come up with this alternate story. I mean, the report was only filed 3 weeks ago?
Yeah but that photo wasn't taken until December 2012 and wasn't put up on the net until around that time.  I don't think Deadspin was even looking into this until after he blabbed to ND.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Fafnir on January 17, 2013, 12:16:26 PM
The author of Deadspin's article said on CBS radio that they received an e-mail a week ago stating something fishy was going on and they should look into it.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: StartOrien on January 17, 2013, 12:18:51 PM
The author of Deadspin's article said on CBS radio that they received an e-mail a week ago stating something fishy was going on and they should look into it.

Interesting. Seems like a lot more than a week of research.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: StartOrien on January 17, 2013, 12:24:26 PM
Don't buy this online-only story for a second.

What are the chances that the middle linebacker, a heisman candidate, for one of the most successful college football teams in the country needs to resort to an online relationship for romance?

And on top of it, you've got multiple stories citing that they physically met, the father saying that she'd go to Hawaii on vacation. Someone's pumping them this info. He's in love with enough to have these 8 hour conversations, but so ashamed of the fact that it's online only that he goes to great length to provide the South Bend Tribune fictionalized stories about how they met? Doesn't add up one bit.

So to me, there's 2 options. 1 increasingly more likely than the other.

1. Someone came up w/ the idea, and thought the attention that it'd bring him would significantly improve his draft stock. And they absolutely 100% would've been right if it wasn't for the people at DeadSpin.

2. He's gay. Lot less likely, but to me it's the only other reason you'd make up this imaginary girlfriend story. Extremely religious background, extremely religious school.
But why tell the school about it before anything is public?  I mean if you made this crap up, why rat yourself out?

Because they knew the heat was on.

If you read the article you'll remember them reaching out to the girl whose image was used as the "girlfriend."

Quote
And now here it was on a dead girl's Twitter profile. After googling Lennay Kekua's name, Reba began to piece things together. She called up the classmate. He expressed alarm, Reba told us later, and "immediately began acting weird." "Don't worry about it," he told her. Moments after the phone call, Reba's picture was removed from the @LoveMSMK Twitter profile.

If you're behind the hoax and this happens, you probably know that the jig is up or coming close. So before Deadspin can finish digging and publish their story you come up with this alternate story. I mean, the report was only filed 3 weeks ago?

Now add this:

http://deadspin.com/5976734/cardinals-player-says-he-met-manti-teos-fake-dead-girlfriend?tag=manti-te.o

Wow. That is truly bizarre.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Fafnir on January 17, 2013, 12:28:43 PM
The author of Deadspin's article said on CBS radio that they received an e-mail a week ago stating something fishy was going on and they should look into it.

Interesting. Seems like a lot more than a week of research.
I easily could have misheard it, I just got back from work and was listening on my phone but that's what I heard.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: indeedproceed on January 17, 2013, 12:35:00 PM
The author of Deadspin's article said on CBS radio that they received an e-mail a week ago stating something fishy was going on and they should look into it.

Interesting. Seems like a lot more than a week of research.
I easily could have misheard it, I just got back from work and was listening on my phone but that's what I heard.

The initial deadspin story says a woman notified them 'sometime in december'.

Quote
Te'o and Tuiasosopo definitely know each other. In May 2012, Te'o was retweeting Tuiasosopo, who had mentioned going to Hawaii. Wrote Te'o, "sole"—"bro," in Samoan—"u gotta come down." In June, Te'o wished Tuiasosopo a happy birthday. How they know each other isn't clear. We spoke to a woman we'll call Frieda, who had suggested on Twitter back in December that there was something fishy about Lennay Kekua. She was Facebook friends with Titus Tuiasosopo, so we asked her if she knew anything about Ronaiah.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: StartOrien on January 17, 2013, 12:44:49 PM
The author of Deadspin's article said on CBS radio that they received an e-mail a week ago stating something fishy was going on and they should look into it.

Interesting. Seems like a lot more than a week of research.
I easily could have misheard it, I just got back from work and was listening on my phone but that's what I heard.

The initial deadspin story says a woman notified them 'sometime in december'.

Quote
Te'o and Tuiasosopo definitely know each other. In May 2012, Te'o was retweeting Tuiasosopo, who had mentioned going to Hawaii. Wrote Te'o, "sole"—"bro," in Samoan—"u gotta come down." In June, Te'o wished Tuiasosopo a happy birthday. How they know each other isn't clear. We spoke to a woman we'll call Frieda, who had suggested on Twitter back in December that there was something fishy about Lennay Kekua. She was Facebook friends with Titus Tuiasosopo, so we asked her if she knew anything about Ronaiah.

Ya, that makes much more senes to me. I'm sure a lot of this info was pretty easy to find - or not find - but still, it seems like a lot for a week.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: indeedproceed on January 17, 2013, 12:47:33 PM
The author of Deadspin's article said on CBS radio that they received an e-mail a week ago stating something fishy was going on and they should look into it.

Interesting. Seems like a lot more than a week of research.
I easily could have misheard it, I just got back from work and was listening on my phone but that's what I heard.

The initial deadspin story says a woman notified them 'sometime in december'.

Quote
Te'o and Tuiasosopo definitely know each other. In May 2012, Te'o was retweeting Tuiasosopo, who had mentioned going to Hawaii. Wrote Te'o, "sole"—"bro," in Samoan—"u gotta come down." In June, Te'o wished Tuiasosopo a happy birthday. How they know each other isn't clear. We spoke to a woman we'll call Frieda, who had suggested on Twitter back in December that there was something fishy about Lennay Kekua. She was Facebook friends with Titus Tuiasosopo, so we asked her if she knew anything about Ronaiah.

Ya, that makes much more senes to me. I'm sure a lot of this info was pretty easy to find - or not find - but still, it seems like a lot for a week.

Well they basically debunked the existence of Kekua by doing a nexis search and looking at police blotter and obituaries in California.

You almost want to believe that Te'o was really the victim of some elaborate hoax, but this paragraph is far too [dang]ing for me lend any sympathy or buy his garbage statement:

Quote
There was no Lennay Kekua. Lennay Kekua did not meet Manti Te'o after the Stanford game in 2009. Lennay Kekua did not attend Stanford. Lennay Kekua never visited Manti Te'o in Hawaii. Lennay Kekua was not in a car accident. Lennay Kekua did not talk to Manti Te'o every night on the telephone. She was not diagnosed with cancer, did not spend time in the hospital, did not engage in a lengthy battle with leukemia. She never had a bone marrow transplant. She was not released from the hospital on Sept. 10, nor did Brian Te'o congratulate her for this over the telephone. She did not insist that Manti Te'o play in the Michigan State or Michigan games, and did not request he send white flowers to her funeral. Her favorite color was not white. Her brother, Koa, did not inform Manti Te'o that she was dead. Koa did not exist. Her funeral did not take place in Carson, Calif., and her casket was not closed at 9 a.m. exactly. She was not laid to rest.

Lennay Kekua's last words to Manti Te'o were not "I love you."
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: pearljammer10 on January 17, 2013, 12:53:03 PM
This whole story is incredibly bizarre on many levels.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Fafnir on January 17, 2013, 12:53:04 PM
The author of Deadspin's article said on CBS radio that they received an e-mail a week ago stating something fishy was going on and they should look into it.

Interesting. Seems like a lot more than a week of research.
I easily could have misheard it, I just got back from work and was listening on my phone but that's what I heard.

The initial deadspin story says a woman notified them 'sometime in december'.

Quote
Te'o and Tuiasosopo definitely know each other. In May 2012, Te'o was retweeting Tuiasosopo, who had mentioned going to Hawaii. Wrote Te'o, "sole"—"bro," in Samoan—"u gotta come down." In June, Te'o wished Tuiasosopo a happy birthday. How they know each other isn't clear. We spoke to a woman we'll call Frieda, who had suggested on Twitter back in December that there was something fishy about Lennay Kekua. She was Facebook friends with Titus Tuiasosopo, so we asked her if she knew anything about Ronaiah.
That statement doesn't say they were notified in December, rather that in December she suggested on twitter that something was up. They don't clarify if it was just a tweet she put out there, or something that she sent to Deadspin via tweet or DM.

But yeah clearly sometime in December things were unraveling, which makes Teo's confession on the 26th make sense if they got wind of things coming apart.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Chris on January 17, 2013, 01:01:05 PM
Personally, I find it very believable that a college football player, who comes from a conservative, Mormon family, was duped by an acquaintence playing an (elaborate) practical joke on him. 

I could see Te'o really believing that his girlfriend was real...but lying about the fact that he had met her.  It could have been to him an online romance, that was cut short of him getting to consumate it by meeting her, when she tragically died. 

And he made up the story of how they met and become friends, and how he sees her when they are both in Hawaii, and all that, to hide the embarrasing fact that he not only met her online, but had not actually met her in person.  Particularly with his Mormon upbringing, since they would have likely not been thrilled about him having an online romance.

There are a lot of gullible people out there, and when you are talking about 22 year old college football players (or however old he is), then the percentage of gullibility probably rises a decent amount. 
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 17, 2013, 01:07:28 PM
The author of Deadspin's article said on CBS radio that they received an e-mail a week ago stating something fishy was going on and they should look into it.

Interesting. Seems like a lot more than a week of research.
I easily could have misheard it, I just got back from work and was listening on my phone but that's what I heard.

The initial deadspin story says a woman notified them 'sometime in december'.

Quote
Te'o and Tuiasosopo definitely know each other. In May 2012, Te'o was retweeting Tuiasosopo, who had mentioned going to Hawaii. Wrote Te'o, "sole"—"bro," in Samoan—"u gotta come down." In June, Te'o wished Tuiasosopo a happy birthday. How they know each other isn't clear. We spoke to a woman we'll call Frieda, who had suggested on Twitter back in December that there was something fishy about Lennay Kekua. She was Facebook friends with Titus Tuiasosopo, so we asked her if she knew anything about Ronaiah.
That statement doesn't say they were notified in December, rather that in December she suggested on twitter that something was up. They don't clarify if it was just a tweet she put out there, or something that she sent to Deadspin via tweet or DM.

But yeah clearly sometime in December things were unraveling, which makes Teo's confession on the 26th make sense if they got wind of things coming apart.
I think it pretty clearly indicates that in December she said something on Twitter not that Deadspin spoke to her.  Deadspin didn't know about this until after the new year and by then notre dame was conducting a full on investigation so it is quite possible that the ND investigation led to the deadspin story.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Roy H. on January 17, 2013, 01:10:42 PM
(http://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e189/RollTideTA/teo.gif)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: KGs Knee on January 17, 2013, 01:11:51 PM
Personally, I find it very believable that a college football player, who comes from a conservative, Mormon family, was duped by an acquaintence playing an (elaborate) practical joke on him. 

I could see Te'o really believing that his girlfriend was real...but lying about the fact that he had met her.  It could have been to him an online romance, that was cut short of him getting to consumate it by meeting her, when she tragically died. 

And he made up the story of how they met and become friends, and how he sees her when they are both in Hawaii, and all that, to hide the embarrasing fact that he not only met her online, but had not actually met her in person.  Particularly with his Mormon upbringing, since they would have likely not been thrilled about him having an online romance.

There are a lot of gullible people out there, and when you are talking about 22 year old college football players (or however old he is), then the percentage of gullibility probably rises a decent amount.

This is entirely possible.

For a football player, having an online "relationship" could be rather immasulating.  The conservation Mormon upbringing could be a factor as well.

Generally, I am the type that likes to believe the best in people.  Lately, I've become a little cynical with public figures.  It seems it always end up being a case of the worst being true.

I won't be surprised if Te'o is guilty of being an absolute liar of the worst degree.  His parents involvement in the "story" seems really fishy.

Just a completely insane story either way.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: KGs Knee on January 17, 2013, 01:28:27 PM
completely off-topic, but equally as crazy...

Just heard Tiger Woods offered his ex-wife a "contract" to be his wife again.  Will pay her 350mil if he cheats.

What is going on?!
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: StartOrien on January 17, 2013, 01:30:13 PM
Personally, I find it very believable that a college football player, who comes from a conservative, Mormon family, was duped by an acquaintence playing an (elaborate) practical joke on him. 

I could see Te'o really believing that his girlfriend was real...but lying about the fact that he had met her.  It could have been to him an online romance, that was cut short of him getting to consumate it by meeting her, when she tragically died. 

And he made up the story of how they met and become friends, and how he sees her when they are both in Hawaii, and all that, to hide the embarrasing fact that he not only met her online, but had not actually met her in person.  Particularly with his Mormon upbringing, since they would have likely not been thrilled about him having an online romance.

There are a lot of gullible people out there, and when you are talking about 22 year old college football players (or however old he is), then the percentage of gullibility probably rises a decent amount.

But again, and I'll come off as a jock and a pig here I'm sure, but he's a middle linebacker for the University fo Notre Dame. He's a Heisman Candidate. He's playing in the national championship game.

If he's going to be duped, it'll be by one of the thousands of beautiful women in the South Bend area who are throwing themselves at him. Not some "girl" who said 'hi' to him on twitter.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Chris on January 17, 2013, 01:32:17 PM
Personally, I find it very believable that a college football player, who comes from a conservative, Mormon family, was duped by an acquaintence playing an (elaborate) practical joke on him. 

I could see Te'o really believing that his girlfriend was real...but lying about the fact that he had met her.  It could have been to him an online romance, that was cut short of him getting to consumate it by meeting her, when she tragically died. 

And he made up the story of how they met and become friends, and how he sees her when they are both in Hawaii, and all that, to hide the embarrasing fact that he not only met her online, but had not actually met her in person.  Particularly with his Mormon upbringing, since they would have likely not been thrilled about him having an online romance.

There are a lot of gullible people out there, and when you are talking about 22 year old college football players (or however old he is), then the percentage of gullibility probably rises a decent amount.

But again, and I'll come off as a jock and a pig here I'm sure, but he's a middle linebacker for the University fo Notre Dame. He's a Heisman Candidate. He's playing in the national championship game.

If he's going to be duped, it'll be by one of the thousands of beautiful women in the South Bend area who are throwing themselves at him. Not some "girl" who said 'hi' to him on twitter.

Not necessarily.  There are plenty of guys who wouldn't feel that comfortable with meeting girls that way.  Everyone is different. 

And hey, it worked on Gabe Pruitt...

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/weblog/permalink/victorias_secret_basketball_prank/
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Donoghus on January 17, 2013, 01:36:35 PM
Personally, I find it very believable that a college football player, who comes from a conservative, Mormon family, was duped by an acquaintence playing an (elaborate) practical joke on him. 

I could see Te'o really believing that his girlfriend was real...but lying about the fact that he had met her.  It could have been to him an online romance, that was cut short of him getting to consumate it by meeting her, when she tragically died. 

And he made up the story of how they met and become friends, and how he sees her when they are both in Hawaii, and all that, to hide the embarrasing fact that he not only met her online, but had not actually met her in person.  Particularly with his Mormon upbringing, since they would have likely not been thrilled about him having an online romance.

There are a lot of gullible people out there, and when you are talking about 22 year old college football players (or however old he is), then the percentage of gullibility probably rises a decent amount.

But again, and I'll come off as a jock and a pig here I'm sure, but he's a middle linebacker for the University fo Notre Dame. He's a Heisman Candidate. He's playing in the national championship game.

If he's going to be duped, it'll be by one of the thousands of beautiful women in the South Bend area who are throwing themselves at him. Not some "girl" who said 'hi' to him on twitter.

Apparently, you've never stepped foot in South Bend, IN.

Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: KGs Knee on January 17, 2013, 01:40:45 PM
Personally, I find it very believable that a college football player, who comes from a conservative, Mormon family, was duped by an acquaintence playing an (elaborate) practical joke on him. 

I could see Te'o really believing that his girlfriend was real...but lying about the fact that he had met her.  It could have been to him an online romance, that was cut short of him getting to consumate it by meeting her, when she tragically died. 

And he made up the story of how they met and become friends, and how he sees her when they are both in Hawaii, and all that, to hide the embarrasing fact that he not only met her online, but had not actually met her in person.  Particularly with his Mormon upbringing, since they would have likely not been thrilled about him having an online romance.

There are a lot of gullible people out there, and when you are talking about 22 year old college football players (or however old he is), then the percentage of gullibility probably rises a decent amount.

But again, and I'll come off as a jock and a pig here I'm sure, but he's a middle linebacker for the University fo Notre Dame. He's a Heisman Candidate. He's playing in the national championship game.

If he's going to be duped, it'll be by one of the thousands of beautiful women in the South Bend area who are throwing themselves at him. Not some "girl" who said 'hi' to him on twitter.

Not necessarily.  There are plenty of guys who wouldn't feel that comfortable with meeting girls that way.  Everyone is different. 

And hey, it worked on Gabe Pruitt...

http://www.museumofhoaxes.com/hoax/weblog/permalink/victorias_secret_basketball_prank/

You know, I can't believe I've never heard that story about Pruitt.  Don't know how I missed that.

The tidbit at the end about the 15 y.o. boys luring a 48 y.o. man into thinking he was meeting a 15 y.o. girl is messed up.  Guy is obviously dangerous, but legally, isn't that classic "baiting"?  Shouldn't the kids be the ones in trouble technically?
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Chris on January 17, 2013, 01:42:47 PM
Personally, I find it very believable that a college football player, who comes from a conservative, Mormon family, was duped by an acquaintence playing an (elaborate) practical joke on him. 

I could see Te'o really believing that his girlfriend was real...but lying about the fact that he had met her.  It could have been to him an online romance, that was cut short of him getting to consumate it by meeting her, when she tragically died. 

And he made up the story of how they met and become friends, and how he sees her when they are both in Hawaii, and all that, to hide the embarrasing fact that he not only met her online, but had not actually met her in person.  Particularly with his Mormon upbringing, since they would have likely not been thrilled about him having an online romance.

There are a lot of gullible people out there, and when you are talking about 22 year old college football players (or however old he is), then the percentage of gullibility probably rises a decent amount.

But again, and I'll come off as a jock and a pig here I'm sure, but he's a middle linebacker for the University fo Notre Dame. He's a Heisman Candidate. He's playing in the national championship game.

If he's going to be duped, it'll be by one of the thousands of beautiful women in the South Bend area who are throwing themselves at him. Not some "girl" who said 'hi' to him on twitter.

Apparently, you've never stepped foot in South Bend, IN.

Ouch!

But I also think its worth noting that guys who are smooth with the ladies generally don't choose to go to ND over USC (where he also was considering). 

Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Neurotic Guy on January 17, 2013, 02:49:01 PM
Personally, I find it very believable that a college football player, who comes from a conservative, Mormon family, was duped by an acquaintence playing an (elaborate) practical joke on him. 

I could see Te'o really believing that his girlfriend was real...but lying about the fact that he had met her.  It could have been to him an online romance, that was cut short of him getting to consumate it by meeting her, when she tragically died. 

And he made up the story of how they met and become friends, and how he sees her when they are both in Hawaii, and all that, to hide the embarrasing fact that he not only met her online, but had not actually met her in person.  Particularly with his Mormon upbringing, since they would have likely not been thrilled about him having an online romance.

There are a lot of gullible people out there, and when you are talking about 22 year old college football players (or however old he is), then the percentage of gullibility probably rises a decent amount.

I can believe it too.  At best, this is a sad story.  Even if Te'o himself created it for 'fun', it is still sad -- from a mental health perpective.  Yes, there may be nefarious intent that some can construe in which he somehow benefits and therefore makes him a villain, but more likely (I think), this turns out to be either a mean and humiliating hoax upon him, or it turns out that he played along (created it) to hide something.  Either way, I don't need to know and hope that he isn't exposed to more humiliation based on idle speculation and unecessary moral judgments.  I realize this could also be a case of stupidity or naivety which would just serve to make me grateful that my stupidest acts have never gone viral. 
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: CoachBo on January 17, 2013, 02:53:27 PM
He might have actually been catfished, but he is going to have to answer a bunch of questions for anyone to believe it.  Just some he needs to answer: Who have you been talking to since she allegedly died?  Where did you send the flowers you sent, how did you purchase them, and do you have the receipt? Why did you say you met her and looked into her soulful eyes if you never did? When you learned of the deception in December, why didn't you get ahead of the story and release a statement at that time? How long have you known Ronaiah Tuiasosopo and when and where did you meet?

etc.

Exactly. There are simply too many examples of embelishment here for me to swallow that the kid was a victim of a hoax.

I really wasn't prepared to even consider that Notre Dame might be involved, and this might have been a ploy to hijack the Heisman news cycle, until I saw the AD's absolutely horrific press conference performance last night.

Now, I'm not so sure this isn't an elaborate publicity stunt gone awry.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 17, 2013, 03:03:11 PM
http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/arizona-cardinals-fullback-manti-te-os-fake-girlfriend-051106606--ncaaf.html (http://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/ncaaf-dr-saturday/arizona-cardinals-fullback-manti-te-os-fake-girlfriend-051106606--ncaaf.html)

Im going to read this article on Yahoo! where the report say an Arizon Cardinal player "met" the GF.

It's getting more bizaare.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: blackbird on January 17, 2013, 03:29:19 PM
The author of Deadspin's article said on CBS radio that they received an e-mail a week ago stating something fishy was going on and they should look into it.

Interesting. Seems like a lot more than a week of research.
I easily could have misheard it, I just got back from work and was listening on my phone but that's what I heard.

The initial deadspin story says a woman notified them 'sometime in december'.

Quote
Te'o and Tuiasosopo definitely know each other. In May 2012, Te'o was retweeting Tuiasosopo, who had mentioned going to Hawaii. Wrote Te'o, "sole"—"bro," in Samoan—"u gotta come down." In June, Te'o wished Tuiasosopo a happy birthday. How they know each other isn't clear. We spoke to a woman we'll call Frieda, who had suggested on Twitter back in December that there was something fishy about Lennay Kekua. She was Facebook friends with Titus Tuiasosopo, so we asked her if she knew anything about Ronaiah.
That statement doesn't say they were notified in December, rather that in December she suggested on twitter that something was up. They don't clarify if it was just a tweet she put out there, or something that she sent to Deadspin via tweet or DM.

But yeah clearly sometime in December things were unraveling, which makes Teo's confession on the 26th make sense if they got wind of things coming apart.
I think it pretty clearly indicates that in December she said something on Twitter not that Deadspin spoke to her.  Deadspin didn't know about this until after the new year and by then notre dame was conducting a full on investigation so it is quite possible that the ND investigation led to the deadspin story.

I also heard him on Toucher and Rich this morning. He pretty clearly said that they got the tip last Friday and were comfortable enough with the information they had found in only a few days to run it.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 17, 2013, 03:45:36 PM
Quote
Also, On Dec. 8, two days after Te'o supposedly found out his girlfriend was not dead, he told media at the Heisman Trophy presentation: "I don't like cancer at all. I lost both my grandparents and my girlfriend to cancer."

Well if that is true, then he clearly wasn't duped.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Rondo2287 on January 17, 2013, 03:52:57 PM
(http://sphotos-c.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/337838_561920853837073_1558230319_o.jpg)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Chris on January 17, 2013, 04:01:59 PM
Quote
Also, On Dec. 8, two days after Te'o supposedly found out his girlfriend was not dead, he told media at the Heisman Trophy presentation: "I don't like cancer at all. I lost both my grandparents and my girlfriend to cancer."

Well if that is true, then he clearly wasn't duped.

Not necessarily.  Have you ever seen someone faced with humiliation and ridicule?  I think it is very reasonable to think that he might have just decided to cover up the hoax, to stop from having to be seen as the most sad and gullible person in the world.  I can't say I would have acted much different if I was in that situation when I was 22.  I would be clinging to any hope of saving my dignity I could find, even if it meant continuing what I now know are lies.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 17, 2013, 04:19:55 PM
Quote
Also, On Dec. 8, two days after Te'o supposedly found out his girlfriend was not dead, he told media at the Heisman Trophy presentation: "I don't like cancer at all. I lost both my grandparents and my girlfriend to cancer."

Well if that is true, then he clearly wasn't duped.

Not necessarily.  Have you ever seen someone faced with humiliation and ridicule?  I think it is very reasonable to think that he might have just decided to cover up the hoax, to stop from having to be seen as the most sad and gullible person in the world.  I can't say I would have acted much different if I was in that situation when I was 22.  I would be clinging to any hope of saving my dignity I could find, even if it meant continuing what I now know are lies.
But he didn't have to bring the girlfriend up at all.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: indeedproceed on January 17, 2013, 04:22:40 PM
So the 'out' for him is that his cousin (or whatever) made up an elaborate hoax of a girlfriend, going on for an entire year, culminating in her 'death'?

Its just unfathomable to me. I just don't see how its a possible, let alone likely, scenario.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Chelm on January 17, 2013, 04:50:39 PM
So the 'out' for him is that his cousin boyfriend (or whatever) made up an elaborate hoax of a girlfriend, going on for an entire year, culminating in her 'death'?

Its just unfathomable to me. I just don't see how its a possible, let alone likely, scenario.
Fixed it for you
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Chris on January 17, 2013, 04:54:21 PM
Quote
Also, On Dec. 8, two days after Te'o supposedly found out his girlfriend was not dead, he told media at the Heisman Trophy presentation: "I don't like cancer at all. I lost both my grandparents and my girlfriend to cancer."

Well if that is true, then he clearly wasn't duped.

Not necessarily.  Have you ever seen someone faced with humiliation and ridicule?  I think it is very reasonable to think that he might have just decided to cover up the hoax, to stop from having to be seen as the most sad and gullible person in the world.  I can't say I would have acted much different if I was in that situation when I was 22.  I would be clinging to any hope of saving my dignity I could find, even if it meant continuing what I now know are lies.
But he didn't have to bring the girlfriend up at all.

True.  Doesn't mean he was in on the hoax from the beginning.  Desperate people do stupid things. 
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: mctyson on January 17, 2013, 05:18:55 PM
Not that I really care about this story, because it is really, really weird, but just my two cents from having read some reports on the story:

1) The relationship with the fictional girlfriend started in 2009, correct?  To me, that immediately disqualifies the idea that Teo did this for publicity - there is just simply no way I can fathom someone coming up with that elaborate of a plan in order to execute it 3 years later for publicity points.  Teo was legitimately thinking about leaving for the NFL last year.  Concocting this scheme for Heisman Trophy points (when he is a defensive player and there is zero guarantee you will even be in the discussion) makes no sense.

2) I listened to some talk radio floating out the idea that this was an elaborate cover up to disguise Teo's sexuality.  More believable, but why does it involve another person who could very easily be tracked down through various internet connections?  Most athletes who are gay just shut up and keep living a lie.  Teo decides its in his best interest to perpetuate a fiction of a girlfried for years and then kill her off very publicly as the best way to hide this?  So odd.

3) The Deadspin article makes it clear that the other guy Tuiasosopo indeed created Teo's fake girlfriend and used her to "hoax" other people.  This seems to indicate that the guy probably tricked Teo too.  It is not that crazy to believe Teo got pulled into some fake online relationship with another Hawaiian/Samoan girl at a good school like Stanford.  This does in fact happen to people all the time.

4) However, it seems like Teo did not do enough to let the public know that he never met the girl (if indeed he is not part of the hoax.)  That to me indicates at least he was either very embarrassed to admit he had an online girlfriend or that he knew she did not exist and either was a part of the hoax or just incredibly stupid in believing that the truth would not come out.

Either way, the guy's draft status is gonna take a huge hit, "guilty" or not.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 18, 2013, 06:28:03 AM
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8854472/teammate-manti-teo-says-player-played-girlfriend-angle (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8854472/teammate-manti-teo-says-player-played-girlfriend-angle)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130117/manti-teo-girlfriend-hoax-quotes/?sct=hp_t11_a2&eref=sihp (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130117/manti-teo-girlfriend-hoax-quotes/?sct=hp_t11_a2&eref=sihp)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: CoachBo on January 18, 2013, 07:41:43 AM
Quote
Also, On Dec. 8, two days after Te'o supposedly found out his girlfriend was not dead, he told media at the Heisman Trophy presentation: "I don't like cancer at all. I lost both my grandparents and my girlfriend to cancer."

Well if that is true, then he clearly wasn't duped.

Not necessarily.  Have you ever seen someone faced with humiliation and ridicule?  I think it is very reasonable to think that he might have just decided to cover up the hoax, to stop from having to be seen as the most sad and gullible person in the world.  I can't say I would have acted much different if I was in that situation when I was 22.  I would be clinging to any hope of saving my dignity I could find, even if it meant continuing what I now know are lies.
But he didn't have to bring the girlfriend up at all.

True.  Doesn't mean he was in on the hoax from the beginning.  Desperate people do stupid things.
It's not entirely clear - but certainly cannot be discounted - that Teo was in on this from the beginning.

It is abundantly clear, however, that he willingly perpetuated the hoax as the Heisman vote drew closer, thanks to his own comments and the comments of his teammate yesterday.

Whether this began as a Heisman Trophy publicity stunt, I wouldn't be surprised but can't say for certain.

It most assuredly ended as such.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: TripleOT on January 18, 2013, 08:27:28 AM
A three year on line relationship and he didn't ask her once to turn on her webcam?  Or even talk on the telephone?

Is there a Wonderlic test for common sense? 

I'm betting on the "gay" angle here.  It's the only one that makes sense, unless this guy is the biggest moron in the world.   
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 18, 2013, 08:29:15 AM
http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/18/manti-teo-nfl-yeah-i-lied-notre-dame-hoax/ (http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/18/manti-teo-nfl-yeah-i-lied-notre-dame-hoax/)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 18, 2013, 08:30:51 AM
A three year on line relationship and he didn't ask her once to turn on her webcam?  Or even talk on the telephone?

Is there a Wonderlic test for common sense? 

I'm betting on the "gay" angle here.  It's the only one that makes sense, unless this guy is the biggest moron in the world.
He said they talked on the phone every night to the SI writer in the link I posted a couple up from yours.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: TripleOT on January 18, 2013, 08:45:25 AM
A three year on line relationship and he didn't ask her once to turn on her webcam?  Or even talk on the telephone?

Is there a Wonderlic test for common sense? 

I'm betting on the "gay" angle here.  It's the only one that makes sense, unless this guy is the biggest moron in the world.
He said they talked on the phone every night to the SI writer in the link I posted a couple up from yours.

I'm guessing that "talk on the phone" becomes "text on the phone" in his mea culpa. 

Even if the "hoaxer" could sound like a girl on the phone, why no webcam chat? 
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: bdm860 on January 18, 2013, 08:55:40 AM
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8854472/teammate-manti-teo-says-player-played-girlfriend-angle (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8854472/teammate-manti-teo-says-player-played-girlfriend-angle)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130117/manti-teo-girlfriend-hoax-quotes/?sct=hp_t11_a2&eref=sihp (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130117/manti-teo-girlfriend-hoax-quotes/?sct=hp_t11_a2&eref=sihp)

I think it's pretty ironic that you have the guy behind Catfish weighing in on this, especially since many believe he himself is lying about the Catfish movie being real.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: TripleOT on January 18, 2013, 09:06:49 AM
http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8854472/teammate-manti-teo-says-player-played-girlfriend-angle (http://espn.go.com/college-football/story/_/id/8854472/teammate-manti-teo-says-player-played-girlfriend-angle)

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130117/manti-teo-girlfriend-hoax-quotes/?sct=hp_t11_a2&eref=sihp (http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/college-football/news/20130117/manti-teo-girlfriend-hoax-quotes/?sct=hp_t11_a2&eref=sihp)

I think it's pretty ironic that you have the guy behind Catfish weighing in on this, especially since many believe he himself is lying about the Catfish movie being real.

The Catfish guys surely knew their situation was a hoax from the beginning.  They used internet hoaxes as a way to get on the filmmaking map.  It worked big time, with two of them directing "Paranormal Activity 3" (and getting the gig for PA4) and the third getting show on MTV. 
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Clench123 on January 18, 2013, 09:15:22 AM
Some people are saying this is the most bizarre thing they've ever heard of.  Really?  Really?  Bunch of 4 to 6 year olds just got ran through by an assault weapon last month.  Compared to an athlete who just lied, that must be nothing huh. Just ridiculous...
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Fafnir on January 18, 2013, 09:21:39 AM
Some people are saying this is the most bizarre thing they've ever heard of.  Really?  Really?  Bunch of 4 to 6 year olds just got ran through by an assault weapon last month.  Compared to an athlete who just lied, that must be nothing huh. Just ridiculous...
School shootings happen a lot more than second place Heisman vote getters having big scandals in past few decades. Sad but true.

Not to mention the specific nature of the scandal is novel.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Chris on January 18, 2013, 09:26:56 AM
Some people are saying this is the most bizarre thing they've ever heard of.  Really?  Really?  Bunch of 4 to 6 year olds just got ran through by an assault weapon last month.  Compared to an athlete who just lied, that must be nothing huh. Just ridiculous...
School shootings happen a lot more than second place Heisman vote getters having big scandals in past few decades. Sad but true.

Not to mention the specific nature of the scandal is novel.

Although if you include first place Heisman vote getters, then it evens it off a bit.

(http://ufrsports.com/review/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/cam_newton_heisman.jpg)

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ROwKrEZA2z0/TEizAw4rjMI/AAAAAAAAABE/kyNmQqr5Mfg/s1600/060914_reggiebush_vmed9p.widec.jpg)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Fafnir on January 18, 2013, 09:29:37 AM
I think Newton was the only one with a scandal during the same time he won though right? Or was Bush having issues during that season?

Even if you add those two, its not even close sadly.  :(
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Roy H. on January 18, 2013, 09:30:41 AM
Some people are saying this is the most bizarre thing they've ever heard of.  Really?  Really?  Bunch of 4 to 6 year olds just got ran through by an assault weapon last month.  Compared to an athlete who just lied, that must be nothing huh. Just ridiculous...
School shootings happen a lot more than second place Heisman vote getters having big scandals in past few decades. Sad but true.

Not to mention the specific nature of the scandal is novel.

Although if you include first place Heisman vote getters, then it evens it off a bit.

(http://ufrsports.com/review/wp-content/uploads/2010/12/cam_newton_heisman.jpg)

(http://1.bp.blogspot.com/_ROwKrEZA2z0/TEizAw4rjMI/AAAAAAAAABE/kyNmQqr5Mfg/s1600/060914_reggiebush_vmed9p.widec.jpg)

(http://worldonline.media.clients.ellingtoncms.com/img/photos/2006/12/09/SIMPSON_HEISMAN_colo2k_t640.jpg?a6ea3ebd4438a44b86d2e9c39ecf7613005fe067)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Fafnir on January 18, 2013, 09:32:31 AM
OJ won a Heisman!?  ;)

I only knew him from the Naked Gun series....until you know....

(absolute truth)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 18, 2013, 09:53:21 AM
Gotta love the independent baseball leagues.
http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/8855822/florence-freedom-ballclub-manti-teo-girlfriend-bobblehead-day (http://espn.go.com/espn/story/_/id/8855822/florence-freedom-ballclub-manti-teo-girlfriend-bobblehead-day)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: indeedproceed on January 18, 2013, 11:37:56 AM
Some people are saying this is the most bizarre thing they've ever heard of.  Really?  Really?  Bunch of 4 to 6 year olds just got ran through by an assault weapon last month.  Compared to an athlete who just lied, that must be nothing huh. Just ridiculous...

You think school shootings are bizarre? Are you serious? Did anyone even NOTICE the tsunami in Thailand in 2004? Jeez.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 18, 2013, 01:46:07 PM
http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/18/manti-teo-girlfriend-rebound-notre-dame-st-marys-alexandra-del-pilar/ (http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/18/manti-teo-girlfriend-rebound-notre-dame-st-marys-alexandra-del-pilar/)
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Yoki_IsTheName on January 18, 2013, 02:20:04 PM
http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/18/manti-teo-girlfriend-rebound-notre-dame-st-marys-alexandra-del-pilar/ (http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/18/manti-teo-girlfriend-rebound-notre-dame-st-marys-alexandra-del-pilar/)

That girl looks pretty. Nice one Manti.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: StartOrien on January 18, 2013, 02:43:12 PM
http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/18/manti-teo-girlfriend-rebound-notre-dame-st-marys-alexandra-del-pilar/ (http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/18/manti-teo-girlfriend-rebound-notre-dame-st-marys-alexandra-del-pilar/)

That girl looks pretty. Nice one Manti.

faaaaake.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: KGs Knee on January 18, 2013, 03:04:41 PM
guess there was another interesting turn today.

Apparently some anonymous woman was interviewed by ESPN stating she has met/talked to this Tuiosopo guy and he admitted to her he did in fact dupe Te'o.  More lies, or truth, I have no idea.

I can see it being quite possible Te'o was intially lied to, but when he found out, he perpetuated the lie out of embarrassment.

The only part I still can't get, is the inclusion of his parents in this lie.  Just strange that the (father?) would have continued it.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: cltc5 on January 18, 2013, 04:07:35 PM
All of this is dumb and  not worth the countless hours devoted to it.  Sports journalist have nothing better to do.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Clench123 on January 18, 2013, 04:44:53 PM
Some people are saying this is the most bizarre thing they've ever heard of.  Really?  Really?  Bunch of 4 to 6 year olds just got ran through by an assault weapon last month.  Compared to an athlete who just lied, that must be nothing huh. Just ridiculous...

You think school shootings are bizarre? Are you serious? Did anyone even NOTICE the tsunami in Thailand in 2004? Jeez.

Exactly my point.  There are worse tihngs going on in the world than the hyperbole reaction this pointless news is getting
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: CoachBo on January 18, 2013, 05:24:37 PM
Huge difference between the words "bizarre" and "worst."

With that said, I don't find the Teo mess bizarre at all. It's pretty clearly a Heisman publicity stunt gone bad.
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Eja117 on January 18, 2013, 08:22:28 PM
Mrs eja always seems to have a unique sports perspective..."Maybe he's just one of those people that had an imaginary friend. You know. Like kids."
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Birdman on January 18, 2013, 08:29:29 PM
I see a made for TV movie here
Title: Re: Manti Te'o's deceased girlfriend is a hoax? (Merged)
Post by: Moranis on January 20, 2013, 08:25:10 PM
http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/20/manti-teo-girlfriend-hoax-dallas-stars-photo/ (http://www.tmz.com/2013/01/20/manti-teo-girlfriend-hoax-dallas-stars-photo/)

Ha ha.