Rumor about NFL investigating Patrick Mahomes for drug use during Super Bowl started as satire

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.

There also have been no reports from credible media outlets about Mahomes being investigated for possible drug use. 

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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!