The Hoax That Shook a Gaming Community
A social media post went viral in early July, asserting that the University of Colorado’s football program had elected to withdraw from the upcoming release of *College Football 27* over a dispute about in‑game microtransactions. The claim was accompanied by a fabricated quote from an anonymous “Shane Tuttle” who supposedly spoke on behalf of the team.
EA Sports, the developer behind the title, quickly responded by announcing that the much‑maligned microtransaction system would be scrapped before launch, a move that was welcomed by fans who had voiced strong opposition to paying for gameplay advantages.
Colorado Remains a Playable Squad
Despite the false narrative, the Buffaloes are still listed as a selectable franchise within the game. Players can still draft the team, design playbooks and compete in virtual matchups, confirming that the hoax did not affect the game’s roster.
The misinformation campaign did not stop at Colorado. The same account that spread the Colorado rumor also targeted other college stars, falsely claiming that Oregon quarterback Dante Moore, Ole Miss running back Kewan Lacy and Miami receiver Malachi Toney had opted out of the title. Those assertions were debunked within hours, but they illustrate how quickly fabricated stories can gain traction.
Fans and journalists alike have since called for greater vigilance when encountering sensational claims on platforms with limited verification. While the episode has largely faded from the headlines, it serves as a reminder of the power of a single anonymous handle to shape public perception, even in the realm of sports video games.