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Fact check: Did Michael Jordan really end his partnership with Nike? Viral rumor investigated

In recent days, a viral claim surfaced that basketball legend Michael Jordan has decided to end his long-standing partnership with Nike. The alleged reason? Alleged dissatisfaction with the company's collaboration with transgender social media influencer Dylan Mulvaney.

However, upon closer inspection, it turns out that this claim is false and there is strong evidence that it comes from a satirical source.

The claim comes from a satirical website called Patriot Party Press, which explicitly states that all of its content is fictional. This article comes from a network of similar websites called America's Last Line of Defense, which is known for producing satirical content that is often misconstrued as real news on social media platforms.

It is important to note that this claim is not supported by verifiable evidence from reliable news sources. There are no reports or statements from Michael Jordan or Nike confirming the alleged end of their partnership. Furthermore, both parties have chosen not to comment when asked by The Associated Press.

The rumor is made even more implausible by the fact that the content itself is satirical. Details in the article, such as references to Jordan's fictional “proprietary 'Jump Juice'” and its supposed key role in his Air Jordan sneaker line, underscore the fictional intent of the article. These elements serve as clear clues to the satirical nature of the content, along with the byline attributing the article to “Flagg Eagleton – Patriot.”

An important aspect of the context of the alleged dissatisfaction with Nike comes from the recent events surrounding Dylan Mulvaney, whose promotion of Nike clothing on Instagram sparked transphobic reactions. However, it is important to distinguish between the real reaction to Mulvaney's partnerships and the fictional claim regarding Michael Jordan's alleged reaction.

The spread of this fabricated headline is a stark example of the spread and impact of misinformation in the digital age. Although there is clear evidence of its satirical origins, the claim has gained widespread traction on social media, with thousands of interactions and shares contributing to its virality.

In conclusion, the claim that Michael Jordan ended his partnership with Nike because of his collaboration with Dylan Mulvaney is not credible and is satirical in origin. As we move into the digital world, a cautious approach is essential to counteract the influence of misleading narratives and maintain the integrity of information sharing.

Also read: When Michael Jordan took on Reebok over sponsorship disputes during the 1992 Barcelona Olympics

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