England flanker James Haskell forced to confirm he is not dead or a drug dealer
He labelled the reports 'fake news click-bait'
Your support helps us to tell the story
From reproductive rights to climate change to Big Tech, The Independent is on the ground when the story is developing. Whether it's investigating the financials of Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC or producing our latest documentary, 'The A Word', which shines a light on the American women fighting for reproductive rights, we know how important it is to parse out the facts from the messaging.
At such a critical moment in US history, we need reporters on the ground. Your donation allows us to keep sending journalists to speak to both sides of the story.
The Independent is trusted by Americans across the entire political spectrum. And unlike many other quality news outlets, we choose not to lock Americans out of our reporting and analysis with paywalls. We believe quality journalism should be available to everyone, paid for by those who can afford it.
Your support makes all the difference.England flanker James Haskell has been forced to deny reports he has died of a steroid overdose after rumours began circulating online.
Haskell, who was one of England’s stand-out performers during the Six Nations, has not played since being part of the side that whitewashed Australia Down Under in June due to a foot injury, but is expected to return for his club side Wasps later this month.
As well as rumours of his death, it had also been claimed Haskell had decided to quit rugby and begin selling drugs, abandoning his family and fleeing the country as a result.
However the 31-year-old released a YouTube video on Sunday, confirming to fans that he had not died, labelling the story “absolute rubbish” and “fake news click-bait”.
“You may have seen there are quite a few fake news stories operating on Facebook, that I have died of a steroid overdose - which is not true - died of a drug overdose, which is not true and my career is over because I have been trying to sell drugs," he said.
“Another is circulating that I had to quit rugby and left everyone in my family and moved away. It is all click-bait.”
Haskell rejuvenated his career under new England boss Eddie Jones and reached 70 international caps earlier this year as he established himself as the Red Rose’s first-choice flanker.
Join our commenting forum
Join thought-provoking conversations, follow other Independent readers and see their replies
Comments