For the second time in as many months, a WFAN radio host reported a sports rumor, but quickly had it shot down by insiders. On Monday, former MVP quarterback and WFAN morning host Boomer Esiason dropped some inside information regarding ex-Mets ace Matt Harvey. According to Esiason, the free-agent and oft injured Harvey would love to come back to the Mets, and the club was at least receptive to the idea. After creating social media buzz, the report was quickly negated by those who cover the team.
Similarly, two months ago WFAN Moose and Maggie co-host Marc Malusis reported the Browns and Vikings were engaged in trade discussions for polarizing wide-receiver Odell Beckham Jr., but the rumor was quickly called “completely false,” by a Browns executive.
“I’m seeing you now flex your insider muscles,” Esiason’s co-host Gregg Giannotti said, noting the mutual interest with Harvey and the Mets had not been reported elsewhere.
Instead of confirming the report, Mets beat writers negated the Harvey rumor. Mike Puma of The New York Post called the thought of the Mets being interested in Harvey, “misguided.” MLB.com’s Anthony DiComo said there is “no truth to the rumor” of mutual interest between the Mets and Harvey on a reunion. Newsday Mets beat writer Tim Healey acknowledged Esiason’s report, but strongly countered the WFAN host, stating “the sides have not spoken.”
Another interesting note about Esiason’s Harvey claim was hearing the show discuss how to frame it in a tweet. Even after Boomer already announced the rumor over a 50,000-watt radio station in New York City, they knew putting it on Twitter is where it had the potential to create a firestorm. With the go ahead from Esiason, Boomer and Gio producer Al Dukes tweeted the following:
Esiason’s insider info was addressed by The New York Post, SNY, MLB.com, Newsday and other outlets, but how far would it have gone with only the use of a 50,000-watt radio station, and not Twitter?
