...which are patently untrue, and require a certain amount of gullibility to swallow in the first place:
Here in the meandering swamp of Web accustations and unfounded reports, sometimes stories are formulated, like wads of debris, and float aimlessly in the oceans of information.
Sometimes lies are crafted, fitted with a rudder and steered, just to see how much damage they can inflict.
It has been ever thus among the viler beings on this Earth. John spoke of those who dwell in the Shrine of Satan, spreading lies because they despise that which is true. Isaiah notes that the instruments of this churl are evil: they deviseth wicked devices to destroy the righteous with lying words.
This story about Sammy is clearly one of the latter. It has been admitted to as such by a Gamecock poster who calls himself a "Special Ops" type of guy for the Capon Cause.
I find rich irony that this lie (and I won't call it a rumor ... rumors tend to at least have one foot in the threshold of sanity) comes the same week we learned of Trooper Del's passing. You folks who didn't know him can take this lie, multiply it's virolity and pain times 10 and get a decent idea of the average day of Del....and see why his passing was not only unmourned by strangely feted here on T'Net.
But back to the lie. I want it remembered. I want it tucked away in the heart of every Tiger. I want it called upon when dedication is faltering. Remember: this is the sort of crap he as Tigers set ourselves against and MUST destroy in November.
When the game returns in November, remember. In the words of Psalm 31, "Let the lying lips be put to shame and silence."
And at that game's conclusion I pray that Sammy Watkins can indeed be arrested: for speeding and cruelty to barnyard animals.