Penn State had to put out a fire almost as big as the one surrounding James Franklin’s actual firing on Sunday, and this time it involved their brand-new apparel partner. A wild rumor started circulating on social media claiming that Adidas not only pushed for Franklin’s dismissal but also committed to pay most or all of his massive buyout, somewhere in the $45 to $50 million range.

The report came from Pittsburgh Sports Now’s Mike J. Asti, who cited a source at Penn State saying, “Adidas drove the James Franklin firing and are why it happened today. They committed to pay most or all of the money.” The claim went viral instantly, which makes sense when you think about it—a shoe company essentially firing a football coach sounds like something straight out of a Netflix sports drama.

But

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