Jeff Gordon was alleged to be gay and in a relationship with out former NASCAR driver Stephen Rhodes in a satire piece that was mistaken for legitimate news.

Jeff Gordon Gay Hoax

“As if the sports world didn’t have enough people coming out of the closet,” began the article on Empire Sports. “A highly respected member of the NASCAR community has come out and admitted he is in a relationship with a fellow openly gay NASCAR member. Jeff Gordon who is going through a divorce said that he is now dating openly gay driver Stephen Rhodes. Gordon joins a list of male athletes who are new to the openly gay sports world.”

Most people were shocked that anyone believed the hoax, and expressed their weariness at hearing another round of rumors about the NASCAR driver.

Others, however, completely fell for the hoax piece and actually believed it confirmed their suspicions.

NASCAR Driver Not Gay

Clearing the air for everyone on Twitter was Gordon’s supposed boyfriend, Rhodes – and Gordon himself.

Gordon is currently married to his second wife, Ingrid Vandebosch, with whom he has two children – Ella Sofia and Leo Benjamin. He was previously married to Brooke Sealey from 1994 to 2003.

– Chelsea Regan