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A viral social media hoax claiming that the Juarez Cartel was providing name, image, and likeness (NIL) donations to fund UTEP athletics has prompted official denials from the university, as confusion spread across El Paso and beyond.
The false claim originated from the satirical account “CUSA Centel” and has accumulated millions of views despite its obviously fabricated nature. The parody post suggested that the Federal Bureau of Investigation was looking into alleged connections between the University of Texas at El Paso’s athletic programs and one of Mexico’s most notorious criminal organizations.
When contacted about the viral misinformation, UTEP officials quickly issued a statement to set the record straight: “The reports circulating on social media about UTEP under FBI investigation are completely false. The origin of this hoax is a parody account.”
The FBI, meanwhile, declined to comment on the matter when approached by local media, following standard protocol for the agency regarding unsubstantiated claims on social media.
This incident highlights the growing challenge universities and public institutions face in the era of viral misinformation. Parody accounts that mimic legitimate news sources can quickly spread false information that damages reputations and creates unnecessary concern in communities, particularly in border regions like El Paso where cartel activities across the border in Juarez remain a sensitive topic.
The viral nature of the post comes amid increased scrutiny of NIL deals across collegiate athletics. Since the NCAA changed its policies in 2021 to allow student-athletes to profit from their name, image, and likeness, universities nationwide have grappled with transparency issues and concerns about the sources of such funding. This environment makes even outlandish claims seem plausible to some readers.
UTEP, which competes in Conference USA, has been working to strengthen its athletic programs through legitimate channels, making the false association with cartel funding particularly damaging to its reputation and fundraising efforts.
This isn’t the first time the CUSA Centel parody account has created fictional stories involving regional universities. On November 5, the same account posted another fabricated story claiming that “Walter Hartwell White Jr.” – a fictional character from the television series “Breaking Bad” – was graduating from New Mexico State University with a doctorate in chemistry and would be hired as a professor at the university.
Such fictional posts, while intended as humor, can create confusion when shared widely without context. Social media platforms continue to struggle with effective labeling of parody and satire, particularly when posts contain elements that touch on real regional concerns or institutions.
Media literacy experts emphasize the importance of verifying information before sharing, particularly when claims involve serious allegations of criminal activity or federal investigations. Even posts from accounts that identify themselves as parody can be stripped of that context when reshared across different platforms.
For UTEP, the viral hoax creates an unwanted distraction as the university continues its legitimate athletic and academic pursuits. The El Paso institution, which serves over 25,000 students in the U.S.-Mexico border region, has been working to strengthen its standing in both academics and athletics through proper channels.
Local residents are encouraged to verify information through official university channels or legitimate news sources before sharing potentially damaging claims on social media, regardless of how entertaining or shocking they might appear.
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9 Comments
This is a good example of why we need to be cautious about blindly accepting information we see on social media, even if it seems plausible. Fact-checking and verifying sources is crucial to avoid falling for hoaxes and false narratives.
Absolutely. In the age of widespread misinformation, it’s important for institutions and the public to work together to combat the spread of false claims, no matter how they originate.
While parody accounts can be amusing, this situation highlights the need for them to be clearly labeled as such. Unintentional spread of misinformation, even as a joke, can have real-world implications.
This is certainly a concerning allegation, if true. I’m glad the university was quick to deny these claims and set the record straight. Spreading misinformation, even as a parody, can have real consequences.
While creative parody can be entertaining, this situation shows the potential for real harm when it’s not clearly identified as such. Universities must remain vigilant in addressing misinformation that could damage their reputations.
It’s disheartening to see these kinds of false claims gaining traction, even when they originate from a parody account. Institutions need to be proactive in addressing misinformation to protect their integrity and the trust of the public.
I’m glad the university and authorities were able to quickly refute these claims. It’s important for the public to be able to trust the information they receive, especially when it comes to important institutions and investigations.
It’s disappointing to see these kinds of false claims spreading on social media. Universities need to be vigilant in combating misinformation that could damage their reputation and public trust.
Absolutely. Fact-checking and swift responses from institutions are crucial to prevent the spread of damaging falsehoods, especially when they involve serious allegations.