The Pro Football Hall of Fame on Saturday apologized after it incorrectly announced that former Detroit Lions cornerback Lem Barney had died at the age of 80, citing "media sources associated with the Detroit Lions."
The Detroit Free Press reported on Saturday that it had spoken to Barney's son, who confirmed that Lem Barney was alive.
"Based on conflicting information regarding the reported passing of Lem Barney, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is rescinding the email sent earlier today," the Hall of Fame said on Saturday. "The Hall has not been able to confirm such news independently. Please accept our apology."
NFL.com posted an obituary on Barney following the Hall's announcement.
Barney played 11 seasons in the NFL from 1967-1977, all of them with the Lions, and was enshrined in Canton, Ohio, as a member of the Pro Football Hall of Fame Class of 1992.
