Do you report "rumors say?"

I've always been taught you never report rumors. You either confirm them or dispell them, but you never write, "Rumors say..."
I have seen this tactic used more and more lately. I'm sure people wanting to be first is a big part of it, but I've always maintained that our job is to report what we know, not what whispers on the street are.
This is not about using unnamed sources. I just want to know if any of you report rumors and if so, why/when?

 

Rumor hat it that we don't.

I think some rumors get so big, however, that you are forced to address them in some manner by asking the rumoree or something.

 

I'd try to stay away from it as much as possible. Also, the rumors aren't saying anything, mainly because they can't speak. A scout, on the other hand...

 

Can I quote you on that? I'll use, "A source close to the publication."

 

Sure. Oh, if you have a blog, just print it as fact. The "rumor has it" will protect you from all lawsuits.

 

Exactly.

And I think you have to wait for "rumors" to reach a certain fever pitch before you address them, either to confirm or deny. I don't think you want to give credence to every little thing you read on the Internet.

"Coach Schmoe denied rumors that he had once fucked a goat."

That type of thing ...

 

That one is true, though. My friend's cousin's friend was there.

 

The problem is that a lot of the 24-hour news cycles (read: ESPN) fuel the flames all the time with regards to "Bill Parcells is going here," "Bill Parcells is going there," "Bill Parcells is going back here," etc. We get calls all the time with people wanting to know what the absolute latest updates are on such a search, and at some point, we're doing a disservice if we're not addressing them - or are at least are on damage control.

It's not a good idea to pass them along, and certainly not good to start throwing out unfounded assumptions in stories (much like the closest competitor). But at some point, things have to be addressed, and the rumors should be followed up on.

 

The goat declined comment.