Anatomy of an Internet Rumor: John Roberts Retiring

http://abovethelaw.com/2010/03/the_backstory_of_the_john_roberts_retirement_rumor.php

The false announcement of John Roberts' retirement was a powerful example of how technology can spread rumors very quickly.

It has been reported that a Georgetown University law professor "released" the rumor in a law class, asking his students not to tell anyone about the private information. Instead of keeping this news to themselves, students immediately shared the information (even before class was out!), and the rumor spread widely.

Within about 30 minutes, the professor retracted the rumor, saying he was only experimenting to see how word travels.