Viral Rumor Targeting Georgia QB Gunner Stockton Proven False; Star Focused on Playoff Run

ATHENS, GA — A viral news story circulating on social media this week claiming that Georgia Bulldogs quarterback Gunner Stockton refused to wear an “LGBT armband” has been confirmed as a fabrication. The report, which alleged Stockton rejected a “woke agenda” ahead of a matchup, appears to have conflated American football with recent controversies in European soccer, sparking confusion among fans just days before the College Football Playoff (CFP).

The rumors, which gained traction on various unverified platforms, claimed Stockton made a controversial statement: “Football is about the game, the grind, and the fans — not politics.” However, University of Georgia officials and NCAA insiders have confirmed that no such mandate for armbands exists in collegiate football, and no such quote was ever given by the quarterback. 

The Source of the Confusion

Analysts point out that the hoax likely originated from a “copy-paste” of real headlines from the soccer world. In soccer, team captains traditionally wear armbands, and recent years have seen genuine debates regarding “OneLove” or rainbow armbands in leagues like the English Premier League and at FIFA tournaments.

In American football, players do not wear captain’s armbands; team captains are typically denoted by a “C” patch sewn directly onto the jersey. The NCAA has no current initiative requiring players to wear specific accessories related to social causes for the 2025 post-season.

“This is a classic case of internet misinformation where names and sports are swapped to generate outrage,” said a digital media analyst covering college sports. “Gunner Stockton has been in headlines all week, but entirely for his performance on the field against Alabama.”

The Real Breaking News: Stockton Named SEC MVP

While the fake controversy stirred debate online, the real reality for Gunner Stockton has been a week of career-defining triumph.

On Saturday, December 6, Stockton led the Georgia Bulldogs to a decisive 28-7 victory over the Alabama Crimson Tide in the SEC Championship Game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Stepping into the spotlight, the junior quarterback delivered a flawless performance, throwing for 156 yards and three touchdowns against one of the nation’s top defenses.

His poise under pressure earned him the SEC Championship Game MVP award.

“I’ve grown my confidence as the season’s gone on,” Stockton told reporters after the game—his actual comments focused entirely on football. “At the start of the season, I didn’t have that many banked reps. But playing in an unreal game like this, with these guys, that’s what it’s all about.”

Preparing for the Playoffs

The timing of the hoax is particularly distracting as the Bulldogs prepare for their biggest challenge of the year. Following their SEC title win, Georgia secured the No. 3 seed in the expanded 12-team College Football Playoff.

This seeding grants them a coveted first-round bye. Stockton and the Bulldogs are currently resting and preparing to face the winner of the first-round matchup between Ole Miss and Tulane.

Head Coach Kirby Smart has praised Stockton’s leadership and resilience, particularly how he handled the pressure of replacing former starter Carson Beck. “Gunner has brought toughness, he has brought wisdom, and he has brought consistency,” Smart said in a press conference Tuesday. “He isn’t worried about the noise outside the program.” 

A Stellar Season

Stockton’s 2025 campaign has been one for the record books. He was recently named to the All-SEC Third Team, finishing the regular season with:

• 2,691 Passing Yards

• 23 Touchdowns

• 70.7% Completion Percentage

• 403 Rushing Yards and 8 Rushing TDs

His dual-threat ability has added a new dimension to the Georgia offense, making them a favorite to reach the National Championship game in January.

Conclusion

As the college football world gears up for the playoffs, fans are encouraged to verify information through official channels. The narrative of an “armband protest” is a fiction; the reality is a quarterback playing at an elite level, leading one of the country’s most dominant programs into the postseason.

The Georgia Bulldogs will return to the field in the College Football Playoff Quarterfinals later this month.