Conspiracy theories often create a life of their own. The San Francisco 49ers have been finding that fact out the hard way. In recent weeks, a conspiracy that an electrical substation next to the San Francisco 49ers' training facility has been leading to a list of injuries has gone viral.
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As such, the franchise drafted in a scientific expert to help put the conspiracy to bed.
"It basically was a big nothingburger," 49ers' GM John Lynch said, via ESPN. "We're in a safe place of work. ... It's a normal place of work. It's a normal gym. We are safe, we're healthy, and we feel really good about that."
When pressed, Lynch declined to identify the scientist who conducted the investigation. However, he did not that they had "over 45 years of experience studying electromagnetic fields and their effects." Lynch also made it clear that the scientist used "lab-grade equipment" to read electromagnetic output.
Interestingly, Lynch did hint that the conspiracy did lead to the comission of the investigation, as the franchise wanted to be 100% sure.
"That was important to us, not just to turn a blind eye, but to look into it because it's our players' wellness," Lynch said. "It's not only our players' wellness, it's coaches, it's staff, all that. And it's encouraging."
Who Is Injured on the San Francisco 49ers Roster?
When you look at the 49ers' lengthy list of injury issues last season, it's easy to understand why the fanbase began to go down the conspiracy route.
The Niners lost three key players to season-ending injuries. Nick Bosa suffered a torn ACL. Fred Warner broke his ankle, and tight end George Kittle tore his Achilles tendon.
Those three injuries alone would have been enough for the fanbase to go searching for their tinfoil hats. Unfortunately, the Niners issues went deeper.
Brock Purdy went down with turf toe. Rick Pearsall suffered a sprained knee and ankle. Jauan Jennings dealt with injuries to his rib, shoulder and ankle at different points. Rokkie Mykel Williams tore his ACL and Tatum Bethune tore his groin.
It was certainly a tough season for Niners Nation. At least now, the fanbase can accept they had a run of awful luck, rather than there being a wider issue at play, no matter how much easier it is to blame the injuries on an electrical substation.
