Did Fanatics fake the Paul Skenes 1/1 MLB Debut Patch pull from an 11-year-old? The internet loves a conspiracy, and this one has gained major traction. Dr. Tyler Tarver breaks down the controversy, explains why Fanatics wouldn't risk their entire brand for a single card, and discusses why people love to doubt big pulls. Plus, a deep dive into sports card conspiracies and what this means for collectors.

⏱️ Episode Breakdown:

0:00 - Intro & Topic Overview

• Did Fanatics fake the Paul Skenes 1/1 Debut Patch pull?
• Why do collectors think it's a hoax?

2:30 - The Conspiracy Theory Explained 🕵️‍♂️

• Why some people believe Fanatics made up the kid who pulled the card
• Lack of video proof fuels speculation
• Paul Skenes’ interview on Seth Meyers—more marketing or more evidence?

6:00 - Why Would Fanatics Risk It? 🤯

• Would Fanatics commit fraud over one card?
• Why this theory doesn’t make sense for a billion-dollar company
• What would happen if they did get caught?

10:00 - The Internet Loves Conspiracies 🌎

• Why people want to believe wild theories
• The echo chamber effect: find proof of anything you want online
• Past hobby scandals that make people skeptical

15:00 - Classic Sports Conspiracies 🏆

• Michael Jordan’s secret NBA suspension
• The MLB "Juiced Baseball" theory
• The rigged 1985 NBA Draft

19:00 - Final Take: Enjoy the Hobby & Don’t Overthink It 🎉

• What really matters for collectors?
• Why conspiracies shouldn’t stop you from enjoying the game
• Predictions for the final sale price of the Skenes card

💬 Join the Discussion!
Do you think Fanatics faked this pull? What’s your favorite sports conspiracy theory? Drop your thoughts in the comments on YouTube or SportsCardsAreDope.com.

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🎤 Sports Cards Are Dope. So are you. Never stop collecting. 🚀