ESPN’s Adam Schefter has been in the sports media game long enough to know a thing or two about credibility. So when he saw colleague Dan Orlovsky firing off cryptic tweets with just the “emoji eyes” symbol, he didn’t hesitate to call him out.

Orlovsky, appearing on Bussin’ With The Boys, revealed that Schefter gave him an earful about the practice. “When I first started at ESPN, like eight years ago, I sent out a tweet with just the emoji eyes,” Orlovsky said. “He called me within 30 seconds. He’s like, ‘What’s that?’ I said, ‘I don’t know, I think I’m just being stupid.’ He said, ‘Don’t do that because if you do that, it makes me think that something’s going on.’”

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Schefter’s point was clear: ambiguous posts can mislead fans into thinking there’s breaking news when there isn’t. Orlovsky admitted, “I’m sorry, I will not do that.” But old habits die hard.

Fast forward to April 11, and Orlovsky was at it again, posting the eyeballs emoji multiple times as the Dianna Russini-Mike Vrabel story unfolded. The irony wasn’t lost on anyone, especially given Schefter’s earlier warning.

The incident highlights a broader conversation about how sports media personalities use their platforms. With the Russini-Vrabel saga putting conduct under a microscope, Schefter’s scolding seems almost prophetic. For more on Schefter’s insights, check out Schefter's Inside Scoop: Cardinals' Plan at No. 3 Revealed.

Orlovsky, meanwhile, has been busy with other hot takes, including a plea for NFL GMs to consider Ty Simpson. Read about it in Orlovsky Issues Last-Minute Plea to NFL GMs: Don't Sleep on Ty Simpson.

Schefter’s reaction also speaks to his own meticulous approach. He’s known for breaking news, not creating confusion. That’s why his warning carries weight. As Orlovsky learned, even a simple emoji can send the wrong signal.

The sports media landscape is changing, and transparency is key. With every tweet, these insiders shape public perception. Schefter’s message? Keep it clean, keep it clear, and don’t give anyone a reason to doubt your intentions. For more on Schefter’s draft day misstep, see Schefter's Draft Blunder: ESPN Insider Mixes Up Penn State Running Backs.