Contents
Introduction
In 2015, a photo of former Florida Gators football coach, Jim McElwain, surfaced on the internet. The photo showed McElwain posing with what appeared to be a large shark. The image quickly went viral, and people started to speculate about the authenticity of the photo. Some claimed that it was photoshopped, while others believed it was real. In this article, we will take a closer look at the Jim McElwain shark photo and try to uncover the truth.
The Story Behind the Photo
The Jim McElwain shark photo was taken in 2013, during McElwain’s time as the head coach of Colorado State University’s football team. The photo was reportedly taken in the Gulf of Mexico, where McElwain was on a fishing trip with some friends. According to McElwain, the shark was already dead when they found it, and they decided to take a photo with it.
The Controversy
After the photo went viral, many people started to question its authenticity. Some experts claimed that the shark in the photo was too big to be real, and that it had likely been photoshopped. Others argued that the angle of the photo made it impossible to determine the size of the shark.
The Expert Opinion
To settle the controversy, experts were brought in to examine the photo. Marine biologist, George Burgess, examined the photo and concluded that the shark was most likely a blacktip shark, which can grow up to 6 feet in length. Burgess also noted that the angle of the photo made it difficult to determine the exact size of the shark.
The Legacy of the Photo
Despite the controversy, the Jim McElwain shark photo has become somewhat of a cultural phenomenon. Memes and parodies of the photo have been created, and it has been referenced in various forms of media. McElwain himself has even embraced the photo and has used it to raise money for charity.
Lessons Learned
The Jim McElwain shark photo is a reminder that in today’s digital age, anything can go viral. A simple photo can spark controversy and become a cultural phenomenon. It also shows how important it is to verify the authenticity of images before drawing conclusions.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Jim McElwain shark photo will forever be shrouded in controversy. While some still believe that it was photoshopped, experts have concluded that it is most likely real. Regardless of its authenticity, the photo has become an iconic image that will be remembered for years to come.