Dive Brief:

A Breckenridge, CO, custom home builder who misled local building officials and the public into believing Denver Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning had purchased an under-construction luxury mountain home in the area has admitted the story was a hoax.

“There is no Peyton Manning house,” Jeremy Fischer, of Ivan Stanley & Associates, told CBS4 when reporters began investigating the claim. “It was a dumb joke in a small town.”

The rumors began when Fischer indicated on a 2013 building application permit for a 5,999-square foot luxury home that the buyer was “P. Manning.” He furthered the story when he confirmed the buyer’s identify with a local building official, and the home’s architect told CBS4 last week that the house was for Manning.

Dive Insight:

Just hours later, the architect recanted his statement. “I lied about meeting or working with Peyton Manning,” the architect told the TV station. “I heard that there was a bit of excitement at the possibility that it was Peyton’s house. I was joining in the fun. I should not have. I am sorry to have done so.”

Then, Fischer confirmed that he is building the home — which will be finished in a year — on spec and will sell it on the open market.

Fischer, who has apologized for the hoax, told CBS4 he has reason to believe the rumor made its way to Manning.