Dick Vitale appears to fall for April Fool's prank on Johni Broome injury

April Fool’s Day annually brings its share of unique challenges for newsmakers. Every April 1st, media members are routinely on the lookout for potentially fraudulent “prank” news that could lead over-eager journalists into trouble.

It appears legendary ESPN broadcaster Dick Vitale may have found himself caught up in just such a prank after posting his chagrin about an apparent report that ailing Auburn forward Johni Broome “can not play” in Saturday’s highly-anticipated Final Four game against fellow No. 1 seed Florida.

“What a tough blow for @AuburnMBB vs. @GatorHoops as superstar JOHNI BROOME can not play Saturday due to hurting his elbow in a fall on Sunday,” Vitale wrote just after 4 pm ET on Tuesday. “Many times a star out for a game gets the best effort from every one & in one game u can surprise — long term it hurts big time.”

Of course, no such report has come from any official sources. In fact, Tigers head coach Bruce Pearl revealed Broome is expected to be available Saturday in San Antonio despite suffering a hyperextended elbow late in Sunday’s Elite Eight win over second-seeded Michigan State.

Bruce Pearl expects Auburn star to play in Final Four vs. Florida

“He’s sore. We didn’t practice today, and we’ll practice tomorrow – but Johni won’t practice,” Pearl told Jeff Goodman of The Field of 68. “He’s sore, but I fully expect him to play on Saturday.”

Broome still played 29 minutes in the Elite Eight, finishing with 25 points and 14 rebounds. He sent State Farm Arena into a frenzy with a made three-pointer after coming back onto the court. At the time, Michigan State was making a push but Broome’s shot felt like a dagger.

No matter how the season finishes, Broome is in a two-horse race for National Player of the Year. Duke’s Cooper Flagg is the other competitor and he will be playing in the Final Four as well. Some might even be hoping they face off against one another in the national championship game.

Suffice it to say, Auburn will undoubtedly need Broome available in order to get there, though. Florida is going to be a tough task for the Tigers, with or without Broome.

“As you mentioned, Johni Broome dealing with those two injuries. He’s in the locker room right now,” CBS’ Tracy Wolfson said during the game. “Bruce Pearl asked Johni as he was walking off the court if he was okay and he looked at him and said no. He told his teammates to finish the game. His parents were very emotional as they entered the locker room. That’s where they are right now.

“We were told they are still evaluating it. The biggest concern is the elbow injury but we were told there is a slight chance he can still return.”

— On3’s Griffin McVeigh contributed to this report.