The sports world and the Internet are abuzz as Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o says <a >he was the victim of a "sick joke"</a> that resulted in the creation of an inspirational story that had him overcoming the death of an online girlfriend at the same time he lost his grandmother. Here, Te'o leaves the field after a 42-14 loss against Alabama in the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship game on Monday, January 7, in Miami Gardens, Florida. See more photos of Te'o:
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
The sports world and the Internet are abuzz as Notre Dame linebacker Manti Te'o says he was the victim of a "sick joke" that resulted in the creation of an inspirational story that had him overcoming the death of an online girlfriend at the same time he lost his grandmother. Here, Te'o leaves the field after a 42-14 loss against Alabama in the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship game on Monday, January 7, in Miami Gardens, Florida. See more photos of Te'o:
Nuccio DiNuzzo/Chicago Tribune/MCT/Getty Images
Te'o makes a play against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium on November 3, 2012.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o makes a play against the Pittsburgh Panthers at Notre Dame Stadium on November 3, 2012.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Te'o reacts after Notre Dame beats Michigan State 20-3 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, on September 15, 2012.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o reacts after Notre Dame beats Michigan State 20-3 at Spartan Stadium in East Lansing, Michigan, on September 15, 2012.
Gregory Shamus/Getty Images
Te'o, a Heisman Trophy finalist, answers questions from reporters during an informal news gathering at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 7, 2012, in New York City a day before the presentation of the winner.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o, a Heisman Trophy finalist, answers questions from reporters during an informal news gathering at the Marriott Marquis Hotel on December 7, 2012, in New York City a day before the presentation of the winner.
Kelly Kline/Getty Images
Heisman finalists quarterback Collin Klein, left, of the Kansas State Wildcats, quarterback Johnny Manziel, center, of the Texas A&M University Aggies and linebacker Te'o speak during a news conference before the 78th Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 8, 2012, in New York City.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Heisman finalists quarterback Collin Klein, left, of the Kansas State Wildcats, quarterback Johnny Manziel, center, of the Texas A&M University Aggies and linebacker Te'o speak during a news conference before the 78th Heisman Trophy Presentation at the Marriott Marquis on December 8, 2012, in New York City.
Mike Stobe/Getty Images
Te'o takes the field as part of senior introductions before a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium on November 17, 2012.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o takes the field as part of senior introductions before a game against the Wake Forest Demon Deacons at Notre Dame Stadium on November 17, 2012.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Te'o celebrates his team's 22-13 victory over the University of Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o celebrates his team's 22-13 victory over the University of Southern California Trojans at Los Angeles Memorial Coliseum on November 24, 2012.
Jeff Gross/Getty Images
Te'o attempts to make a play on the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship game on January 7 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o attempts to make a play on the ball against the Alabama Crimson Tide during the 2013 Discover BCS National Championship game on January 7 in Miami Gardens, Florida.
Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images
Te'o looks to the scoreboard during a game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Notre Dame Stadium on October 20, 2012.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o looks to the scoreboard during a game against the Brigham Young University Cougars at Notre Dame Stadium on October 20, 2012.
Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images
Te'o tackles Trey Miller of Navy during their game in Dublin, Ireland, on September 1, 2012.
Photos: Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o tackles Trey Miller of Navy during their game in Dublin, Ireland, on September 1, 2012.
Barry Cronin/Getty Images
Te'o is interviewed by ESPN after the game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Norman, Oklahoma, on October 27. The Fighting Irish defeated the Sooners 30-13.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o is interviewed by ESPN after the game between the Oklahoma Sooners and the Notre Dame Fighting Irish in Norman, Oklahoma, on October 27. The Fighting Irish defeated the Sooners 30-13.
CSM /Landov
Te'o stretches on November 24, when the Fighting Irish defeated the USC Trojans 22-13 in Los Angeles.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o stretches on November 24, when the Fighting Irish defeated the USC Trojans 22-13 in Los Angeles.
CSM /Landov
Te'o raises his hand during the third quarter of the Fighting Irish's BCS National Championship game against Alabama on January 7.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o raises his hand during the third quarter of the Fighting Irish's BCS National Championship game against Alabama on January 7.
Sun Sentinel/ MCT /LANDOV
Te'o tackles Miami running back Duke Johnson during the Fighting Irish game against the Miami Hurricanes in Chicago on October 6. Notre Dame defeated Miami 41-3.
Notre Dame star Manti Te'o —
Te'o tackles Miami running back Duke Johnson during the Fighting Irish game against the Miami Hurricanes in Chicago on October 6. Notre Dame defeated Miami 41-3.
CSM /Landov