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A lone NFL analyst says 49ers are lying about Trey Lance draft timeline. He should offer evidence.

North Dakota State quarterback Trey Lance, right, holds a jersey with NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell after being chosen by the San Francisco 49ers with the third pick in the first round of the NFL football draft Thursday April 29, 2021, in Cleveland.

Jeff Haynes/AP

It's no fun getting something wrong. This is especially true if you work in media and your reporting can be weaponized against you. It feels even worse when someone you trust — or maybe even multiple people you trust — provide faulty intel that you loudly, incorrectly proclaim to the world.

But in the aftermath of a screw-up, you've really only got two options: 1) Own the mistake, or 2) carefully explain how you're not at fault while also being mindful to not reveal your sources (or throw them under the bus).