Pro Football Hall of Famer Lem Barney’s family on Saturday pushed back on a claim that the former Detroit Lions player had died.

The Pro Football Hall of Fame erroneously announced that Barney had died at the age of 80. The organization released another statement, apologizing for the conflicting information.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

"Based on conflicting information regarding the reported passing of Lem Barney, the Pro Football Hall of Fame is rescinding the email sent earlier today," officials said, via the New York Post. "The Hall has not been able to confirm such news independently. Please accept our apology."

Barney’s son told The Detroit Free Press that his father was alive, and his great niece slammed the reports in a post on Facebook.

"This is a lie my Great Uncle is alive we dnt know who the sick person is behind this but we will find out !!!!!! Please report this," she wrote on Facebook.

JASON KELCE SENDS EAGLES FANS INTO FRENZY, SHIRTLESS IN BELLY-BUCKING COMPETITION BEFORE BLACK FRIDAY GAME

Barney was a second-round pick of the Lions in 1967 out of Jackson State. He played 14 games in 1967 and led the NFL with 10 interceptions and three interceptions returned for a touchdown. He was named the Defensive Rookie of the Year for his efforts.

He was an All-Pro selection in his first three seasons of the NFL and made seven Pro Bowls in his 11 seasons with the Lions.

Barney finished his career after the 1977 season. He had 56 interceptions and 17 fumble recoveries in 140 career games.

Following his career, he was named to the NFL’s 1960s All-Decade Team and the Lions’ All Time Team. He was inducted into the Pro Football Hall of Fame in 1992.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.

Cooper Flagg completed a historic milestone achievement on Saturday night as the Dallas Mavericks topped the Los Angeles Clippers.

Flagg dropped 35 points on 13-of-22 from the floor. He added 11 assists and eight rebounds.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM

The former Duke standout became the youngest NBA player to score 35 points. LeBron James was the only other 18-year-old NBA player to score 35 points when he did it with the Cleveland Cavaliers in 2023. Flagg is five days younger than James.

"He's only 18 years old, but he seems like he's been in this league before," Mavericks head coach Jason Kidd told reporters, via ESPN. "He did it all tonight. He had the ball. You can call it point guard or whatever, but he ran the offense for us. He drove the ball. The ball touched the paint. He got to the rim, got to the free throw line, stepped up and made free throws for us late. Just his composure on both ends (was impressive).

LAKERS' NBA CUP COURT DEEMED UNPLAYABLE AFTER TEAM'S SUPERSTAR SAID IT WAS 'DANGEROUS' SURFACE

"He competes at a very high level. You saw that tonight, but you saw that last night, too."

Flagg had 21 points at halftime and helped Dallas on a 15-2 run that helped the Mavericks take a 33-28 lead in the second quarter. His previous career was 29 points on Nov. 21 against the New Orleans Pelicans.

It was Flagg’s 20th game of his NBA career. He’s averaging 16.7 points, 6.6 rebounds and 3.5 assists per game.

But Dallas has struggled overall. Their win over the Clippers was only their sixth of the season.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.

Follow Fox News Digital’s sports coverage on X and subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.