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The death of actor James Galdofini, widely known for his role as mobster Tony Soprano on HBO's hit series The Sopranos, has caused a flurry of confusion among NFL fans thinking instead that Oakland Raiders assistant head coach and offensive line coach Tony Sparano had passed away.
Twitter was chock full of fans mourning the "loss" of the veteran coach. Let's all shake our heads at the misinformed...
Saddened to hear about the passing of former Miami #Dolphins head coach Tony Sparano...
— Real Randy Holbrook (@RandyHolbrook) June 20, 2013
Can't believe Tony Sparano died today! :( :( :( #FootballLegend
— PH Classic (@PH_problems) June 20, 2013
Tony Sparano died? Good thing the Dolphins already hired a new coach
— Zachary Lyons (@TheNastyCentaur) June 20, 2013
R.I.P Tony Sparano the Raiders will miss your offensive expertise.
— Mic Lanny (@MicLanny) June 20, 2013
NFL coach Tony Sparano will be missed.
— EricFromSpringfield (@EricFromSpfld) June 20, 2013
Rest in Peace Tony Sparano pic.twitter.com/e4QC94yv9f
— Michael Clark (@DuckClark) June 19, 2013
Thoughts and Prayers with the @RAIDERS family on the sad passing of Tony Sparano at just 51 years young. #thoughts #prayers
— Chronic Masturbator (@formermullet) June 20, 2013
RIP Tony Sparano, Tim Tebow had you killed but jokes on him you're in heaven now
— Mr. Guyfoxnews (@Hey_Brian) June 20, 2013
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Then there were a few people who knew the difference but were just hoping otherwise:
I got all hype thinking Tony Sparano died :(
— West Indian Ahki (@Ahki117) June 19, 2013
If Tony Sparano is taken from us too soon, I have little doubt the cause of death will be a tragic dumpster fire accident
— Brian Floyd (@BrianMFloyd) June 20, 2013
"I'm glad Tony Sparano is dead" #WhenRexRyanFirstHeardTheNews
— Shawn Upton (@sjupton21) June 20, 2013
I wonder how many Jets fans were excited that Tony Sparano died, than upset to learn it was really Tony Soprano. #RIP #DontStopBelieving
— Taylor Heinickes Arm (@TaylorHeinickes) June 20, 2013
Tony Sparano should've died instead of Tony Soprano..
— Evan (@ebuhls) June 20, 2013
Why couldn't it have been Tony Sparano?
— Chronic Masturbator (@formermullet) June 20, 2013
Little late to answer prayers... I said Tony SPARANO. Not Tony SOPRANO. RIP James Gandolfini
— Pattyg22 (@PattyG22) June 20, 2013
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And of course, there were people who didn't know what the hell was going on...
sooo sad to here abowt james gandalfini who playyed legendery football coach tony sparano on teh show Goodfather..damn i luved dat show #rip
— ♥ ~*iAn_mAckaYe*~ ♥ (@oWtuvStEp143) June 20, 2013