Joe Maddon Quits Rays, But It, Like, Totally Doesn't Mean Anything

So...

Sources: Manager Joe Maddon has exercised an opt-out clause in his contract and is leaving the Tampa Bay Rays immediately.

— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) October 24, 2014

But then...

early word: maddon not considering LA an option at all. he understands friedman is committed to mattingly.

— Jon Heyman (@JonHeymanCBS) October 24, 2014

And...

Andrew Friedman: Don Mattingly will manage the #Dodgers next season. Joe Maddon's availability won't change that.

— Dylan Hernandez (@dylanohernandez) October 24, 2014

Nothing to see here! Move along! Everyone is assuredly telling the absolute truth, as is always the case in American sports.

UPDATE (12:24pm): Andrew Friedman released a statement through the Dodgers:

As I said last week, Joe and I enjoyed a tremendous relationship working together in Tampa Bay and I wish him nothing but the best, wherever his next stop will be. However, nothing has changed on our end. Don Mattingly will be our manager next season, and hopefully for a long time to come.

Definitive rumor-squashing, bold-faced lie, or gambling that Donnie will up and quit? You be the judge.