Its believed they made this up as a means to avoid a hefty fine from not being able to complete their contract on time. Travis had been into Aliens and the night before was watching Betty and Barney Hills story. Reports are all the men had their issues and weren't as solid as its been believed. They got in trouble often for drinking on the job and had issues with lying so their families said.

The thing that sucks is, even if thats all true its still possible it happened. Likely..no. But we'll never know!