In the modern era, sports fans can follow and connect with their favorite athletes more than ever on social media.
In turn, Twitter has changed the world of sports forever, for good and bad.
Athletes use Twitter to influence their fans or to land themselves in hot water.
For example, Detroit Lion’s wide receiver Nate Burelson is the vocal leader for the Lions on the field and the web.
Recently, Burleson tweeted that every pass he drops in the 2013 season he would donate $100 to Detroit elementary schools.
A great use of Twitter to gain support from Lions and NFL fans from across the country.
Unfortunately, following his break out game against the Chicago Bears in week four, Burleson was involved in a car accident that broke his arm.
Alcohol or drugs were not involved in the accident; but pizza was.
Burelson took to Twitter again, showing his sense of humor, and tweeted a photo of the accident and pizza in the car.
Burleson uses Twitter to show his fans his vibrant personality.
However, many athletes use Twitter in a negative way.
No stranger to the headlines, former NFL wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, has been fined numerous times in his flashy NFL career.
Ochocinco has been fined for tweeting prior to games and even at halftime of games.
Although it was funny to see these tweets; the last thing a owner wants to see is tweeting and not playing.
Social media has also dramatically changed the world of sports media.
For example, on sports programs use Twitter to interact with viewers.
Fans can use #SCtop10 to vote for their favorite plays of the week; and may even find their twitter handle on live television.
In conclusion, Twitter has advanced sports into the modern era and has made viewing and discussing sports more enjoyable for fans.
At the same time, it takes away from the traditional aspect of the game that many old school sports fans hate to see go.
Matthew Pizzo 