I’ve learned not to expect much from professional athletes. Having spent 8 years covering them on a daily basis, I’ve been much happier watching them from a fan’s perspective, mostly from Aisle 231, Row 4 at Wrigley Field. Enjoy them inside the arena, don’t hold them to any standard outside.

But Twitter has changed that. Now, I expect much more from my jocks, at least those that tweet. For those that have not embraced this social media platform, call your agent, get registered, and read the rest of this post. For the hundreds who are tweeting, here are the seven that are worth following (in no particular order)

1. Chad Ochocinco, NFL. The former Chad Johnson was a must follow before he was even on Twitter. Is there a professional athlete more born to tweet than this guy? From his recent announcement he would tweet during a game–since shot down by the NFL–to what-you-know-will-be future seasonal tweets ripping Carson Palmer for checking down to the tight end, Ochocinco is serves up a daily dose of sweet tweets. Here he talks smack with Chargers DB Antonio Cromartie:

1. 
   OGOchoCinco @crimetime31 child please, you couldn’t touch me in a phone booth, straight up!!!! I get to LA Sunday night, make sure you make theworkout 12 Jul 2009 from web in reply to crimetime31
2. 
   OGOchoCinco @crimetime31 F the money, I am gonna enjoy checking your name off that checklist in my locker, you and Ferryman!!!! 12 Jul 2009 from web in reply to crimetime31

Just classic. Next, Ochocinco offers up inspirational tweets-

1. 
   OGOchoCinco You know them days when you wake up and you just feel good for no reason at all, this is one of them days 12 Jul 2009 from txt
2. 
   OGOchoCinco These days are limited throughout the year so I call it a day for celebrating. 12 Jul 2009 from txt

If you read this dude’s feed with any regularity, he did so with a Rocky Patel cigar and a 6-pack of red bull.

2. Christina Kim, LPGA. OK, Kim is a professional golfer, but be prepared for tweets reviewing digital cameras, sushi, and her download on the new LPGA commissioner:

1. 
   TheChristinaKim Just went live on the Golf Channel re the Commissioner of the LPGA, past and future… I didn’t vomit, so there’s a win!!!! 13 Jul 2009 from UberTwitter
2. 
   TheChristinaKim Please join me in welcoming the Acting Commissioner to the LPGA, Marsha “Marty” Evans!!!! She’s an inspiration!!!! 13 Jul 2009 from UberTwitter

I must dispense with a little social media advice for Kim–READ your tweet before you send it. We love the candidness, though.

3. Lance Armstrong, Cycling. OK, full disclosure. I’m a Lance guy. His book about his comeback from testicular cancer is one of the best inspirational sports books I’ve read. His story fascinates me. The guy is one of the greatest ahltetes of our generation. That being said, in this jaded sports climate we live in, it’s necessary to be suspicious of his use of PED’s, just like all athletes. There is too much circumstantial evidence to believe the contrary. But with this guy, I don’t care. I’ve fallen to hard. Full blown man-crush. His tweets are a good mix of observation, promotion and humor. Just like Lance.

1. 
   lancearmstrong On the plane to Limoges. It’s about 120 degrees in here. Hotter than donut grease. Haha. 12 Jul 2009 from UberTwitter
2. 
   lancearmstrong My – oh – my … http://bit.ly/IkK4V 13 Jul 2009 from web
3. 
   lancearmstrong Relaxing in the room, listening to the Stones. I love my life but wouldn’t mind being Mick Jagger for a day. Know what I mean? 13 Jul 2009 from UberTwitter

4. Shaquille O’Neal, NBA. Shaq’s running ‘yo momma’ dialogue with comedian Kevin Hart is another reason–like I needed one–why I love Twitter. Us regular folk can listen in on the smackoff, which we never would be able to otherwise. Here’s the latest:

1. 
   THE_REAL_SHAQ @kevinhart. Yo Mama so fat Her cereal bowl came with a lifeguard.Yo Mama so fat She went to Jenny craig, jenny said we dnt do miracles 30 Jun 2009 from TwitterBerry
2. 
   THE_REAL_SHAQ @KevinHart4real if yur momma was blonde her name would midget nielson 04 Jul 2009 from TweetGenius

Then there are the ‘random acts of Shaqness’ tweets:

1. 
   THE_REAL_SHAQ “Treat people as u expect them to be, not as they are”.Have a safe fourth of july

   04 Jul 2009 from TwitterBerry

2. 
   THE_REAL_SHAQ Just because your certified , doesn’t mean your qualified 07 Jul 2009 from TweetGenius

One common thread amongst these athletes? Authenticity of voice. Although I have never spoken to any of them personally, all the interviews I have heard, or in Armstrong’s case, books I have read, mirror the tone and cadance of their tweets.

As O’Neal likes to preach, ‘this is the Real Shaq. Don’t fall for any fakers.’

What athletes do you follow on Twitter? Send us your comments and feedback to @BTsports.

Jon Kerr is a co-editor of BreakingTweets Sports. You can find him on Twitter @enlightnedmedia.

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