On the website, Iverson, known in the NBA as “The Answer,” gave a personal statement, saying he still feels he has something to offer an NBA team.

Iverson played 13 seasons in the NBA between his original team, the Philadelphia 76ers, the Denver Nuggets, Detroit Pistons and the Memphis Grizzlies.

Tweeters rallied behind the ten-time All-Star and reflected on his career:

1. 
   Bryce_Cold (Waxahachie, Texas) Allen Iverson just retired today. Wow.. its sad to hear that one of my all time faves is done and never won a ring. 26 Nov 2009 from txt
2. 
   tcote @loudersoft (Tehran, Iran) The Iverson thing threw me for a loop too. I mean, all he’s done even in the past year is keep scoring 18 a game. 26 Nov 2009 from web in reply to loudersoft
3. 
   Glenn_247 (Charlotte, NC) My Favorite Iverson moment was when He hit that 3 pointer then stepped over Tyron Lue in the finals… damn that dude was nasty 26 Nov 2009 from web
4. 
   SethDH (Pa.) This thanksgiving I am thankful for Allen Iverson. You will forever be a staple of Philly sports and the 76ers. I raise my glass to you sir! 26 Nov 2009 from Twitterrific

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

Others maintained the retirement is only temporary:

1. 
   sefog (Tacoma, WA) Allen Iverson has retired…just like Brett Farve. 26 Nov 2009 from Twittelator
2. 
   Truth_About_It (Washington, DC) It’s only a matter of time until Iverson is playing somewhere … perhaps in Europe … where he can start, & make $$$. 26 Nov 2009 from web

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

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Down by two, with ten seconds left, Bulls guard Derrick Rose went to the free throw line. Rose would hit both of his free throws, the game tied at 89-89.

With only .6 seconds left, Nuggets guard Chauncey Billups was fouled and given two free throws. Purposely missing the second, the rebound was recovered by Bulls center Joakim Noah who quickly called a time-out. The Bulls would get the ball, down by one with .3 seconds on the clock.

In desperation, the ball was inbounded to sub Brad Miller, who made a game-winning shot as time expired. However, the Bulls amazing last second win would soon turn into a heart-breaking defeat; though the shot was initially counted, officials ruled Miller’s game-winner came after the buzzer.

Across the country, Twitterers felt confident Miller got off his shot in time. If it was too close to call, many said the call on the floor shouldn’t have been overturned.

1. 
   BeeDotKay (Chicago, IL) Man WTF the refs trippin Brad Miller got that shot off 11 Nov 2009 from Echofon
2. 
   theDUNIT @patrickryan19 (Chicago, IL) Brad Miller made miracle game winner.. and they reviewed it taking it way with no proof. 11 Nov 2009 from web in reply to patrickryan19
3. 
   kiernanproud (Oswego, NY) brad miller, im gonna let u finish but derek fisher had one of the bet buzzer beaters of all time #BradMillersBasketWasGood #bullswererobbed 11 Nov 2009 from web
4. 
   KentTaylorWAVE (Louisville, KY) Even as a Nuggets fan, it looked to me like Brad Miller got that off in time. 11 Nov 2009 from web
5. 
   eeeemac (Chicago, IL) Life may not suck but that last call against the Bulls does! Brad Miller’s shot was good! 11 Nov 2009 from web
6. 
   BBOYWORTHING (Seattle, WA) Anybody see the Denver vs Chicago game? Brad Miller got robbed at the buzzer 11 Nov 2009 from mobile web
7. 
   AbeMatthew (Undisclosed) Its okay brad miller i and 3 million people know you made that shot. 11 Nov 2009 from txt

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

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Abdul-Jabbar’s doctor said the chronic myeloid leukemia is not a certain death sentence with regular treatment.

The six-time NBA All-Star has vowed to use his diagnosis to raise awareness about leukemia since non-treatment of leukemia can be fatal.

Twitter users rallied behind the basketball hero Tuesday:

1. 
   seesheshe (Brooklyn, NY) Kareem Abdul Jabbar has been diagnosed w/Leukemia (via ABC news). He’s the original class act! He will beat this & b w/us for a long time! 10 Nov 2009 from UberTwitter
2. 
   starchildluke (England) Hope you get through this Kareem Abdul-Jabbar, arguably the greatest BBaller ever. That’s right MJ, I said it. 10 Nov 2009 from web
3. 
   hustlamoney (New York) We as a people need to start-up another movement against cancer.So many past but not forgotten lets do it for them.Kareem Abdul-Jabbar 10 Nov 2009 from web
4. 
   Julia_LTL087 (California) Im so sad about Kareem Abdul-Jabbar is sick =( 1 of my favorite basketball players of all time, my heart is with him during this rough time 10 Nov 2009 from web
5. 
   alexcarbello (Columbia, Mo.) Abdul-Jabbar diagnosed with cancer.. One of the greatest of all time can’t avoid cancer it effects so many stay strong Kareem 10 Nov 2009 from TweetDeck

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

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The prime-time game of the evening features a revamped Cleveland Cavaliers team with Shaq as their new center against Kevin Garnett and the Boston Celtics.

Cavaliers and Celtics fans tweeted their respected loyalty.

1. 
   bambino03 Let’s Go Cavaliers… “WIN A RING FOR THE KING!!!” Gotta Love Shaq! 27 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter
2. 
   GregMQ Can’t wait for NBA season to begin tonight. Lets go Celtics! And happy Red Sox Liberation Day! (5 years ago today, they broke the curse) 27 Oct 2009 from Sidekick
3. 
   ashers1513 I’m so glad the NBA season starts tonight. 27 Oct 2009 from Echofon
4. 
   xoxcupycakexox cant wait for the #celtics tonight 27 Oct 2009 from web

The defending NBA champion Los Angeles Lakers will take on their same city rival Clippers wherein first overall draft pick Blake Griffin is out with a knee injury for the Clippers and Lakers will be presented with their championship rings.

Lakers fans tweeted their excitement, while Clippers fans were disappointed about Griffin’s injury.

1. 
   KarinnaZ @lwalton86 RT Guess what yaw the NBA season starts tonight! YESSSS!!!!! ((((LAKERS!!! >:-P )))) 27 Oct 2009 from web
2. 
   SnapJenkins My Los Angeles Clippers play tonight. Everybody tune in…woohoo 27 Oct 2009 from TwitterBerry
3. 
   BARAKtheRAPPER NBA season gets under way tonight.I went in my time machine and fast forwarded to june andafter game 6 of the NBA finals the Lakers repeated 27 Oct 2009 from web
4. 
   LauRod09 Clippers vs. Lakers Tonight! Season Opener & Ring Ceremony… Can’t wait!! 27 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter
5. 
   TD4TROY Wishing a speedy recovery 2 Clippers & NBA # 1 draft choice Blake Griffin. The Clips are baskeballs version of a less accomplished Cubs ! 27 Oct 2009 from web

The Washington Wizards led by All-Star Gilbert Arenas will take on Dirk Nowitzki and the high powered offense of the Dallas Mavericks.

Wizards and Mavericks fans tweeted their passion.

1. 
   GeezieDaDude RT @MoeNicholas: Ready to see my Wizards tonight. Gilberts back!!!!!! (go wiz!) 27 Oct 2009 from Echofon
2. 
   mrdrgz basketball season starts today, Go my mavericks!!! 27 Oct 2009 from web
3. 
   MsTiceIfyaNASTY Whose ready for the wizards game tonite??? Glad to see my team healthy and looking good…#wewanttheBULLETSback 27 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter
4. 
   kaitthegrreat it’s that time again for the dirk jersey. nothing gets better than the dallas mavericks and cold beer. 27 Oct 2009 from web

Just one win separated the Portland Trail Blazers from the Houston Rockets in the Western Conference last year as they look to start another battle tonight.

Trail Blazers and Rockets fans are rooting for their teams on Twitter.

1. 
   verbyalife NBA starts 2nite!!! My fav part of year…I’m sooo nervous for my Houston Rockets this year…it could get ugly…but I will never jump ship 27 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter
2. 
   curlieluck Getting ready for work … Go #BLAZERS ! 27 Oct 2009 from txt
3. 
   DestineeAlaine RT @verbyalife: I’m sooo nervous for my Houston Rockets this year…it could get ugly…but I will never jump ship < True fan, [high five](: 27 Oct 2009 from web
4. 
   MOGEEMOB why wont this day go by faster so i can get to whats important in life… the blazers 27 Oct 2009 from web

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On Friday, the International Olympic Committee selected Rio de Janeiro as the host for the 2016 Summer Olympic Games, beating out Madrid, Tokyo, and Chicago.

Here is what athletes on Twitter said regarding the IOC’s decision:

1. 
   mcewenrobbie (Professional Cyclist) CONGRATULATIONS RIO DE JANEIRO!! 02 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck
2. 
   h3lio (IRL Driver) AEEEE!!!! Olimpiadas no Rio em 2016! #Rio2016 !!!!
   uhuuuuu! #VaiBrasil 02 Oct 2009 from Tweetie
3. 
   AmerDelic (Professional Tennis Player) Back to the #Olympics. #Rio will be a great host. Brazilians know how to enjoy life. Maybe that rubs off on some others when they visit. 02 Oct 2009 from Echofon
4. 
   KJ_MayorJohnson (Former NBA Player) Congratulations Rio – you’re lucky Sacramento wasn’t a candidate! 02 Oct 2009 from web
5. 
   TonyKanaan (IRL Driver) Olimpiadas 2016 no Rio, SINIXXXXTROOOO. estaremos la. 02 Oct 2009 from web
6. 
   jayfeely (NFL Player) I was surprised Obama extended himself without assurances that US would win the vote. I am dissappointed b/c I wanted to take my kids 02 Oct 2009 from mobile web
7. 
   Lala_the_diver (Olympic Diver) Congrats to Rio on getting the 2016 OlympicGames! 02 Oct 2009 from web
8. 
   DatDude75 (Former NFL Player) @SheezyDoesIt I couldn’t be happier for Rio……Congrats to them…..and I will thank them personally all the way through 2016!!!! 02 Oct 2009 from web in reply to SheezyDoesIt
9. 
   alex_lloyd (IRL Driver) Such a shame Chicago lost the Olympic bid for 2016. 02 Oct 2009 from Tweetie
10. 
    Juliegranada (LPGA Golfer) Shot 2 under today! Very solid! I heard that the 2016 olympics is going to be in rio! Wow that’s great! 02 Oct 2009 from Echofon
11. 
    str8edgeracer (MLB Player) not really surprised chicago didn’t get the olympic bid, but I know a lot of it is because of our current political and economic situasche 02 Oct 2009 from web
12. 
    johanbruyneel (Professional Cyclist) Too bad Madrid (where I live) didn’t get the Olympics. Odds were against us. Never twice on same continent. Up to 2020 or move to Brasil… 02 Oct 2009 from UberTwitter

— this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

To see what these athletes, as well as other are up to on Twitter check out Championist or Twitter Athletes

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NBA fans across the nation expressed their concern through Twitter.

1. 
   fergoe Aw hell, the NBA’s gonna have scab refs to start the season. NBA’s gonna be anarchy. 29 Sep 2009 from txt
2. 
   yelloboy32 Oh boy, hope this doesn’t affect play RT @ESPNEWS: NBA to teams: Replacement refs to start season: http://bit.ly/2gsCFD 29 Sep 2009 from TweetDeck
3. 
   rsw808 RT @espn: NBA to teams: Replacement refs to start season – http://tinyurl.com/y9s5cct. <~ wha?? 29 Sep 2009 from UberTwitter
4. 
   DMNGZ Fuuuhhhhh NBA is gonna do the season with replacement refs…. Fuhhhh game play is gonna diminish cuz of it 29 Sep 2009 from txt
5. 
   Slick119 RT @ESPNEWS: The NBA’s going w/ replacement refs. Don’t expect 2 reach agreement w/ locked-out officials 29 Sep 2009 from Echofon
6. 
   nbastats NBA News NBA to teams: Replacement refs to start season: The NBA has told teams that they will start th.. http://bit.ly/fuH7U 29 Sep 2009 from twitterfeed

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

Other fans were optimistic of the change.

1. 
   curiousg87 The NBA refs are boycotting. So replacement refs will b bad…Regular refs were cheating neway so they might b better 29 Sep 2009 from TweetDeck
2. 
   KRSHoops I hear the NBA is using replacment refs to start the season: that’s good for the NBA 29 Sep 2009 from web
3. 
   jbluther Sweet! NBA refs might be good this year. http://digs.by/RHK 29 Sep 2009 from Digsby

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

The latest word from either side was that an agreement between the locked out referees and the NBA was not in the near future.

The NBA season tips off October 27th.

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Tonight at 5 p.m. ET marked the deadline for early entrants into the June 25 NBA Draft and the beginning of the mad dash to evaluate the remaining players.

Several prominent underclassmen — Wake Forest’s Jeff Teague, Kentucky’s Jodie Meeks, and DePaul’s Dar Tucker — eschewed their remaining NCAA eligibility and entered the draft, while others –Maryland’s Greivis Vasquez, Notre Dame’s Luke Harangody, and Texas’ Damion James — decided to return to their respective campuses to improve their draft stock, and hopefully win an NCAA championship next season.

ESPN’s Chad Ford breaks down the draft’s early entrants and defectors and provides his latest mock draft (ESPN Insider is required to view the entire first round) for all the die-hards to mull over for the next week and a half. However, the draft “experts” at nbadraft.net provide a comprehensive list of who’s going back to class and who will be getting schooled next season in the NBA.

The Twitterverse was abuzz with thoughts on the draft after tonight’s deadline:

1. 
   Dj_Jules7 @chicagobulls Please Pick Chase Budinger!!! He would be a perfect addition. I have been saying this for the past 2 years! 09 Jun 2009 from web
2. 
   Murphdog7 10 days til draft..who will the pacers choose?? Right now i have no clue but my best guess is dejuan blair. Im thinking larry bird is go … 15 Jun 2009 from txt
3. 
   Mike_Ock @alanhahn Tyreke Evans vs. Jennings should be a very interesting workout. Too bad you can’t watch. Are the Knicks taping these workouts? 15 Jun 2009 from web in reply to alanhahn
4. 
   Real_Outsider I’m willing to put money on Ricky Rubio being a bust 15 Jun 2009 from web
5. 
   mattcates Damion James is coming back for his senior year – making my reservations in Indianapolis for the Final Four now 15 Jun 2009 from web
6. 
   truesd good luck jeff teague and james johnson! continue to dominate in the league like other wake players! 16 Jun 2009 from web
   
   

ESPN’s Doug Gottlieb breaks down the draft given tonight’s deadline decisions:

Who should be drafted where? Let us know your thoughts in the comment area below or getting in touch with @BTSports.

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Bryant scored 30 points while grabbing six rebounds, dishing out five assists, and blocking four shots leading the Los Angeles Lakers to a 99-86 victory over the Orlando Magic in Game 5 of the NBA Finals, and the franchise’s 15th NBA championship, per the Los Angeles Times (@LATimessports).

The win gives Lakers coach Phil Jackson 10 titles all-time, breaking a tie with former Celtric great Red Auerbach. Bryant was named the Finals MVP, while Pau Gasol scored 14 points and coralled 15 rebounds.

Here’s the Twitter reaction on the Lakers:

1. 
   jdigsby Well, for what it’s worth, congrats Lakers. It was almost a good series. 15 Jun 2009 from Twitterrific
2. 
   myniniluv I’m happy that the hate is over and they can do nothing but give props to the best team in the NBA for 2009…Congrats Lakers! 15 Jun 2009 from web
3. 
   xFARTER Lakers deserve it. They played so much better. Disappointed in the magic 15 Jun 2009 from txt
4. 
   ottocedeno @nickmiller23 how does that championship taste baby?? Loving my @lakers ! 15 Jun 2009 from TwitterBerry
5. 
   DaddyJ58 Congratulations Lakers!!! Although i was rooting for the Magic, LA & Phil Jackson have done it again!! Kobe MVP! 15 Jun 2009 from Twikini
6. 
   jworkcoo Congrats to the Lakers…Being a Cavs Fan, I can truly say the best team won….. 15 Jun 2009 from PockeTwit

Orlando got their third home game in a row, but could not overcome in the franchise’s second ever NBA Finals.

The Twitterverse had some irreverent thoughts on the Magic:

1. 
   PJButta Hello UPS. I’d like to send a box of Orlando Magic Champion shirts to Nigeria. Thanks. LAAAAKERRRSSS 15 Jun 2009 from TwitterFon
2. 
   igamebank Still not a Kobe fan but he’s remarkable. Orlando needs to re-tool their inside game. I wish it had been a better game. http://ff.im/3YYMC 15 Jun 2009 from FriendFeed
3. 
   cedes Respect to Dwight Howard and Orlando for making it this far as a young team. And Congrats as eastern conference champs! 15 Jun 2009 from web
4. 
   BombayGunrunner Can we just erase the last 5 games of the NBA Finals and start over with the Cavs? Orlando maybe be the most disappointing losers ever. No? 15 Jun 2009 from web
5. 
   jdesignz Orlando Magic = Not yet ready to be champions. Congratulations @Lakers and 2009 NBA MVP Kobe Bryant! 15 Jun 2009 from TwitterFox

Orlando fans were excited for Game 5, but the team?...

(Twitpic by @agbrown22)

L.A. guard Derek Fischer gets in some work before Game 5

(Twitpic by @duranla)

Would this matchup have been any different had LeBron and the Cavs been in it? What do you think about Kobe? Comment below or tweet your thoughts to @BTsports!

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Unfortunately in Game 4 of the NBA Finals series with the Los Angeles Lakers, Howard perfected Shaquille O’Neal’s free throw technique in the Lakers 99-91 overtime victory Thursday night at Amway Arena, per the LA Times.

@DwightHoward set an NBA post-season record for blocks in a game with nine while adding 16 points and 21 rebounds to lead the Magic, but missed two free throws with 10 seconds left that would have given Orlando a two-possession lead, leading to a Derek Fischer 3-pointer with 4.6 seconds left to tie the game and send the two teams to overtime.

1. 
   cheung31 Dwight Howard, for the love of god, missing FTs. And let’s leave Fisher for the 3 to tie… ugh. 12 Jun 2009 from web
2. 
   J_Keith dwight howard isn’t really superman. maybe verygoodman. 12 Jun 2009 from mobile web
3. 
   jasonlaba Dwight Howard all you had to do was hit one foul shot 12 Jun 2009 from web
4. 
   IAmOrlando God bless Derrick Fischer! The man came to LA, only becasue it was the best treatment for his daughter, and KILLS IT! God bless! Wowww 12 Jun 2009 from web

Kobe Bryant scored 32 points (8-for-8 on FT’s) while Paul Gasol and Trevor Ariza added 16 a piece.

Fischer’s clutch 3-pointer at the end of regulation plus another beyond the arc with 31 seconds left in overtime gave him 12 points for the game.

Lakers one win away from a ring:

1. 
   victorleung He may be old and may get criticism. But Derek Fisher = CLUTCH. Lakers 3-1 12 Jun 2009 from TweetDeck
2. 
   fragglecar @vaughnpoetic D-fish = one of the greatest Lakers of all time! 12 Jun 2009 from web in reply to vaughnpoetic
3. 
   mrgotti1911 We are the CHAMPIONS my friends. LAKERS! 12 Jun 2009 from UberTwitter
4. 
   quinnelk Like I said, the Lakers are a better team. They have more players that can step up and win tight games. Magic aren’t there yet. 12 Jun 2009 from web
5. 
   prettyboyKG the lakers just need one more win before kobe, Phil, gasol, odom, fisher, and the lakers can celebrate, that boy ariza is a beast 12 Jun 2009 from mobile web

Uh-oh Magic fans, not good. But the C-word???

1. 
   madisonmichael Congratulations Courtney Lee, you’re no longer the only choke artist on the Magic. 12 Jun 2009 from TwitterFon
2. 
   Najville @THE_REAL_SHAQ hahaha! Dwight missing two fts was like a reminiscent of Nick Anderson!! Magic choke! 12 Jun 2009 from TwitterFon in reply to THE_REAL_SHAQ
3. 
   quinnelk Wilbon is wrong, though, the Magic didn’t choke, they just played a better team and they aren’t experienced enough to win yet 12 Jun 2009 from web
4. 
   meancode Lakers didn’t win. Magic lost. They had 18 turnovers and 15 missed free throws, including a total choke by Dwight Howard. 12 Jun 2009 from web
5. 
   SteadHead Total agreement with Wilbon, MASSIVE choke-job by the Magic. Did the moment finally catch up to Dwight? He made those vs Lebron. 12 Jun 2009 from TwitterBerry

How do you show your passion?

With one win to go for an NBA championship, Lakers fans are getting (over)excited

(Twitpic by @iampagaduan)

Orlando fans were excited for a little bit:

The lack of a Dwight Howard puppet for those Nike commercials draws the ire of a fan

(Twitpic by @duranla)

The Magic fell to 7-1 when Gina Marie Incandela performs the National Anthem.

The seven-year-old autistic girl who only started speaking through singing, showed that you don’t need to be a cocky, overrated Hollywood celebrity to honor America and wow the crowd and viewers everywhere:

1. 
   autismspeaksla Gina Marie, little girl with #Autism, did another wonderful job singing the National Anthem at at her 2nd NBA Championship game. #tearingup 12 Jun 2009 from Seesmic Desktop
2. 
   igniteconfusion thinks this gina marie girl is amazing http://bit.ly/otpsU
   she is autistic and not long ago wasnt even speaking 12 Jun 2009 from web
3. 
   thesocialu Wow. Gina Marie Incandela (autistic, did not speak till 3) sang a national anthem for NBA FInals like this http://tinyurl.com/l8at3r . Wow. 12 Jun 2009 from Seesmic Desktop
4. 
   Dan_ODo Gina Marie Incandela KILLED IT! 12 Jun 2009 from TwitterBerry

Gina Marie Incandela takes center stage in sports bars too

(Twitpic by @tunibug)

Who do you think will win Game 5? How much do you hate Tyrese and love Gina Marie? Post your thoughts below or tweet @BTsports!

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Floyd submitted a one paragraph letter of resignation to USC athletic director Mike Garrett, which read:

“As of 1 p.m. today, I am resigning as head basketball coach at the University of Souithern California. I deeply appreciate the opportunity afforded me by the university, as well as the chance to know and work with some of the finest young men in college athletics. Unfortunately, I no longer feel I can offer the level of enthusiasm to my duties that is deserved by the university, my coaching staff, my players, their families, and the supporters of Southern Cal. I always promised my self and my family that if I ever felt I could no longer give my full enthusiasm to a job, that I should leave it to others who could. I intend to contact my coaching staff and my players in coming days and weeks to tell them how much each of them means to me. I wish the best to USC and to my successor.”

On May 12, Yahoo! Sports reported that one-time Mayo confidant Louis Johnson said Floyd had made a cash payment to Rodney Guillory, a “runner” for sports agent Bill Duffy, who steered Mayo to the Bill Duffy Sports Agency after Mayo left USC.

Such a payment would be a major violation of NCAA rules. And violations are not uncommon at USC. Former running back Reggie Bush is still under scrutiny from accepting improper benefits from a prospective sports agent.

Twitterers responded rather cynically to this sudden resignation handed in by Floyd:

1. 
   jpn122071 Oh Tim Floyd, Tim Floyd…Was OJ Mayo really worth it???? 10 Jun 2009 from web
2. 
   thisishowe tim floyd=pete bell. 10 Jun 2009 from txt
3. 
   anzola33 Tim floyd resigns as head coach of USC after that oj mayo thing… He should just come out and yell “ya I gave him an escalade so what!?” 10 Jun 2009 from UberTwitter
4. 
   TheLSF Does Tim Floyd’s resignation at USC basically say, “guilty for paying for Mayo”? 10 Jun 2009 from mobile web
5. 
   mronederful1911 Never trust a guy with two first names. Tim Floyd – - Coincidence? I don’t think so. 10 Jun 2009 from web
6. 
   j_lloyd is very glad that the University of Memphis did not hire Tim Floyd 10 Jun 2009 from web
   
   

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