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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The family’s purchase of the team, headed by Tom Ricketts, only has one obstacle left: bankruptcy court. The family should assume its role as owner by the end of the month.

For Cubs fans on twitter, the news comes as another glimmer of hope for next year:

1. 
   Hawkluver (Moline, Illinois) @TouchByAM Oh my God!!! Bless you Ricketts family for buying Cubs! God Bless u! Please live clean so jinx can b removed! 06 Oct 2009 from web in reply to TouchByAM
2. 
   jet_flyer70 (Undisclosed) Sale of Cubs to Ricketts family is finally approved. Hopefully this will help bring us a champioinship! 06 Oct 2009 from web
3. 
   dougleavy (Colorado) THANK GOD!!! MLB approved the sale of the Cubs to the Ricketts family. Tribune was a total joke of an owner!!! 06 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck

Yet some still recognize the work that needs to be done before the Cubs can return to championship caliber, even to the point of pesimism:

1. 
   duey23 (North Aurora, Illinois) @Aisle424 Congrats Mr. Ricketts you now own the contract to Milton Bradley…..enjoy! 06 Oct 2009 from HootSuite in reply to Aisle424
2. 
   Matt_WGEM (Quincy, Illinois) MLB approves sale of Cubs. I bet Ricketts family having second thoughts after this year’s team self-imploded. They now own Milton Bradley 06 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck
3. 
   nichols120 (Burlington, IA) And they still won’t win a World Series RT @foxnewsradio: MLB owners unanimously approve Tribune sale of Chicago Cubs to the Ricketts family 06 Oct 2009 from TweetDeck
4. 
   teammktgreport (Chicagoland, IL) Suburban kids expected to dress up as Soriano’s contract to scare Tom Ricketts on Halloween. 06 Oct 2009 from web

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Last November, the former Super Bowl champ was carrying a gun—which was not licensed in New York—tucked in the waistband of his jeans.  When the gun started sliding, Burress accidentally pulled the trigger.  In July, he was indicted by a grand jury in July on two counts of criminal gun possession.  Last month, Burress pleaded guilty and accepted a plea bargain to a lesser charge of attempted weapons possession in the second degree.

ESPN.com is reporting that Burress will likely serve about 20 months in jail with credit for good behavior.   

At the time of incident, New York mayor Michael Bloomberg demanded Burress not be exempt from the state’s tough gun laws and that he be punished to the full extent. 

Burress’s sentence is the most recent in a string of NFL players who have spent time in the slammer. Most notable are Michael Vick, who was recently reinstated in the NFL after spending 23 months in prison for dog fighting,  and Donte Stallworth, who did 30 days in jail and must complete 1,000 hours of community service and eight years probation stemming from April 2009 DUI and second degree manslaughter charges.

Fans are taking to their Twitter to react to these charges.  There are mixed emotions, including those who think Burress was punished too harshly:

1. 
   mrjonesinc #Plaxico Burress got a raw deal for shooting himself. I know folks that shot others by accident and did less time. SMH @ making an example 22 Sep 2009 from TweetDeck
2. 
   jimi_jimijones thats mess up what they’re doing to #Plaxico Burress! The damn man shot himself! Of he was Tom Brady he wouldn’t be going to Jail 22 Sep 2009 from web
3. 
   bigsquirrel #Plaxico Burress didn’t really care for him but he don’t deserve this! 22 Sep 2009 from web
4. 
   a_rizzo #Plaxico Burress doing hard time for two years. I think it’s a bit harsh, but he’s still a dumbass. 22 Sep 2009 from web

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

 
While some disagree with the sentence, most are simply lamenting the bad decision that was made by Burress: 

1. 
   DanielEhlers #Plaxico Burress gets 2yrs. More than Vick? Only an idiot would tuck an unregistered handgun in the waistband of his sweatpants, but still. 22 Sep 2009 from web
2. 
   jamie3xsfast damn didn’t #Plaxico Burress learn from vick ??? Another one bites the dust see u n 2 years bro 22 Sep 2009 from Echofon
3. 
   Jas_Marie #Plaxico Burress gets 2 years in prison.He was a great player that made some stupid decisions off the field.Guess he wont be returning toNYG 22 Sep 2009 from web
4. 
   manhatteshi #Plaxico Burress 2-years seems awfully harsh. It was idiotic but isn’t literally “shooting yourself in the foot” punishment enough? 22 Sep 2009 from TweetDeck

– this quote was brought to you by quoteurl

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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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If you read the tweets from the past three days, you have many people speculating about what happened. That’s the thing about Twitter. You can speculate out loud.

Take this exchange between CBS’s Armen Keteyian, who use to roam the sidelines covering the NFL, and ESPN information guru Adam Schefler from earlier today:

1. 
   ArmenKeteyian I may be completely wrong, but the more I think about the Steve McNair shooting the more I believe a third party was involved. 06 Jul 2009 from web
2. 
   Adam_Schefter @ArmenKeteyian….what makes you think there’s a 3rd party, Armen? Very curious. 06 Jul 2009 from web
3. 
   ArmenKeteyian @Adam_Schefter Adam, nothing more than reporter’s intuition. crime scene, hidden life, unanswered questions. I could very well be wrong. 06 Jul 2009 from web in reply to Adam_Schefter

Before Twitter, this conversation would be done privately via email or text. Now anyone following these two reporters can listen in. Keteyian has no information to support his opinion on a possible third party, but so what? He says it’s “nothing more than reporter’s intuition” which keeps in the spirit of Twitter–as long as you can fit your brain dump in 140 characters or less.

Keteyian was in a tweeting mood as earlier Monday, he responded to a question from former heavyweight boxing champ Buster Douglas:

1. 
   iambuster @ArmenKeteyian do you think his wife Armen? 06 Jul 2009 from web in reply to ArmenKeteyian
2. 
   ArmenKeteyian @iambuster don’t dare speculate on others; location of 4 SM bullets and gun under body raise ???. autopsies, ballistics obv crucial. 06 Jul 2009 from web in reply to iambuster

Now, what Douglas is referring to is McNair’s wife, Mechelle, who has not been named as a suspect in the shooting. What’s interesting about this is what fascinates me about Twitter–the direct access. Keteyian is the chief investigative correspondent for CBS News. Safe to say he’s a busy guy, gestating lots of information coming in and going out. But only on Twitter could there be an exchange between a wash out celebrity athlete like Buster Douglas and a reporter the stature of Keteyian.  It provides a platform for reporters to publicize what they are thinking, which is why the information gateway also raises questions.

Should reporters be speculating openly, publicly about a murder investigation? In light of reports late Monday that McNair’s girlfriend–who was found dead with McNair–had recently bought a gun that was found at the scene, it makes you wonder about the unfiltered cadance of Twitter. Reporters are chronic skeptics. But just because we have a vehicle to document our curiosity, does that mean we should?

What do you think? Do you feel reporters need to be careful about what they Tweet about?

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

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Cardinal fans rejoice:

1. 
   PetersonDouglas ??RT @SI_JonHeyman: great move by #cards to get mark derosa. he’s a good for for 3b there. plus, they block braves, cubs, mets, giants, etc. 28 Jun 2009 from TweetDeck
2. 
   cvierrether Good move by the Cardinals in trading for DeRosa. 28 Jun 2009 from txt
3. 
   robh2396 @InsideSTL Love the move. Gotta give props to Mo for getting DeRosa and not giving much up. Very excited. 28 Jun 2009 from web in reply to InsideSTL

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On it’s own merits, “Joe Buck Live” was not must-see TV for me. I didn’t know it was on, and if I had, I would not have recorded it. Buck is a terrific football and baseball play-by-play guy. He is not a guy who has the credibility to host his own sports talk show. This is his attempt to enter the conversation with Bob Costas or Bryant Gumbel as the gatekeepers of the intellectual side of sports. Someone who can be a ring leader for introspective discussions about issue-oriented sports subjects. Costas has been pulling this off for years and his HBO shows were outstanding. Buck is not a capable replacement. His swarmy, smart-aleck disposition is better suited for “Talk Soup” or another show on Comedy Central, not HBO.

Last night is a perfect example as he coudn’t handle the hilarious, yet unpredictable Arte Lange, who basically took the show to level of vulgarity that is great on Howard Stern–where Lang is a sidekick–but not for sports talk show. Costas never would have booked Lange in the first place.

Video of the segment was pulled off YouTube by HBO today, so you’ll have to catch the rerun on HBO if you subscribe (not worth the $14.99 per month if you don’t), or somewhere else on the net. It’s pretty raunchy, so we’re not posting it here.

Lots of chatter in the Twitterverse on this topic. I’m posting tweets from Buck’s media collegues who are not shy about what they think, or how they feel about Buck.

1. 
   sportsguy33 Love the HBO/Buck spin control today. They put Artie Lange on live cable TV + can’t believe it got out of control. Really? How dumb are you? 16 Jun 2009 from web
2. 
   LATimesfarmer Joe Buck looks down his nose at low-brow types, like reporters who Tweet and intrusive TMZ shooters. He’ll take Artie Lange, thank you. 16 Jun 2009 from web
3. 
   SI_JonHeyman i think joe buck is a very funny guy. but whoever booked artie lang has some ’splainin’ to do. whata disaster! 16 Jun 2009 from web
4. 
   arwarrington Really late, but Joe Buck’s show last night was basically unwatchable until Artie showed up. Some misses, but he exposed Buck as a fraud. 16 Jun 2009 from TweetDeck
5. 
   reid_usa2day Of all the Langes in all the world, the Joe Buck Show picks Artie? How about Clubber, Jessica, Jim or K.D.? http://tr.im/oIO5 16 Jun 2009 from web
6. 
   wingoz in a shocking twist.. HBO pulling video down of Joe Buck Live, citing copyright infringement. i did NOT see that coming 16 Jun 2009 from web

In an unrelated story from the show, Brett Favre revealed to Buck that his return to the NFL is a “maybe” at this point. Only Buck could have gotten uselly closed-lipped Favre to be that vulnerable on live television.

What did you think of the show? Did Buck handle himself well with Lange or did he get punked? Send your replies to @BTsports.

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"USA vs. Honduras 0-1, honduras just got a nice goal." TwitPic posted by @ratekin	"USA VS. Honduras!! Amazingg seats! GO USA!!!" TwitPic posted by @MOgulnick	"Currently at Soldiers Field awaiting the start of the USA/Honduras World Cup Qualifier." TwitPic posted by @RaspberryDuff
"Can't wait for my 1st @ussoccer home game! Today, nice to be @SoldierField w all of Honduras" TwitPic posted by @tanyakeith	"At soldier field for USA vs Honduras" TwitPic posted by @ozdigitalllc	"Look at all that blue and white. Um, go home Honduras!!" TwitPic posted by @samthrax
"There is an impressive amount of honduras fans here" TwitPic posted by @coatney	"Honduras vs US soccer match @ soldier field. game starts @ 7pm already tailgating Honduran style" TwitPic posted by @mariyasan	"Fans outside the Honduras hotel. Crazy" TwitPic posted by @brianching Player for Houston Dynamo MLS team
"Not a bad view. Wish i was playing though." TwitPic posted by @brianching Player for Houston Dynamo MLS team	"The boys defend a Honduran corner kick." TwitPic posted by @samthrax	Thanks for the great TwitPics everyone!

Got a great TwitPic from the game? Or a lively scene outside the stadium or at a bar? Tweet it to us @BTSports!

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1. 
   BTSports_Brian @BTsports Brrr! Sun has gone down and temp is NOT 68 like weather channel said it’d be #USMNT #Honduras 07 Jun 2009 from TwitterBerry
2. 
   pjflynn23 @btsports honduras is owning possession, but the people at Fado don’t seem to mind. #USMNT #ussoccer 07 Jun 2009 from TwitterFon
3. 
   BTSports_Brian @BTsports Beasley can’t control pass: wide open too. Should have had it! #USMNT 07 Jun 2009 from TwitterBerry
4. 
   BTSports_Brian @BTsports! OH! Can’t believe that shot was missed by US. As sure a goal that there ever could be #USMNT 07 Jun 2009 from TwitterBerry

Can't wait for my 1st @ussoccer home game! Today, nice to be @SoldierField w all of Honduras (via @tanyakeith)

Goal! In the 69th minute, Carlos Bocanegra took a pass from Clint Dempsey and put it past the Honduran keeper Noel Valladares:

1. 
   Coxymoney GOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOAL LANDON CORNER TO DEMPSEY TO BOCANEGRA 07 Jun 2009 from Ping.fm
2. 
   willsmall09 Bocanegra the brave! Nice goal. 07 Jun 2009 from Twitterrific
3. 
   BTsports 131 Bocanegra tweets in 4 minutes, Carlos’ goal is hot on #Twitter – #USMNT #Honduras #WorldCup 07 Jun 2009 from web
4. 
   aterp86 Bocanegra baby!! Keep it up USA, let’s get this win! 07 Jun 2009 from web
5. 
   drowcliffe Watford FC representing! RT @matchfitusa: Bocanegra scores for U.S., then has to come off only minutes later. Demerit on in central defense. 07 Jun 2009 from TweetDeck

With under ten minutes remaining, can the Americans hang on for a much needed “W?”

1. 
   soccerdotcom Don’t take the foot off the gas yet guys. Let’s get that 3rd goal & put it away. #usmnt #yermakinmenervous 07 Jun 2009 from web
2. 
   danielstroud #USMNT Don’t rest on the 1 goal lead. Charge through the final whistle. Play like we’re a goal down. 07 Jun 2009 from web
3. 
   bzenner eight minutes left in US v Honduras, I don’t see H getting a goal to tie it…nice job #USMNT, we’ll take the three points 07 Jun 2009 from web
4. 
   akh003 Dodged a few serious bullets there! #USMNT 07 Jun 2009 from TweetGrid
   
   

Although it seemed like the Honduran fans outnumbered the American fanbase before the game, chants of “USA! USA!” broke through the unseasonably cool June evening air during four minutes of stoppage time. The chants were heard across the Twittersphere as well:

1. 
   abbrody eek 4 mins of stoppage time! Hold on boys!!! #USMNT 07 Jun 2009 from TweetDeck
2. 
   nigelgandy Ohhhhhh usaaaaaaaa usa! Usa! Usa! 07 Jun 2009 from TweetGenius
3. 
   aaronjayne 2 minutes, if we can hold out this win it would be amazing, go USA!!! 07 Jun 2009 from TwitterFon
4. 
   aimeelee77 Whoooo! Yeah USA! 1 minute left!!!! 07 Jun 2009 from web
   
   

The 2-1 victory over Honduras pushes the Americans one step closer to playing in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa. Here are the final thoughts from @BTSports_Brian and other Twitterers celebrating the much-needed win:

1. 
   pjflynn23 @btsports there seems to be some jokes about Honduras now getting beat by the “bloody” Americans. Always a good thin to hear at Fado #USMNT 07 Jun 2009 from TwitterFon
2. 
   afeinphoto_com USA wins. One step closer to world cup next year:-) 07 Jun 2009 from txt
3. 
   bfritchie USA beats Honduras, 2-1! Still not qualified for World Cup yet, but getting there! 07 Jun 2009 from HootSuite
4. 
   macosta5811 RT @olivertse USA 2-1 Honduras FT. USA 10pts in 5 games. Need 2 wins out of next 5 games to reach 16pts & qualification for World Cup 2010 07 Jun 2009 from web
5. 
   BTSports_Brian @BTsports It’s all over at Soldier Field! US two- Honduras one. Thanks for tuning in! #USMNT #Honduras 07 Jun 2009 from TwitterBerry

Thanks for tuning in to the game log – leave your thoughts below or contact @BTSports to share your celebratory (or not-so-celebratory) thoughts.

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One key player who watched from the sidelines is U.S. forward  Brian Ching, who injured his hamstring earlier in the week and could not play. Ching has played for the U.S. national team since 2003 and has a day job with the MLS’s Houston Dynamo.

I caught up with Ching on his way back to the US from Costa Rica. We tweeted about the game and why the U.S. got rolled over.

Brian Ching says farewell to Costa Rica

1. 
   BTsports @brianching What’s up? Enjoy the tweets and pics from Costa Rica. Our website tweeted on game last night. Can we ask you a few questions? 04 Jun 2009 from web
2. 
   brianching @BTsports yeah ill answer a few questions fire away 04 Jun 2009 from mobile web
3. 
   BTsports @brianching Thanks. Not the result you guys wanted last night. With a night to sleep on it, what happened? 04 Jun 2009 from web
4. 
   brianching @BTsports they came out and got a ton of confidence from their goal. We struggled with the surface early 04 Jun 2009 from mobile web
5. 
   brianching @BTsports that put us on our heels for most of the game. Give them credit they had a good game. 04 Jun 2009 from txt
6. 
   BTsports @brianching The home field advantage was obvious. With your injury, Bradley forced to adjust lineup, go younger. Was that a factor? 04 Jun 2009 from web
7. 
   brianching @BTsports no I just think that we as a team didnt play well. Everyone struggled. Early mistakes made it difficult climb 04 Jun 2009 from txt
8. 
   brianching @BTsports out of the hole. When u fall behind away its easier for the other team to gain confidence and forces us to take chances 04 Jun 2009 from txt

1. 
   BTsports @brianching Thanks for chat, I know you just arrived at team hotel. You picked a good day to come to Chicago. No palm trees, though. 04 Jun 2009 from web
2. 
   BTsports @brianching Good luck Saturday against Honduras. Atmosphere will be electric. 04 Jun 2009 from web

Pools and palm trees...many perks of playing pro soccer

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