For years, the closest way the average fan could get to know their favorite athletes was through coverage from sportscasters like Bob Costas and Al Michaels.
Thanks to Twitter.com — a Web site that allows people to let others know what they are doing by posting status updates called “tweets” — the media, athlete and fan are more connected than ever.
Next season, Long Beach State men’s basketball head coach Dan Monson and center Andrew Fleming plan to post Twitter updates, allowing fans to feel a closer bond to the program.
“Updating those during season, I think, is good,” Fleming said. “It gives everyone kind of an insight into what we actually do from day-to-day, and like it’s not like if I’m going on Facebook and I’m writing big long things to different people, I can just write.
“It’s kinda personal but at the same time everyone can see it,” he added. “And it’s quick, so in between games you’re not going to lose focus…I think social networking is really going to make a difference in sports, professional, college [and] everything.”
Fleming’s teammates feel the same way.
“I think it’s cool for our fans to find out what’s going on our [with] team during games and as long as it doesn’t affect us, I’m fine with that,” Arturas Lazdauskas said.
Sophomore guard Larry Anderson added that “it’s a good way for our fans to keep in touch [with our coach] on a personal level.”
News companies seem to have the same liking for the site that the LBSU basketball players have.
Companies like ESPN, Fox Sports and CBS Sports are constantly using Twitter as a tool for promoting breaking news and story updates. They even have uncovered story ideas through tweets.
For example, Minnesota Timberwolves power forward Kevin Love was the reason the media found out that his head coach, Kevin McHale, wouldn’t be returning next season.
Journalists from these news companies also have used quotes from athletes’ Twitter during their broadcasts and within articles.
And the athletes can use their tweets as a public relations tool because many media and fans are constantly viewing pro athlete Twitter pages.
“Congratualtions [sic] kobe, u deserve it,” Shaquille O’Neal wrote to his 1-million plus followers after the Lakers won the NBA title. “You played great . Enjoy it my man enjoy it. And I know what yur sayin rt now ‘Shaq how my ass taste.'”
Shaq’s quote was used during an ESPN broadcast and quoted in a Sports Illustrated article. Plus the publicity helped O’Neal by polishing his image after a public relations mishap – he was candidly filmed degrading Kobe Bryant during a rap at a nightclub.
Sports fans arguably have no reason to dislike the Twitter because they can communicate with their favorite athletes by commenting on athletes’ tweets – Chad Ochocinco asked his Twitter followers to help him figure out which iPhone applications to get, for example.
It’s been a win-win-win situation for the media, professional athletes, and fans so far.
So it’s only logical that Fleming and Monson follow suit. The tweeting, in all likelihood, could benefit the LBSU program immensely.
Follow Andrew Fleming on Twitter: @AFleming49
Follow Dan Monson on Twitter: @CoachDMonson