Breaking Tweets Sports

Featured Twitpic: Versus satellite truck before Penguins-Hurricanes Game in Pittsburgh

2009-05-18T21:10:00.001-07:00

"Versus truck 2mins before air!"
Twitpic posted by @nhltvgirl

Pittsburgh Penguins defeat Carolina Hurricanes in Game 1

2009-05-18T20:38:00.000-07:00

The Penguins weathered the storm Monday night against Carolina.

Per ESPN.com, the Pittsburgh Penguins defeated the Carolina Hurricanes 3-2 in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference Finals.

Despite not showing much life early in the playoffs, Penguins Philippe Boucher and Miroslav Satan made their first post-season goals on Monday. NHL's leading scorer in the playoffs, Sidney Crosby, who has accumulated 22 points, was limited to an assist. For the seventh consecutive game, Pittsburgh scored on a power play via Philippe Boucher.

"Watchin Game 1 Penguins in the Burg! FIGHTS!!!"
Twitpic posted by @tapoutpunkass

Joe Corvo and Chad LaRose made the Hurricanes' two goals of the night. Carolina has lost Game 1 in each series of the playoffs so far. The team lost Tuomo Ruutu and Erik Cole to unspecified injuries, and coach Paul Maurice did not say whether or not either would play in Game 2.

The Penguins and Hurricanes return to the ice for Game 2 on Thursday.

One Tweeter is hoping the Penguins can keep the championship teams in Pittsburgh:

jeffglancy A Penguins win and a Pirates win in DC. A good night for the 'Burgh.....Btw what a game by Fluery! 19 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

StallandDean Congrats to the Penguins, one sec there out of the playoff run, next min there looking at a possible confernce title... You gotta believe. 19 May 2009 from UberTwitter

JezebelleX Just watched Penguins win! I really hope the Penguins win this series, I would seriously debate hitting up a Stanley Cup final game.. 19 May 2009 from web

muskrat_john OK - here's the scenario: Steelers win the Super Bowl: DONE. Penguins win the Stanley Cup: on track. Pirates win the...in...nevermind... 19 May 2009 from Twitterrific

socnorb777 Penguins draw first blood...I hope this is a long series, because it was pretty entertaining hockey, I thought. 19 May 2009 from web

richprice81 Sleepin easy tonight. Penguins are 1-0 in the conference finals! 19 May 2009 from Twitterrific

After going 0-3 in Game 1 of the playoffs, Carolina isn't losing hope:

AlexBroadwell game 1 fail. #hurricanes 19 May 2009 from web

SeanWSG Come on Hurricanes... your bringing me down! Pull it together for Game 2! 19 May 2009 from web

Talon22 And the Cardiac Canes leave me with another heart attack. #nhl #hurricanes #stanleycup 19 May 2009 from TwitterFox

rsingh81 how to the pens keep winnin.. DAMN!!.. but the hurricanes came close no worries they'll get em nxt game 19 May 2009 from web

kaiseruncc hurricanes injuries worry me... night all 19 May 2009 from web

RyRy223 heading off to bed after watching the Hurricanes get whooped tonight. 19 May 2009 from web

Monday Night Football booth: Kornheiser out, Gruden in

2009-05-18T08:52:00.000-07:00

In a bit of a surprise announcement, Tony Kornheiser has stepped down as analyst on Monday Night Football. He'll be replaced by Jon Gruden, recently fired by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

The afraid-of-flying Kornheiser said in a statement he was concerned about the upcoming schedule, which he thought to be too grueling.

Gruden joins Ron Jaworski and Mike Turico in what should be a wildly entertaining broadcast.

Still no announcement yet on PTI's Twitter page, Kornheiser's television show, but Tweets are flying this morning about the news:

DerekPonamsky Jon Gruden on MNF is a great fit. I always thought of him as the next Madden with his Raiders lineage, here ya go. Perfect fit for TV booth. 18 May 2009 from web

levitynyc Tony Kornheiser is all class for the grace he is leaving the MNF booth with. 18 May 2009 from web

benliebman How can we lose TK for Gruden on the MNF booth. It's like going from the muppets to Howard the duck 18 May 2009 from Twitterrific

Eblack Hate to say it, because I love PTI, but I'm glad TK is off MNF. He was terrible, quite frankly. (no Stephen A Smith) 18 May 2009 from mobile web

That's the first 'Howard the Duck' reference in BTsports history, in case you were wondering. A few members of ESPN's family of analysts Tweet about the booth switch; all aboard the Chucky TV train:

mortreport I know Jon loves to coach but he will be a star in the booth. He will grind in TV prep and bring the personality. 18 May 2009 from web

jemelehill Gruden on MNF? Interesting. 18 May 2009 from web

Featured Twitpic: AT&T Park, home of the San Francisco Giants, on a sunny day

2009-05-17T19:55:00.001-07:00

"It really is just a beautiful day to see a baseball game. No matter how vas [bad] the teams are."
Twitpic posted by @dbertie

Game Log: Orlando Magic eliminate Boston Celtics 101-82 in Game 7

2009-05-17T16:41:00.000-07:00

It's elimination night in the NBA. Latest victim: The defending champions Boston Celtics.

Per the Boston Globe, the Magic defeated the Celtics 101-82 Sunday night at Boston to advance to the Eastern Conference Finals to play the Cleveland Cavaliers. The Los Angeles Lakers eliminated the Houston Rockets 89-70 to advance to the Western Conference Finals to play the Denver Nuggets. Both Game 7s today were decided by 19 points.

Not even the timeout cheers from the home crowd were enough to help the Celtics vault pass the Magic, who led most of the game: 27-17 at the end of the first, 45-38 at the half, and again after the third 66-61 despite a buzzer beater from Magic Rajon Rondo. J.J. Redick made Orlando's ninth three-pointer of the game in the third quarter, helping Orlando shoot at a 56 percent clip.

"Celtics game 7!"
Twitpic posted by @CentralSQ

Boston got off to a rocky start in the first quarter with five turnovers and only shooting at 39 percent. The Magic made 5 of 6 three-pointers and shot 72.7 percent from the floor to lead at the end of the period.

The Celtics made a few efforts to come back, including a 10-2 run in the first half and Ray Allen at 20 points at the start of the second. However, by the middle of the fourth quarter five Magic players were in double-figures, led by Hedo Turkoglu with 18 points, a playoff-career high. The Magic led by as much as 31 points with just over 6:00 left in the game. Boston closed the gap to 19 but ran out of time at the end.

"Let's go Celtics! 5:15 on the clock. They need to turn it UP!"
Twitpic posted by @glunardi

We've got Tweets from Boston back to Orlando:

G_Dubs_26 This is not boston celtics basketball... 18 May 2009 from Twitterrific

siractsalot777 celtics pull it within 5 at the end of the 3rd can they pull through and win......? 18 May 2009 from twhirl

jinzilla20 at Home: hoping the Celtics have another miracle comeback left in them... aw crap :( 18 May 2009 from Where.com

jbottle7 BTW Celtics are slacking, someone plz step it up!. 18 May 2009 from twidroid

mizzkim Can't even lie, Orlando deserved this one. They came out & played like they wanted to win, unlike my Celtics. So disappointed. Oh well... 18 May 2009 from web

chrisberez Bruins out. Revolution suck. Big Papi can't hit. Celtics' chances looking slim. Tyler Perry still making shows/movies. Kill me. #fb 18 May 2009 from TweetDeck

tethegreat so ii was wrong about the celtics! man what happened game 7 at home and the gettin they u kno what whooped 18 May 2009 from mobile web

BRL08 Oh Well Looks Like The CELTICS Are Done... Go Get Yours Lebron .. 18 May 2009 from web

vickeyvale ayo im so super upset...boston is losing...this aint rockin...cavs are definitely bout to give it to the magic... 18 May 2009 from web

Along with some other Magic fans, ex-Magic player Shaquille O'Neal had an I-told-you-so moment:

THE_REAL_SHAQ Orlandos gonna beat boston bye thirty tomorro, yup I said it,superman 2, bout to go to wrk,u heardat @paulpierce 17 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

MrPoloSwag Lakers advanced to western finals, now time for the Magic to advance to the eastern finals 18 May 2009 from web

missshakira Magic handled their business. Hope they're ready for Lebron 18 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

DawgCPA Can't believe the Magic are man-handing the Celtics! Gotta love it! BTW, Marv Albert is an idiot! Could he be a bigger Celtic apologist? 18 May 2009 from TweetDeck

Dflo224 Magic up 15 with 5 to go, if they blow this lead.....well ill just laugh bc neither one of these teams beating cleveland 18 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

sfgeek And the magic beat the defending champions by 19 points!!! 18 May 2009 from Tweetie

--------------------------------------------------------
At halftime, the Magic lead the Celtics 45-38.

Some commentary from the Orlando Sentinel:

orlandosports @dwighthoard shots are a little easier tan those 3s, dontcha think, Reggie? #Magic #Celtics trading buckets right now 18 May 2009 from TweetDeck

orlandosports I hate it when @dwighthoward puts that ball on the floor. If the #Celtics get wise, they'll slough down and swipe it every time #Magic by 5 18 May 2009 from TweetDeck

orlandosports @dwighthoward has four dunks and the #Magic seem to be finally waking up. It's not the zoo .. FEED THE ANIMAL 18 May 2009 from TweetDeck

orlandosports #Magic ball movement unlike anything we've seen from them in a while, maybe even back to the #philly series 18 May 2009 from TweetDeck

orlandosports that's right ... if he comes in there HAMMER him. If you're going to foul him, MAJKE IT HURT #Celtics kill the #Magic from the line 18 May 2009 from TweetDeck

"Ok I'm ready!!! Go Magic!!!"
Twitpic posted by @djchino102jamz

One Tweeter got a shot of Rajon Rondo:

"@celtics Game 7"
Twitpic posted by @lovelikejordan

Game comments from the Twitterverse:

Ricarius Celtics need stops or this is going to be a long night 18 May 2009 from web

Bizzle_HD Dwight Howard, pullin' a "Lions" there... [magic/celtics] 18 May 2009 from dabr

bstelton The Celtics should be down by 25 the way they have played so far...absolute garbage! 18 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

DJHerd Magic must stat down the stretch going thru Dwight Howard don't get caught in long shots, Celtics do great job with 4 in lane most of time! 18 May 2009 from Tweetie

LifeOnTheWagon it's like the Magic marched into the Garden dressed in riot gear with shields reading "submit," and the Celtics are kissing their boots 18 May 2009 from mobile web

liveguy Marbury still got that quick first step. #nba #celtics 18 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

Qbacca1974 Could the Celtics make it any more obvious that trey by Alston just totally deflated them? 18 May 2009 from web

kezcommunittee Hope Magic pulls a game 7 upset against the Celtics. 18 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

Swainy30 Magic take a good act into Game 7 leading Celtics at halftime... Orlando Magic 45 - Boston Celtics 38... Magic led by 14 at one point in 1st 18 May 2009 from web

--------------------------------------------------------

It's Sunday night and time for another Game 7!

The Lakers eliminated the Rockets earlier today, and now we'll see if the Boston Celtics or Orlando Magic will advance to play the Cleveland Cavaliers, who are perfect in post-season play.

Can Boston clinch Game 7 at home the way they did against the Chicago Bulls? Or do the Magic come onto Celtics' turf and eliminate the home team?

Twitpic posted by @karpaydm

The game begins tonight at 7 p.m. CT, but we've got some tweeting commentary already...

..in favor of the Celtics:

MattHobbsSports I'm calling it now. Celtics win game seven...only to later be pummeled into submission by Lebron & co. See you on the TV box tomorrow @6! 18 May 2009 from web

MarsMcFly Lets go Celtics!! I would rather have my Cavs play them then Orlando imo... 18 May 2009 from TweetDeck

celtsfan25 CELTICS GAMES STARTS NOW!!! CELTS ARE GONNA WIN!!! hopefully ray allen will get his shot back and Paul Pierce will take over! GO CELTICS!!! 18 May 2009 from web

angie_BBY celtics game is on, hella nervous. LETS GO C'S ! 18 May 2009 from mobile web

jtench About to watch the Celtics. Hope they can pull this off tonight! 18 May 2009 from web

buddymontalvo I hope the Celtics don't pull a Houston Rocket no show in their game 7. 18 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

..And going for the Magic:

DuvalRyda @MZTHYCKYTHYCK My dislike for the Celtics, my Florida blood, and my love for the Lakers are the reasons I'm goin for Orlando. 18 May 2009 from web in reply to MZTHYCKYTHYCK

CyphSB Lakers win + Celtics loss = Perfect day 18 May 2009 from txt

Jesslovesmusic workin on sales reports & watching the Magic destroy the Celtics. 18 May 2009 from mobile web

Miggs21 Celtics could be in for a long night ......but the world does want a Cleveland-Boston series......keep that in mind 18 May 2009 from Tweetie

chrisfreeman Celtics will not win tonight. just saying. 18 May 2009 from web

BGillens @NBATV I got the Magic winning in a close one. 18 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

bklynstar GO MAGIC. !!!!!!!!!!! But honestly how good would it be at the end it was melo and lebron or dwight and kobe or kobe and lebron!!!!!!!!!!!! 18 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

Red Wings outlast Blackhawks to take 1-0 Western Conference Finals lead

2009-05-17T14:19:00.000-07:00

Two Original Six teams meeting in the Western Conference Finals is a special occurrence. But when those two teams happen to be the Detroit Red Wings and the Chicago Blackhawks, consider it a bonus, especially since these bitter rivals have not met this late in the season since 1995.

Those at the game or at home watching could not have asked for a more physical, fast-paced game than what was offered as the Sunday matinee in Detroit. The Red Wings won 5-2, per the Detroit Free Press, taking a 1-0 lead in the battle -- er, series.

The visiting Hawks got on the board early with a backhanded goal by Adam Burish early in the first, but the Red Wings didn't wait long as Daniel Cleary tied it up 3 minutes later with a wrister.

The veteran-laden Wings proved to be too much, opening up the game with three unanswered goals in the third period punctuated by Henrik Zetterberg's empty-netter with under a minute to play.

Red Wings fans in Detroit Tweeted and rejoiced in their team's "dominating" performance:

madcrayons Blackhawk DOWN! GO WINGS! #redwings 17 May 2009 from web

Insanitiki Empty Net Goal! This GAME IS OVER!!!! WOOT! #redwings 17 May 2009 from TweetDeck

zaldor Way to go Red Wings! They win game 1 of round 3 of Stanley Cup playoffs! 17 May 2009 from Twitterrific

TomLeyden 7 Wins to Go: Red Wings take Game One of the Western Finals 5-2. Dan Cleary, Chris Osgood and Johan Franzen my three stars. 17 May 2009 from web

iChilly REDWINGS DOMINATE the blackhawks!!! 17 May 2009 from TweetDeck

Those in Chicago were disappointed in their team's loss (as well the Cubs and White Sox), but have hope going forward. At least their Tweets said so:

praying4ariot Ah well blackhawks played good...detroit was a little better...there are still more games it is best of 7 after all 17 May 2009 from txt

MAmatz The blackhawks just broke my heart :( we are dead, so close. What is wrong with Chicago sports? 17 May 2009 from web

MCapp22 Cubs, White Sox and Blackhawks all lost today. Not a good day for Chicago sports teams. : ( 17 May 2009 from web

pinsuda Sad... #RedWings beat up the #BlackHawks with a final score of 5-2.. We'll just have to get them in the next game! 17 May 2009 from TweetDeck

klyph oh well, it's only 1 game. Right, #blackhawks? Next game get some more offensive pressure, mmmkay? 17 May 2009 from TweetDeck

Blackhawks radio analyst Troy Murray (@muzz19) Tweeted his thoughts throughout the game from Joe Louis Arena.

muzz19 At Joe Lewis! 17 May 2009 from txt

muzz19 Players coming out for warm ups. . .lots of BHawk fans. 17 May 2009 from txt

muzz19 Lets get ready to rumble!. . Game on! 17 May 2009 from txt

muzz19 Good first 20 mins. . Burish line had lots of energy. Best line for Hawks! 17 May 2009 from txt

muzz19 Khabby very good period. Too many mistakes in critical areas but only down by 1. 17 May 2009 from txt

Despite the loss, one Blackhawks fan (@stevewsop) had the opportunity to meet Blackhawks owner Rocky Wirtz, the man credited with building the storied franchise up again.

The series continues Tuesday night in Detroit at 7:30 EST. Buckle up!

Lakers Easily Put Away Rockets

2009-05-17T13:17:00.000-07:00

What a difference a game makes.

The Los Angeles Lakers wasted no time putting the hammer down on the Houston Rockets in Game 7, winning 89-70 and moving on to face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference Finals.

Kobe Bryant had a quiet 14 points in just 33 minutes, and it was his supporting cast that stepped up in this do-or-die situation. Pau Gasol had a monster game (after his critics said he couldn't play in big games), scoring 21 points and grabbing 18 rebounds. Trevor Ariza scored 15 and Andrew Bynum had 14 for the Lakers.

No one was really able to get it going for the Rockets, whose leading scorer was Aaron Brooks with 13 points. Only two other Rockets scored in double digits. Ron Artest and Shane Battier combined for 10 points.

While Lakers fans (and basketball fans) were happy with the win, many did not have the same calm mentality that Phil Jackson had during this series:

CornerEyeCrush At the Shack... Lakers won thank goddddddd!!!! 17 May 2009 from TwitterFon

soopasims the lakers looked good today. Lets see how they fair against Denver. 17 May 2009 from mobile web

DJSliick Hey I'm only Goin For The Lakers Cuz I wanna See Kobe an lebron heavy weight match 17 May 2009 from mobile web

mychalbarr Rockets put in work this series though. Made all the Lakers and fans realize were not just gonna roll. People will play us tough 17 May 2009 from mobile web

Rockets fans were not too upset with the loss, especially because the team was without Tracy McGrady and Yao Ming. The fans have good feelings about next year.

Casper1983 So the Rockets lost... so what..... they made it past the first round... thats all we can ask from them.. they are still a young team.. 17 May 2009 from web

RedenCanlas Good season for the rockets...if yao stays healthy we have a chance for a championship in 2010 17 May 2009 from txt

W_Eagles45 Rockets lost, but that's alright...The LA Kobes won't get past the Nuggets anyways... 17 May 2009 from txt

joellopez What a season the Rockets had! I'm proud to be a Rockets fan! Just wait until next year! 17 May 2009 from twitterfeed

Federer finally beats Nadal on clay

2009-05-17T09:57:00.000-07:00

It's not exactly "back to the drawing board" for tennis star Rafael Nadal, after he lost 6-4, 6-4 to No. 1 Roger Federer in the final of the Madrid Open, but it does signal that Federer will not keel over and die when they play in the upcoming French Open-- the one tournament Federer has not won.

Per ESPN, the Spaniard Nadal's 33-match winning streak on clay was snapped in the process as Federer also ended a five-match losing streak to his rival.

Pro-Swiss tweeters are heralding the victory:

formentipaolo Well done Roger Federer, classic straight set win over Rafael (not the turtle) Nadal, a new era of Borg Vs McEnroe upon us! 17 May 2009 from web

abhinayverma Roger Federer beat Nadal in a final for the first time in two years. Seems its time for the Return of the King !!! 17 May 2009 from web

van_l federer > nadal... finally! 17 May 2009 from web

The tweets coming from Rafa's camp were far less positive:

lauriegforce Darn. I really wanted Rafael Nadal to win. 17 May 2009 from web

NikkiDai Federer beats a tired Rafa, not quite 100% - this is a big deal? Fed will be crying again in Paris. 17 May 2009 from web

iceydefeat Wow, just saw the recap of the Roger and Rafael tennis match. That was sad on Nadal's part. 17 May 2009 from web

radosko @mckaycnn Rafa was mentally and physically tired after 4 hours yesterday. Roger had an easy draw with Americans who are bad on clay. 17 May 2009 from web in reply to mckaycnn

One lucky tennis Twitterer captured this pic during the tournament:

(Twitpic by @bossanova)

LSU No. 1 seed in conference tourney with share of SEC crown

2009-05-17T05:14:00.000-07:00

Not even a one hour, 57-minute weather delay Saturday could stop LSU's momentum.

Per NOLA.com, for the first time since 2003, the No. 2 LSU Tigers won the SEC conference. Ole Miss, who also has a 20-10 record, shares a piece of the conference crown, but the Tigers will have the No. 1 seed in the SEC Tournament since they hold the tiebreaker over the Rebels.

The conference title is LSU's 14th overall, tying Alabama for the most in SEC history.

[For video highlights of the game, visit The Advocate of Baton Rouge]

Going 5-for-6 Saturday, LSU left fielder Leon Landry helped lead his Tigers to a 15-4 win over the Bulldogs with his three home runs and seven RBIs. Also scoring for the Tigers were Ryan Schimpf's two-run double and Blake Dean's three-run homer. Adding another five runs in the eigth was right fielder Jared Mitchell with an RBI-triple, and second baseman DJ LeMahieu drove in Mitchell with a sacrfice fly.

Pitcher Nolan Cain, who relieved Austin Ross after the weather delay, only allowed three runs and five hits in his three innings.

The SEC tournament begins on Wednesday in Hoover, Ala.

ptl1906 lsu baseball sec champs (ole miss doesn't count....lol)...http://bit.ly/2BuGB 17 May 2009 from web

UKBIGBLUENATION Congrats LSU & Ole Miss - SECTalk Forums: Congrats UGA, GatorBait15, SEC Basketball Talk, 1, 03-16-2008 07:1.. http://bit.ly/89K4i 17 May 2009 from twitterfeed

elizabeth_ah Woohoo! RT @LSUsports: Final score: LSU 15, Miss. State 4. Tigers are SEC champs and will be the No. 1 seed in the conference tournament. 17 May 2009 from TwitterFon

jccminden Congrats LSU... SEC champions in baseball and basketball. 17 May 2009 from web

MartaR73 Congrats LSU baseball team SEC Champs! Now for the second season and (hopefully) a trip to Omaha for the College World Series! 17 May 2009 from web

olmec26 Good day today - LSU baseball is SEC champs, LSU softball is in the Regional Final, and the Sox won - now, 3 hours of Survivor! 17 May 2009 from web

Featured Twitpic - Tigers claim top spot in AL Central

2009-05-16T19:43:00.000-07:00

Detroit hammered Oakland 9-1, powered by Ryan Burwell's three-run blast in the fifth inning. The win gave the Tigers sole possession of first place in the division.

Following Burwell's bomb, @armybrat485 loaded this twitpic of the celebration from Comerica Park.

"Home run #Tigers! Ryan Burwell with a 3-run bomb."

Rachel Alexandra wins Preakness Stakes

2009-05-16T15:18:00.000-07:00

In a thrilling finish, Rachel Alexandra held off Kentucky Derby winner Mine That Bird to win the Preakness Stakes, according to the BloodHorse.

Becoming the first filly to win the Preakness since 1924, Rachel Alexandra ran a time of 1:55.08, just over a length ahead of Mine That Bird.

Rachel Alexandra won the Kentucky Oaks two weeks ago, was sold in a multimillion dollar deal and then entered in the Preakness by new new owner. No one was more confident in her than regular rider Calvin Borel, who jumped off Mine That Bird to ride her.

Fans expressed their excitement about the filly's win on Twitter.

4cast4you What a good horse race! I think if the Preakness was as long as the Kentucky Derby, we'd be talking about triple crown chances right now. 16 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

ynotkissme #Preakness Boy, that was an exciting race! I think it has all 2 do with the jockey! My horse came in 3rd so glad I didn't bet for real 2 win 16 May 2009 from TwitterFon

kenkobel wow, great Preakness. I hope a lot of non-horse racing fans got to see that race and realize how great the sport is. 16 May 2009 from web

gregzimmerman Wow! Great Preakness run! Too bad for Mine That Bird but great run for Rachel Alexandra! 16 May 2009 from TweetDeck

ctgirl4life Woohoo!! Rachel Alexandra wins the Preakness! And who said the girls can't run with the boys?! :o) 16 May 2009 from web

klwurth Just watched Rachel Alexandra win the Preakness. Way to run like a girl! 16 May 2009 from Spaz

agardina Rachel Alexandra wins the Preakness! And to think, race officials said "only women" would bet on her. Guess they were a little off! 16 May 2009 from Seesmic Desktop

anisahmichael Philly "Rachel Alexandra" beats Kentucky Derby winner "Mine That Bird" and the rest of the boys in the Preakness Stakes! Good girl! 16 May 2009 from Twitterrific

"#Preakness winner Rachel Alexandra." (Posted by @EDXD2 on May 16, 2009.)

Video of the race, provided by the user partymanners on YouTube.

Rockets gut out stunning victory over Lakers in Game 6

2009-05-14T20:45:00.000-07:00

The Tin Man. The Grinch. Ebeneezer Scrooge. Kanye West's boo.

Heartless.

The complete opposite of the Yao Ming-less Houston Rockets after they stunned the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 6 of their Western Conference second-round series, 93-80, per the Houston Chronicle, on Thursday night at the Toyota Center.

Up next a decisive Game 7 (seems to be a postseason theme) back in L.A. -- a game the Lakers never wanted to see.

Point guard Aaron Brooks again played like a veteran, scoring 26 points for the Rockets. Luis Scola had 24 points for a Houston team which held the Lakers to just 13 points in the fourth quarter and turned the ball over only once on offense in the final period.

Houstonians were ecstatic, even making others believers:

nesajo that doggone landry of the houston rockets working 4 his paycheck! kobe has a blank look... lakers who, what, where? 15 May 2009 from web

HoustonPress RT @JRCohen I am getting Houston shaved onto the side of my head, like Artest. #Rockets #Domination #WorldChamps 15 May 2009 from web

ByronicB Congrats to my houston rockets for holding it down without Tracy mcgrady and Yao Ming !! Clutch city baby!!! 15 May 2009 from Twitterena

tmoguel No superstars, no problem. WE HAVE A SUPERSTAR TEAM! GO HOUSTON ROCKETS! 15 May 2009 from TwitterFox

JJaneBB I don't usually love on the Houston Rockets (I'm a Spurs chick), but today I do. Lovelovelovelove! 15 May 2009 from web

MawiWowie Houston Rockets=lunch bucket team of the NBA...no stars, just hardwork! Looks like it's going back to LA for Game 7 15 May 2009 from web

josefhiggins I'm surprisedQ! After the last game I peg H-Town to lose. Go Houston Rockets!!! I will never doubt you all again. Im sorry. 15 May 2009 from web

Time to play the blame game SoCal-style:

chargersgrl85 @kaj33 where's the fire! Lakers need offensive boards! Kareem suit up! We need you on the floor!! 15 May 2009 from TwitterFon in reply to kaj33

vipTC The lakers are just plain embarrassing 15 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

GPWriter 77 points?!!!!! What a pathetic offensive performance by lakers
Will they blow game 7 at home?
Laker nation in shambles #lakers #nba 15 May 2009 from TwitterFon

DarrylHooper The Lakers look stunned...they just can't believe someone is giving it to them. 15 May 2009 from web

jkrums It is Kobe's fault... The lakers don't deserve the championship.. The guys are not hungry.. 15 May 2009 from Tweetie

ThugRockStar How do the Lakers have this tough of a time with a HOU team missing T-Mac and Yao. They ain't gonna beat the Nuggets. 15 May 2009 from PockeTwit

FranDamme I'm in a BAD MOOD.. Rick Adelman's teams always give the Lakers trouble- Blazers, Kings, and now the Rockets 15 May 2009 from web

The Rockets never say die attitude carried over to their fans who were even a little cocky:

(Twitpic by @mdrewgo)

Featured TwitPic: Magic dispel Celtics, force Game 7

2009-05-14T20:41:00.000-07:00

You can't get to Game 7 without Game 6. And for the Magic, who are 0-5 as a franchise when facing elimination, they needed all the tricks they could get to live another day.

Despite some unprecedented finger-pointing after a Game 5 defeat, the wizardry of Dwight Howard's 23 points and 22 rebounds pushed the series back to Boston after a 83-75 Game 6 victory, per ESPN.com.

After Rashard Lewis' driving layup that bumped the Magic's lead to 5, 72-67, with 6:34 left to play in the 4th quarter, @haleyFNdennis snapped this TwitPic during the ensuing timeout:

"Magic up by 5 with 6:34 left in the 4th! This game is out of control! I'm so fired up! I love these games."

Game 7 will be Sunday night at 7pm. Buckle up!

A Hurricane Blows Through Boston

2009-05-14T20:03:00.000-07:00

Is there anything more compelling in sports that Game 7's? Hockey fans are fortunate to be handed two do-or-die games Thursday night. First, Detroit dispatched of those pesky Anaheim Ducks to advance to the Western Conference Finals. A few hours after that game ended, the Carolina Hurricanes knocked off the Boston Bruins 3-2 in overtime.

Carolina has now won four straight Game 7's and six straight playoff series. How's that for resilience?

Boston's a city of winners these days, so you have to believe the Bruins are sick of watching the Celtics and Red Sox flash championship rings around Kendall Square. They'll have to endure it for at least one more summer.

Next up for Carolina are Sidney Crosby and the Pittsburgh Penguins.

The Tweets are blowing in not only about this Hurricane on ice but about a bad night in Beantown:

mike_little #hurricanes can't believe i just yelled at a hockey game. woke up the house. 15 May 2009 from PeopleBrowsr

englishinvader The silence in Boston is deafening. Woop. #hurricanes 15 May 2009 from Seesmic Desktop

HockeyTweeter Not a good night in Boston: Red Sox = fail; Celtics = fail; Bruins = fail; Revolution = dnp. #canes #hurricanes #bruins #nhl #stanleycup 15 May 2009 from web

macknuttie Not that cool to be in Boston for the first time and have the Red Sox, Celtics and Bruins lose in the same night. Sorry Boston! 15 May 2009 from txt

Sure, Carolina is a nice story, but there is nothing more entertaining that despondent Boston sports fans. As the above Tweet noted, first the Celtics, then the Red Sox, now the Bruins, all losers in one night. Safe to say there are a few teary-eyed seaman crying in their Samuel Adams somewhere in the South End tonight:

JoeSaccomanno WTF!?!??! THE BRUINS LOST!!! 15 May 2009 from txt

AnnMarieBP Ouch...painful finish for the Bruins...well, at least 'Boston' is still a great band! ;) 15 May 2009 from TweetDeck

gfmorris The Bruins always break my heart. 15 May 2009 from Twitterrific

iandrinkwater For those looking for company on the Tobin bridge, I'm the guy screaming "I thought you wanted it" in his underwear. #bruins 15 May 2009 from web

Red Wings defeat Ducks 4-3 to advance in NHL playoffs

2009-05-14T17:58:00.000-07:00

After several long months of economic turmoil in the Motor City, Detroit has something to be happy about tonight.

Per the Detriot Free Press, the Detriot Red Wings defeated the Anaheim Ducks 4-3 Thursday night to in Game 7, winning the series and advancing to the next round in the NHL playoffs.

Wings had the puck for most of the first two periods and it showed by scoring three goals. Detroit's Jiri Hudler made the first goal of the night at 4:17 in the first period, followed by another Red Wings goal by Darren Helm at the beginning of the second.

Twitpic posted by @XAlien88

Anaheim's Teemu Selanne put the Ducks on the score board, but Mikael Samuelsson's answered back to put the Wings up 3-1.

However, Anaheim wasn't down for the count. Corey Perry scored a little over a minute later, and Bobby Ryan's goal tied the game at 3-3. Detroit fought back with 3:00 left in the third to go up 4-3 on Anaheim via a Daniel Perry goal and win the game.

The Red Wings now face the Chicago Blackhawks in the Western Conference Finals.

As expected, we've got some excited Red Wings fans and some disappointed Anaheim fans tweeting their thoughts after the game:

gmbrown YES!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! RED WINGS SCORE!!! 4-3!!!! 15 May 2009 from TwitterFox

lindydreyer W00t! That's how we do it in the D! #redwings #hockeytown 15 May 2009 from Tweetie

jburgee CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! CLEARY! #redwings 15 May 2009 from TweetDeck

starletta8 Gwen Stefani, Detroit? Nothing says we're tough like that goal music. #redwings 15 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

KSom Oh man, I can't even imagine what the JLA is like right now...it sounds amazing over the TV!! #redwings 15 May 2009 from web

kennedyg looks like that #detroit #redwings jersey might still have some use this spring... 15 May 2009 from web

azgreenday Dang. The Red Wings must be God's way of apologizing for making people live in Detroit. 15 May 2009 from mobile web

seanlackey Really dislikes the Detroit Red Wings 15 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

mjwiles19 Does anyone else wonder if these games are fixed? Why did the Ducks just watch the Wings score there? They didn't move... 15 May 2009 from web

MrinfluXion Ducks season is over... :(. Raiding... 15 May 2009 from TweetDeck

JakeJNelson #Jonas #Hiller played real good in net for the #Ducks ... should be interesting on he plays from here on out 15 May 2009 from Power Twitter

prstreiber Detroit v. Chicago in the Western Conf. Finals -- THAT is some old time hockey! Still pleased the Ducks beat the SJ Fish. 15 May 2009 from web

kerrywall This would be an excellent time for the Ducks to pull out the Flying V. Quack! (Come on, you're thinking it too.) 15 May 2009 from web

Bam86 Damn. Nice try ducks. 15 May 2009 from txt

SKeleven I'm proud of my Ducks. 15 May 2009 from TwitterFon

Pete Rose Believes A-Rod Is Still A Hall Of Famer

2009-05-14T13:47:00.000-07:00

Pete Rose, Major League Baseball's all-time hits leader, said he believed Alex Rodriguez deserved a second chance, and that he should still be eligible for the Hall of Fame.

Rose, who has been banned from MLB since 1989 for gambling on games while managing the Cincinnati Reds, has often spoke out against steroids harshly. But said different in an interview with the Dan Patrick Show today.

"When you take steroids you have a direct outcome of the game," Rose said. "That's the integrity of the game. And when you can change records when you do something illegal, it's just not right. ... Baseball records are sacred. If you do something illegal to surpass those records, it's just not good."

He later went on to say that steroid use is worse than someone such as himself betting on his own team to win.

The Tweets are in and people are more annoyed than anything.

joshhighreal Pete rose says arod is still hof'er. I say nobody cares what you think. 14 May 2009 from txt

CoreyCostelloe Oh and Pete Rose is coming to A Rod's Defense? That's like OJ Simpson saying Michael Vick deserves a second chance. Thnx but no thnx. 14 May 2009 from web

nedfetterhoff @KSom That is hilarious. You know when Pete Rose is backing you everything is going to be A-O-K! 14 May 2009 from web in reply to KSom

nikrichie http://twitpic.com/560i1 - Pete Rose is a bum... all day everday. 14 May 2009 from TwitPic

notalentclown A-Rod to Pete Rose: OK, just stop helping me. http://bit.ly/HE8EV 14 May 2009 from web

SKIP_BAYLESS SO PETE ROSE SAYS AROD DESERVES TO BE IN THE HOF? THAT'S LIKE CHARLES MANSON TELLING THE POLICE THAT MIKE VICK SHOULD BE LET OUT OF PRISON 14 May 2009 from web

fbihop Pete Rose says A-Rod should be a hall of famer? I don't think that's the guy you need on your side... 14 May 2009 from TwitterFox

MarkGoren Headline: "Pete Rose says Alex Rodriguez deserves to be in Hall Of Fame." I'm sure A-Rod thanks you, Charlie Hustler. 14 May 2009 from TweetDeck

Boston College linebacker diagnosed with cancer

2009-05-14T11:37:00.000-07:00

ESPN.com announced that the ACC's Defensive Player of the Year, Boston College linebacker Mark Herzlich, announced today that he was diagnosed wtih cancer.

The BC senior has Ewing's Sarcoma, a tumor often found in bone or soft tissue.

Herzlich released a statement that he was focusing on his senior season for the Eagles when he was "shocked" by the news but is determined to face his "toughest opponent yet."

"When people think of Mark Herzlich, they think of a fearless individual who is always ready to take on a tough opponent. His integrity, determination and focus are unmatched. I know he will face this challenge with that same attitude," BC coach Frank Spaziani said, per ESPN.

Last season Herzlich was a finalist for the Butkus Award, which is given to the nation's top linebacker. He had 110 tackles, six interceptions, two forced fumbles and two fumble recoveries for the Eagles.

Many are offering their thoughts and prayers through Twitter for Herzlich:

MHsports Get well soon Mark Herzlich
http://bit.ly/F9Rg8 14 May 2009 from web

schadjoe Devastating news. BC All American Mark Herzlich has Ewings Sarcoma, a soft tissue cancer. Pray for Mark. 14 May 2009 from txt

MonsterSeats Saying a pray for BC linebacker Mark Herzlich, who is now battling cancer. Terrible situation. 14 May 2009 from web

dice_j bc eagles fans: pray for mark herzlich... 14 May 2009 from web

BostonCollege All good wishes to BC linebacker Mark Herzlich, diagnosed with cancer: http://bit.ly/HM85v 14 May 2009 from web

billg Our thoughts & prayers are with BC linebacker Mark Herzlich - diagnosed with cancer - http://bit.ly/5jjLk 14 May 2009 from TweetDeck

BREBERGG If I were cancer I'd b scared shitless of mark herzlich. Wishing him all the best.. 14 May 2009 from TwitterFon

Larry_Jensen Boston College's Mark Herzlich was diagnosed with cancer. He was the ACC' Defensive Player of the Year. Poor kid, I sure hope he beats it. 14 May 2009 from TweetDeck

Paulus chooses to play for Syracuse

2009-05-14T10:34:00.000-07:00

Duke point-guard Greg Paulus clicked his heels together Thursday morning, said "There's no place like home" and *poof* he was there.

Per the Kansas City Star, Paulus chose to head to Syracuse to play college football, scorning Michigan and Nebraska to be back in the state where he became the Gatorade National High School Player of the Year at Manlius Christian Brothers Academy in 2005.

Paulus was considered by many pundits to be the best high school quarterback they had ever seen.

Since Paulus did not redshirt while at Duke, he held one year of eligibility in another sport and will fill an immediate need for the Orange.

How do New York tweeters feel?

aLINEofCOCJIN Greg Paulus is now the QB for Syracuse. I'm a fan of his now. What does that say about my feelings towards Duke? 14 May 2009 from web

xnareshx Greg Paulus gets me excited for Syracuse football! And he'll find himself on ESPN with his Newhouse education down the road!!! 14 May 2009 from web

TheRyanTolley Whether the experiment works or not it's good to see that Greg Paulus will be playing football for Syracuse University - http://bit.ly/har6z 14 May 2009 from web

jcarlin Yeah! I'd ask if it helps or hurts us, but we've got nowhere to go but up! RT @RobStronach: Greg Paulus chooses to play FB at Syracuse. 14 May 2009 from TweetDeck

GrantRyanL @PTIShow Over/Under five games won for Syracuse Football this season with Greg Paulus under center. 14 May 2009 from web in reply to PTIShow

joshmorrissey Greg Paulus officially coming to play for Syracuse....can't hurt right? 14 May 2009 from web

Here's some Twitpinions from the other schools:

CalvinNelson Soooo...Former Duke PG Greg Paulus says he will play QB for Syracuse in 09?? Still think Michigan would be a better fit. We'll see... 14 May 2009 from TwitterFon

roseman13 Greg Paulus officially announced he's playing football for Syracuse! Michigan gets shafted again! hahaha 14 May 2009 from web

GregJNelson I am glad Greg Paulus is going to Syracuse...it would have been a big distraction for Nebraska...cant wait for fall! 14 May 2009 from web

schwartzy Link: Dear Greg Paulus - Michigan rejected you and YOU ARE STILL A PUNK. I hope you get sacked a lot. Hearts! http://tumblr.com/x8l1s5y4w 14 May 2009 from Tumblr

MLS opens up fan voting for All-Stars game online

2009-05-14T09:45:00.000-07:00

Major League Soccer fans can now rock the vote.

Per the Seattle Times, MLS opened up voting to fans yesterday to elect the best players for the MLS 2009 All-Star game. The 14th annual match-up will pit the best of the MLS against English Premier League club Everton FC. This year's game is the sixth time MLS All-Stars played a high-profile international team in the All-Star game.

"Here is a pic from the Columbus Crew KC Wizards game last night #MLS"
Twitpic posted by @UCBearcats on May 10

Soccer fans will comprise 25 percent of the vote on the 11 players making up the team by selecting one goalkeeper, three defenders, five midfielders, and two forwards. Coaches and general managers, players, and media each hold 25 percent of the vote too.

Fans can vote up to 10 times per day on the League's official site, www.MLSnet.com, until July 6. MLS will announce the All-Star First XI team on July 16.

Soccer fans in the Twitterverse are already on campaigning for their favorite players:

GarMar88 Also, get out da vote 4 da @LAGalaxy in da MLS All-Star game. Votin is now available online so vote 4 da Blu and Gold!!! 13 May 2009 from txt

SLU_Billikens Vote for former Billiken men's soccer players Brian McBride, Jack Jewsbury, and Brad Davis to represent the MLS in the all-star game. ... 13 May 2009 from Ping.fm

UWSportsNews Vote for former UW soccer standout George John for MLS All-Star! http://tinyurl.com/qarvtl 13 May 2009 from web

intemporal wow... MLB All Star voting allows 25 votes per person, MLS All Star voting allows 10 votes per person *per day* http://snipr.com/hz0xl 13 May 2009 from digsby

jcsalas08 Vote for @UCSBgauchos Pontius from @dcunited and Avila from FCD for the MLS All Star Game. http://tiny.cc/bPNec 14 May 2009 from web

cheleguanaco MLS All Star voting now open: http://tinyurl.com/oe5z9a #mls #soccer My vote inc: #nagamura #thornton #osvaldo #ljunberg #donovan 14 May 2009 from web

cheleguanaco MLS All Star voting now open: http://tinyurl.com/oe5z9a #mls #soccer My vote inc: #nagamura #thornton #osvaldo #ljunberg #donovan 14 May 2009 from web

IUMensSoccer MLS All-Star voting open. Garcia, O'Rourke, Kovalenko and Klein all on the ballot: http://tinyurl.com/oe5z9a 14 May 2009 from web

And the MLS world is making sure you remember to vote:

MLS_Insider ROCK THE VOTE: The polls are open. Vote now for your MLS All-Star team: http://bit.ly/WYfcp 13 May 2009 from Seesmic Desktop

RSLSoccerPod ROCK THE VOTE: The polls are open. Vote now for your MLS All-Star team: http://bit.ly/WYfcp (via @TimHaslam @MLS_Insider) 13 May 2009 from web

soundersfc Fans can vote for the MLS All-Star team 10 times a day. So make sure to vote each day. 13 May 2009 from twhirl

LAGalaxy MLS All-Star Voting Is Open!! Vote 4 Favorite LA Galaxy Players: http://tr.im/lgNF 13 May 2009 from Seesmic Desktop

Denver takes series over Dallas in Game 5 amid record crowd

2009-05-13T20:06:00.000-07:00

Denver is certainly a mile high tonight.

Per the Dallas Morning News, the Denver Nuggets closed out the series with the Dallas Mavericks 124-110 at home in Game 5 of the Western Conference Semifinals amid the largest crowd ever at Denver's Pepsi Center. The Nuggets advance to the conference finals for the first time since 1985.

Dirk Nowitzki had a slow start for the Mavericks, only attempting one shot in the first seven minutes of the game, but the entire Dallas squad couldn't hold off Denver. The Nuggets out shot Dallas 67 percent to 53 percent along with allowing an 18-4 run in the first quarter

The Mavs looked like they got a second wind by opening the fourth quarter with a 13-3 run but it didn't take long for the Nuggets to squash that by putting up a 14-point deficit and a 10-4 run.

Twitpic posted by @philzajicek

Tonight's win was a gold mine for Denver fans, some speculating on who they'll play next:

Ovzback It looks like the Nuggets are ready 2 come play at the Staples Center! 14 May 2009 from mobile web

ExecOfDaYear What a three point shot by Billups even though it did not count! The Nuggets got this game locked down. 14 May 2009 from mobile web

BlackPegasus The nuggets are killing it. I am at this sports bar in denver. Its crazy packed 14 May 2009 from txt

Stax_23 Nuggets got this. Lakers here we come! 14 May 2009 from TinyTwitter

thedust The Nuggets are dominating. My new favorite team (since the Hawks were eliminated). Why? Hate the Lakers, Celtics and Cavs (bitter). 14 May 2009 from web

EUR0X the nuggets are the best 3 point shooting team in the playoffs 14 May 2009 from web

nparikh27 Nuggets vs Cavs in the finals....Nuggets win..debate over...Melo >> Lebron 14 May 2009 from web

Meanwhile, back at the ranch, Dallas fans are putting their team's season in its final resting place:

klierman25 seriously give me 1 month with the mavs players and i would have them playing the best defense of the NBA 14 May 2009 from web

Guiseppe21 Rest in piece Mavs 14 May 2009 from txt

djfireman RIP Dallas Mavs its over. 14 May 2009 from TweetDeck

tayfab Lets play a drinking game....drink every time the Mavs miss a shot. At this rate, I should be passed out in 15 minutes. 14 May 2009 from web

alextanPR another Dallas sports team disappoints me again. #fail #mavs #cowboys #stars #rangers 14 May 2009 from TweetDeck

Jim_oreilly no matter what happens in the 4th quarter the mavs have had a great year and are closer than farther to becoming elite again.. 14 May 2009 from web

Penguins advance with blowout win over Capitals in Game 7

2009-05-13T17:16:00.000-07:00

Home ice and Alexander Ovechkin be damned, the Pittsburgh Penguins and Sidney Crosby are taking their ice capades to another East Coast city.

The Penguins ran out to a 5-0 lead over the Washington Capitals in the second period on the way to a 6-2 victory, per ESPN, advancing to the Eastern Conference Finals against the winner of the Boston Bruins- Carolina Hurricanes series (also heading to a Game 7).

Crosby scored the first goal for the Pens, and was followed just by eight seconds later by Craig Adams.

Bill Guerin, Kris Letang, and Jordan Staal were the other goal-scorers. Crosby scored again in the third period, eliminating any thoughts of a Washington comeback.

Steel City Twitterers enjoyed the surprising outcome:

chrislovett To some #Caps fans - This is what you deserve for your hate and jealousy of Sidney Crosby. (via @penschat) 14 May 2009 from Tweetie

Chris__Fink oh, hello Washington Senator. what's that? u're choking? on your own teeth that the pittsburgh penguins kicked down your throat. aw. pity 14 May 2009 from web

hellohahanarf This Pittsburgh Penguins hockey game just might be the thing to help make me feel like not crying. GO PENS! 14 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

swiftyjim Hockey's big chance to get back on the radar and it's Penguins 5, Caps 0. Doh! 14 May 2009 from web

blue182skies @ChiBlackhawks Whatever it is that has happened to the Caps, I am thoroughly enjoying it! GO PENS! =) 14 May 2009 from twhirl

pmazur Penguins killing the Craps in the playoffs...it's just like the old days 14 May 2009 from web

Ovechkin scored a goal as did Brooks Laich, but Caps fans had nothing cheer about:

tmccool Ovechkin is a sad russian 14 May 2009 from txt

Rhodes21 I'm confused, I see Ovechkin but I thought the season finale of The Biggest Loser was last night?!?! 14 May 2009 from web

kweennikki If the caps lose tonight i think Ovechkin is gonna throw a molotov cocktail in the locker room and kill his whole team 14 May 2009 from txt

carldunniii If anyone has seen the Real Washington Capitals please send them to the Verizon Center!!! #washcaps 14 May 2009 from Tweetie

Truth_About_It I don't think Osama Bin Laden could have scripted are more disastrous start to this Washington Capitals - Pitt Penguins hockey game. 14 May 2009 from web

One Tweeter captured this shot of Ovechkin during the second period:

(Twitpic by @tylerabramfitch)

Derby winner Barbaro's brother earns first win

2009-05-13T16:11:00.000-07:00

Nicanor, a full brother to the late Barbaro, earned the first win of his career Wednesday, leading wire-to-wire to win on the turf at Delaware Park, according to the Blood Horse.

Nicanor got his first win in his first start on the grass. In three prior races, he'd finished second twice. The 3-year-old colt led throughout under jockey Rosie Napravnik, drawing clear down the stretch to win by about 15 lengths according to the article.

Barbaro began his career on grass as a 2-year-old but later switched to the dirt, on which he won the 2006 Kentucky Derby. The colt broke down in the Preakness and was euthanized in January 2007.

Nicanor has drawn intense public interest, including a blog dedicated to him, because of his famous older brother. Racing fans on Twitter celebrated the colt's win.

hcfarm Yeah! Nicanor got the win today on turf! Freakin' excited right now! 13 May 2009 from txt

wowhorse Way to go, Nicanor! Holy smokes! Barbaro's baby bro broke his maiden today by 15 1/4 lengths when on the grass for the first time! 13 May 2009 from web

MJ_SCTrekWidow Woo hoo! Go Nicky Knocks! Barbaro's baby bro Nicanor breaks his maiden by 15! 13 May 2009 from TwitterBerry

Three_Chimneys BARBARO's little bro NICANOR (both by Dynaformer) just trounced his competition by...get this...more than 15 lengths!!! 13 May 2009 from web

SuzInQueenCity Nicanor broke his maiden by 15 on turf! Go Nicanor! 13 May 2009 from web

jlaner0408 Nicanor broke his maiden!!! 13 May 2009 from web

HorseRacingInside posted a video of the race on YouTube.

Tweeting Coaches

2009-05-13T11:52:00.000-07:00

There is no industry more competitive in sports than recruiting. Just read the latest scandal brewing at USC. Read Yahoo Sports' story here.

Because the recruiting arms race is so fierce, more college coaches are embracing social media. High-profile guys like Trojan football coach Pete Carroll, Florida football coach Urban Meyer and Indiana basketball coach Tom Crean are now Tweeting. It begs the question-- are they on Twitter because they feel it can give them a leg up in recruiting, or are these alpha males looking for a wider audience to broadcast the daily minutia of their lives? Here at BT Sports, we thought we would take a closer look.

Pete Carroll- The USC coach not just bleeds Trojan red, but Laker purple and gold as well. Not sure where the party is after the game? No worries...just follow Coach C's feed. He even finds time for a shout out to recent grads:

PeteCarroll i hear the best laker party in the south bay is going to be at boogaloo cafe: http://www.boogaloo.com/ 12 May 2009 from web

PeteCarroll Great night to watch the lakers.romp!! 13 May 2009 from TwitterFon

PeteCarroll last day of finals here at sc, congrats to all on finishing the year! song of the day: school is out by gary u.s. bonds: http://bit.ly/MgCsX 13 May 2009 from web

Urban Meyer- No after-hours party recommendations from the two-time national champion coach, but he loves his Florida Gators, and not just the ones in helmets and shoulder pads. Meyer sends congratulatory Tweets to other Florida teams. Hey, you're either a Gator or you're not! He also Tweets for a reason that gets to the heart of social media's purpose...self-promotion.

CoachUrbanMeyer Great article on www.coachurbanmeyer about how we trying to teach the players about life outside of football, we did this every tuesday ... 10 May 2009 from txt

CoachUrbanMeyer Congrats to UF softball as they are the overall #1 seed in the NCAA tourney 11 May 2009 from txt

CoachUrbanMeyer Heading to Polk County for a Gator Club Gathering. Hope to see you there. 12 May 2009 from txt

Tom Crean- In the catagory of pure volume of Tweets, the Indiana basketball coach wins hands down (16 Tweets on May 3rd alone). Whether he's refuting a report he was seen Tweeting while driving; sharing what show he watched on cable that night or quoting Bob Knight, Crean is a must-follow for all sports Tweeters.

TomCrean Gettin back to Terry i was NEVER twittering while driving only talking on the phone. I am under strict orders on the no texting while dr ... 02 May 2009 from txt

TomCrean Who dont have such good judgement that their judgement isnt very good, make good leaders. Bob Knight 07 May 2009 from txt

TomCrean Watching the New York houswives reunion special. Priceless entertainment on the Bravo Channel. 13 May 2009 from txt

Tweeting coaches--good for the school or good for their egos?

Gators' coach Urban Meyer doesn't like criticism

2009-05-13T10:13:00.000-07:00

Florida football coach Urban Meyer's ego stretches from the Florida panhandle to the setting sun of the Florida keys.

It's no wonder then that Meyer took great disdain to the criticism former Florida quarterback Shane Matthews levied against his alma mater after Florida's only loss to Ole Miss last year, per the Orlando Sentinel.

Matthews, according to Meyer, needs to "bleed orange and blue". This said of a quarterback who in 1993 finished fifth in Heisman Trophy voting and set new marks for career passing yardage.

What was the Twittersphere saying (including a few from ESPN)?

SwamiG8R Urban seems to have it out for our boy Shane Matthews? 27 Apr 2009 from web

sagesteele Gimme a break - Urban Meyer needs to lighten up! Shane Matthews has a job to do.. and he's doing it. Don't be so paranoid, coach! 13 May 2009 from web

2nickeldropper why does urban meyer need any more support? he talks his team into the national championship every year anyways 13 May 2009 from web

rjw3000 So according to Urban Meyer, you have to always kiss his ass and say nothing bad about the program if you were a Gator. Ok there, jackass 13 May 2009 from web

jeffemanuel ESPN: Urban Meyer says fmr players who criticize him will no longer be welcome in the #Gators facility http://tinyurl.com/pu6j2u #NCAAF 13 May 2009 from feedly

gillee Urban Meyer is so easy to hate http://bit.ly/tx2H 13 May 2009 from web

momo34 I have trouble putting my hatred for Florida into words. Oh and Urban Meyer is becoming as hated as Spurrier to me... http://bit.ly/uHkjE 13 May 2009 from Seesmic Desktop

LauraSteelWoods Urban Meyer's mandate has so many flaws, I don't know where to start. http://tiny.cc/d1KAB 13 May 2009 from web

happyhourvalley Urban Meyer Does Not Like You Questioning His Authori-tah: http://tinyurl.com/oeoxg2d 13 May 2009 from web

(courtesy of the Orlando Sentinel)