USA Hockey selects Ron Wilson for 2010 Olympics

Per NHL.com, Monday the USA Hockey announced that current Toronto Maple Leafs coach Ron Wilson will lead the way for the mens hockey team in the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver. This will mark Wilson's second stint with Team USA, when he first coached them back in 1998, and Wilson is only the fourth ever to coach two different US mens' Olympic hockey teams.

Twitterers reacted to the news:

1. 
   willipowell OK all this snow has me thinking hockey again. Ron Wilson coaching the US Olympic team. teeheehee. STOP back to...
   http://tinyurl.com/c2k3vd 06 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   QuickFacts Ron Wilson says US Team will be built to compete against Canadian & Russian Olympic teams, including a checking line & puck possession. 06 Apr 2009 from twhirl
3. 
   7thWoman #NHL Hey! Ron Wilson! Any possibiliy you'll tag Jason Blake again for Team USA?? Please! (& Okposo :o) ) Thanks! 06 Apr 2009 from web
4. 
   AFITC Leafs Head Coach Ron Wilson will be busy. Officially named head coach of Team USA at 2009 World Championships and 2010 Olympics on Monday 06 Apr 2009 from web
5. 
   LeafspaceMonika congrats to ron wilson, coach of us olympic team in 2010! read all about it at mapleleafs.com! #leafs #nhl 06 Apr 2009 from web
6. 
   vanik who decided it would be a good idea for ron wilson to be the coach at the olympics?! 06 Apr 2009 from web

USA Hockey selects Ron Wilson for 2010 Olympics

Tar Heels dominate Spartans to claim NCAA title

In front of a record crowd of 72,922 at Detroit's Ford Field, the North Carolina Tar Heels defeated the Michigan State Spartans 89-72 to earn the 2009 NCAA men's basketball championship per the Charlotte Observer.

A balanced scoring attack, led by Ty Lawson's 21 points, gave the Heels a comfortable margin of victory as the Heels jumped out to a 55-34 lead at halftime. After going down 3-2 with 19:13 left in the first half, the Tar Heels led the rest of the way and set the record for the largest lead in a championship game. The win gives the Tar Heels their 5th national championship, tying them with Indiana for third place all-time.

Senior Tyler Hansbrough ends his celebrated college career with his first national title, finishing with 18 points and 7 rebounds.

Even though Michigan State came into the game 10-0 as a #2 seed in NCAA tournament history, their 21 turnovers allowed North Carolina's high-scoring offense to capitalize.

The Tar Heel nation was not too busy celebrating to share their "one shining moment" on Twitter:

1. 
   bpcoxjr Getting ready to party on Franklin Street! How about those Tar Heels!!! 07 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   brentalexander Good job Tar Heels. You came in ready to win, and you did. Now you all are the 2009 NCAA Champs!! Go HEELS! 07 Apr 2009 from twitterrific
3. 
   tednesi Wow, I forgot President Obama had picked the Tar Heels to win it all. I just hope his intuition is that good on the economy 07 Apr 2009 from web
4. 
   luvRdogs I love Carolina BLUE. Yay Tar Heels. Good job. Off to bed, alarm goes off in 4.5 hours..yuck. 07 Apr 2009 from web

Despite the lopsided loss, there was still a great sense of pride for those Spartan fans on Twitter:

1. 
   AshHeck i still love you, Spartans. This game won't change that. 07 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   mike_holder We can be nothing but proud of the MSU Spartans for what they have done this season...they have made the whole state proud! 07 Apr 2009 from TweetDeck
3. 
   mysterialite ahwell. They played hard. Not many seniors, so there's always next year!! Good game Spartans! #NCAA 07 Apr 2009 from web

Tar Heels dominate Spartans to claim NCAA title

Ronaldo denies rumors to Real Madrid

BBC Sports reports the Manchester United star Christiano Ronaldo has debunked rumors of a move to Spanish power Real Madrid.

Over the weekend, reports circulated that Real was prepared to offer £75 million for the talented Portuguese winger. Rumors of a possible transfer to Real aren't new for Ronaldo, and he said in October he didn't regret turning down an offer to join the Spanish club last summer.

Twitterers responded to the rumors as well as Ronaldo's assurances that he is happy with Manchester United.

1. 
   andrewwoodhouse (Norwich, Norfolk UK) God, I hope Cristiano Ronaldo joins Real Madrid next season... :( 05 Apr 2009 from EventBox
2. 
   AlexBak (New York City, N.Y) im sick of all these ronaldo to real madrid rumors. They are going on 2 years now 06 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   catspit (Washington, D.C.) Media please. pretty please. with sugar on top. stop talking about Ronaldo -> Real Madrid yet again. It was boring the second time. 06 Apr 2009 from TwitterFox
4. 
   mancityalerts (Manchester, UK) I wish Ronaldo would just piss off to Madrid and join a boy band. Sick of seeing his whiining cocky face... 06 Apr 2009 from twhirl
5. 
   Ramkarthik (Chennai, India) @abtony Ronaldo will stay at least till Fergie retires, IMO. We have a good team and many young players coming into the club. Plz no Ribery. 07 Apr 2009 from TweetDeck in reply to abtony

Ronaldo denies rumors to Real Madrid

Raiders ink Garcia to one-year deal

Jeff Garcia signed a one-year deal with the Oakland Raiders, per ESPN.com.

The 39-year-old quarterback spent the last two years with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, and Oakland will be the sixth stop in seven years for the four-time Pro Bowler.

Early reports indicate Garcia is willing to sit behind former no. 1 pick JaMarcus Russell, though Shutdown Corner at Yahoo! Sports foresees a quarterback controversy in the making.

Across the Twitterverse, fans reaction ranged everywhere from giddiness to mild approval to sarcasm.

1. 
   cactushogle (Edmonton, Alberta, Canada) The raiders signed garcia? Finally a ray of light shines on the floundering franchise! 06 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   vanflak Raiders sign QB Jeff Garcia. An interesting backup for Russell. Mildly pleased. 06 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   witique (Bay Area, Calif.) Raiders signed Jeff Garcia. must resist all jokes. 06 Apr 2009 from web
4. 
   PNTBLDan (Missoula, Mont.) #Raiders signed Jeff Garcia! Awesome signing, should help Russell a bunch. Great offseason so far. Now a good #Draft and we'll be set 06 Apr 2009 from web
5. 
   paraLLaxR (San Jose, Calif.) Jeff Garcia has just been signed by the Oakland Raiders. Will it help? Well, it couldn't hurt... 06 Apr 2009 from web
6. 
   ronbo Raiders sign QB Jeff Garcia? I thought April Fools was last week? http://bit.ly/s0ET 06 Apr 2009 from TweetDeck

Raiders ink Garcia to one-year deal

Sean Miller changes mind, accepts Arizona gig

After initially rejecting the job offer, Sean Miller has decided to leave Xavier and accept the head coaching job at the University of Arizona.

Per Yahoo! Sports, Miller told Arizona officials he would remain at Xavier last night, then asked if he could sleep on the decision before accepting the position today.

Over five seasons, Miller led Xavier to two Elite Eight appearances and 120-47 overall record. The deal is worth $18 million over seven years.

Across Twitter, Arizona fans rejoiced the signing while the Xavier faithful expressed feelings of betrayal.

1. 
   iancass (Ann Arbor, Mich.) After saying he didn't want it, now Sean Miller takes the Arizona job (came to his senses). Why are college hoops coaches so wishy-washy? 06 Apr 2009 from TweetDeck
2. 
   julia_flyer (Dayton, Ohio and Houston, Texas) I'm shocked. Miller accepted the Arizona job after rejecting it. Odd. But still. Sean Miller to Arizona. 06 Apr 2009 from TweetDeck
3. 
   xubench (Cincinnati, Ohio) Sean Miller ... I hope you suck at Arizona. That was WORSE than what Matta pulled. 06 Apr 2009 from TwitterFox
4. 
   oscr (Tucson, Ariz.) Is so stoked Arizona basketball hired a head coach...a quality head coach in Sean Miller. Finally! Bear Down!! 06 Apr 2009 from web
5. 
   swirsk054 (Chicago, Ill.) sean miller to arizona..great hire by the wildcats! 06 Apr 2009 from web
6. 
   sm00th_kw Sean miller to Arizona...XU gets reminded it's a mid major again 06 Apr 2009 from TwitterFon

Sean Miller changes mind, accepts Arizona gig

Michael Jordan in basketball hall of fame

Per ChicagoTribune.com, NBA legend and former Chicago Bull Michael Jordan was elected to the 2009 Basketball Hall of Fame.

Jordan was a five-time MVP who led his team to six NBA titles. He accepted a Hall of Fame jersey at the site of the men's Final Four in Detroit where his alma mater, the North Carolina Tar Heels, will face Michigan State for the national championship. He won a title with UNC when current coach Roy Williams was an assistant in 1982.

Also in Jordan's 2009 class are former San Antonio Spur David Robinson, and former Utah Jazz John Stockton and his coach in Utah, Jerry Sloan. Rutgers women's coach C. Vivian Stringer was also elected.

The Twitterverse is not surprised:

1. 
   Lronjackdic mj hall of fame nominee....ahhh...what's taken so long...should be renamed the hall of jordan's. 06 Apr 2009 from web
2. 
   addicted2mikes Just got teary-eyed watching MJ highlights on ESPN. Cannot deny that Michael Jordan is the greatest athlete ever. Dont @ me trying to argue 06 Apr 2009 from TwitterBerry
3. 
   Tekscope Jordan into the Hall Of Fame. Duh, who would not vote for him? 06 Apr 2009 from web
4. 
   LaurieH118 First Obama, now Michael Jordan. I feel more treacherous every day for not "backing the bid." Still, all those international tourists! ICK! 06 Apr 2009 from web
5. 
   kevinwilson16 is amused John Stockton (all-time assists & steals) and Michael Jordan (six titles) show surprise they get selected for the Hall of Fame. 06 Apr 2009 from txt
6. 
   bstad Michael Jordan elected to NBA Hall of Fame? Shocking. What were the odds of that happening? 06 Apr 2009 from web

Michael Jordan in basketball hall of fame

Fans celebrate Opening Day, curse foul weather

Baseball fans showed excitement across Twitter for Opening Day, tweeting optimism that this year was the year for their team.

1. 
   AnnieGiu (Beaverdale, Iowa) opening day for the chicago cubs and i'm at work all day. will someone enjoy an old style for me? 06 Apr 2009 from Snaptu
2. 
   jarsonners (Denville, N.J) Opening Day. And All I Have To Say is LET'S GO YANKEES! 06 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   CoachAndy (Ventura, Calif.) Wearing one of my baseball ties to work in commemoration of Opening Day, hope you're doing the same. It's finally here!!!!!!!! Play Ball!! 06 Apr 2009 from web

However, the weather is refusing to accommodate baseball fans; home openers for the Chicago White Sox (BTSports) and Boston Red Sox (MLB.com) have already been pushed back a day, while fans elsewhere were forced to bundle up if they wanted to enjoy one of the rites of springs.

@LMDeaton braved the elements to watch the hometown Cincinnati Reds take on the New York Mets.


"Opening day. Cold. Wet. Baseball"

1. 
   slackadjusterr (St. Louis, Mo.) opening day 09 here n st louis everyones dressed up like eskimos !!! 06 Apr 2009 from TweetDeck
2. 
   OptimusNarwhal (Chicago, Ill.) Red Sox opening day has been officially rained out and rescheduled for Tuesday. I am quite bummed out about this. That was my whole day. 06 Apr 2009 from web
3. 
   jay4217 Too funny, Opening day of baseball and the fans look like they are dressed for a Packers/Bears game in December!! 06 Apr 2009 from web
4. 
   JoshLeV (Michigan) Opening Day! Watching Mets @ Reds, later my Tigers @ Jays, and tonight UNC beats State. I hate the weather, but I love today! 06 Apr 2009 from web

Fans celebrate Opening Day, curse foul weather