Charlie Villanueva and Shaq: Tweeting Away in the NBA

Who knew 140 characters could create so much controversy? Charlie Villanueva (CV31) sure didn't. As many know, he sent a tweet out to his fans during halftime of the Milwaukee Bucks' March 15 game against the Boston Celtics.

While other NBA players, including Shaquille O'Neal (The_Real_Shaq) and Chris Bosh (ChrisBosh), have used twitter to connect with fans. O'Neal has tweeted at halftime of a recent game on March 22, saying "Shhhhh" to his fans.

This is seen as sheer fun for these players, but not to their coaches. It also brings up a strong question of whether the use of social media in a work environment is appropriate.

Recently interviewed on ESPN's First Take, Chris Paul of the New Orleans Hornets told his audience, "It's all about connecting with the fans." Paul does not have a twitter, but said he would consider creating an account.

Paul hit the nail on the head. The average fan can not get enough access to his or her favorite players. Twitter allows them to do this.

Yet during class or work, I know I would get in trouble or fired if I got caught tweeting about my everyday life. I realize these athletes have many more followers (literally thousands) than my mere 37, but allowing these athletes to tweet during games is setting a double standard for people of the work force.

While twitter brings the fans closer to the NBA players, it does not bring them their ultimate dream of seeing their team win an NBA title. This needs to be done through concentration, something twitter does not provide during halftime of a basketball game.

All I can say is thank goodness the Trail Blazers don't twitter during games.