Twitter: Good or Bad For The Sports Media Industry?

Twitter has forever changed sports media. Players have it. Fans have it.

Even, I have it.

Some athletes, like Chad Ochocinco of the Cincinnati Bengals, have branded themselves through the use of Twitter. I 'follow' Ochocinco and on multiple occasions, I've seen uploaded Twitter pictures of his gloves, cleats, and even one of Head Coach Marvin Lewis. Have fans ever had such a personal look into an athlete’s life? Very few athletes are as Twitter obsessed as Ochocinco, but I do think more athletes should join.

Twitter is a way to give back to the fans. Fans would love to see pictures of the clubhouse, what your favorite star player is doing before the game, and what meals the players eat before the game begins. Twitter is great for bridging the gap between athlete and fan.

So why should you join the Twitter revolution? Growing up, most of us may have wondered what professional athletes did when they weren't on their respective fields. Fans figure that athletes are vacationing, working with charity, or preparing for the upcoming season. By joining Twitter, you will find out. Athletes like Ochocinco give fans a complete look into their lives. Seeing Ochocinco at Target and out to eat is pretty cool for the common fan. It gives fans the realization that athletes are regular people, too.

In addition to Ochocinco, athletes like Shaq, Nick Swisher, Dwyane Wade, and even LeBron James engage fans on Twitter and may even give some inside details about their upcoming projects/games. The lure of 'following' your favorite athlete on Twitter is enough for most fans to sign up for an account.

However, Twitter hasn't been all fun and games for professional athletes. Some NBA players have gotten in trouble for tweeting during games. Other athletes have posted inappropriate comments resulting in fines from their respective league. Engaging fans is fine, but athletes must always keep that professional image whenever they interact with the public.  

As for the media, Twitter is a must-have for every reporter. Last week, ESPN's Adam Schefler 'tweeted' that Packers running back, Ryan Grant would be out for the season. Sports writers always want to be the first person to break a major story and Twitter only enhances that process. Writers can access Twitter on their computers, cell phones, blackberries, etc. It's a great way for the media to relay information in a quick, clear manner to fans.

Overall, Twitter is great for professional sports and the media. Reporters can relay information at all-time fast speeds, athletes can interact with fans, and fans have a world of information at their finger tips. Who knows what will come out next, but for now, all you need is an e-mail address and a passion for sports to join the Twitter Revolution.