Retweet of The Day

I love Magic Johnson. He is one of my favorite athletes of all time. I also think that there are many facets of his life after which people should try to model their lives more. Profound tweeting is not always one of those facets.

The Los Angeles Lakers were awarded the second overall pick in the 2016 NBA Draft in last week's NBA Draft Lottery. The Hall of Fame Los Angeles Lakers point guard dropped this food for thought in the wake of the good news. A week later, it still makes me do a face palm. Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) ‏delivered today's Daily Hat Trick Retweet of the Day.

"Laker fans all over should be happy with the No. 2 pick because the Lakers will get another really good player."

Magic never owned any newspapers, did he?

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Retweet of the Day - December 3, 2014

Cleveland Browns quarterback Johnny Manziel saw extensive playing time last week during the Browns' loss to the Buffalo Bills. Current starting quarterback Brian Hoyer has been ineffective of late. The move to Manziel late in the Bills game, in which Manziel led the Browns on a touchdown drive, fueled rampant speculation that Manziel may start this coming weekend against the Indianapolis Colts.

Cleveland Browns Head Coach Mike Petine stopped the rumor mill yesterday when he announced that Hoyer would start on Sunday. It is only a matter of time before Manziel gets the ball, but that first start can never come soon enough for an NFL quarterback. Today's retweet, from His and Hers (@HisandHers), illustrates that, literally.

"When Johnny Manziel heard Brian Hoyer will be the starting QB this Sunday…" (play video)

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Retweet of the Day - November 20, 2014

Reigning Heisman Trophy winner and defending national champion Florida State University quarterback Jameis Winston is a lightning rod. He is also talented without limit on the gridiron. The FSU signal caller pulled the Seminoles through in the 4th quarter to a come from behind 30-26 win at their in-state ACC rival, the University of Miami.

The dramatic win extended the Seminoles' winning streak to 26 consecutive games. Florida State secured the ACC Atlantic Division title last Saturday while the loss put Miami's chances of an ACC Coastal Division championship on life support. Jameis Winston has never lost a game as a starting quarterback in college football.


BLAME JAMEIS

Of course, nobody walks on water and football fans outside of Tallahassee and not connected to FSU would just as soon dunk Winston in a tank of water. Winston, talent notwithstanding, is a knucklehead. The rap sheet is well known: accused of sexual assault (though no charges were ever filed), involved in an air gun fighting incident, shoplifted soda from a Burger King restaurant, shoplifted crab legs from a grocery store, and was videoed standing on a table in the Florida State student union shouting a vulgarity.

His off-field antics have drawn backlash from his fans and supporters at Florida State. The "#BlameJameis" Twitter phenomenon arose from all the repeated extensive media coverage of Winston's antics, most of which (save for the sexual assault accusation - which never warranted any charges) are typical of post-adolescent collegiate foolishness, albeit with increasingly unsettling frequency. In the #BlameJameis paradigm, anything wrong in the world is Winston's fault.

Today's retweet, by Cee Bee (@CoryBarry_) is sweet and simple and could be on the Mount Rushmore of #BlameJameis inspired tweets.

"Jameis Winston was responsible for 9/11"

I just KNEW Lee Harvey Oswald was just a patsy!

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Retweet of the Day - November 12, 2014

NFL football has its own circle of life. The QB carousel has come full circle for a pair of northeastern teams in green. The Philadelphia Eagles and New York Jets have lacked a long-term starter at quarterback for quite some time. Fightin' for Philly (@FightinForPHI) points this out in today's Retweet of the Day.

"So Nick Foles replaced Mike Vick who replaced Geno Smith who replaced Mark Sanchez who replaced Nick Foles."

Trading Places 2014

Image from www.nytimes.com

Retweet of the Day - September 25, 2014

Derek Jeter is playing in his final home game at Yankee Stadium tonight. Some have speculated that it may be the final game of his career and that he may not play in the three game road series at the Boston Red Sox. So tonight's contest against the 2014 American League East Division champion Baltimore Orioles could be all she wrote for The Captain.

You don't need me to tell you that this is Jeter's swan song. Today's retweet, from Blake Holtzhower (@BlakeHoltzhower)   reflects how omnipresent the Jeter Farewell Tour has been in recent days:

"Drinking game: Take a shot every time ESPN reminds you Derek Jeter is retiring."

It's a man-tearjerker.

Gatorade ad posted on YouTube.

Retweet of the Day - August 15, 2014

The Daily Hat Trick Retweet of the Day is back! While preseason football is underway, the live bullets aren't flying yet and media outlets still need a little filler fodder for discussion. From Johnny Manziel to Michael Sam to 24 hour coverage of who is going to play with LeBron James in Cleveland, sports media can beat a dead horse like no other at this time of year.

Today's retweet is from Luke Matthews (@30Matthews):

"If ESPN doesn't send me an alert the next time LeBron or Michael Sam farts I'm going to be highly upset."

Taco night in Rams training camp?

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Retweet of the Day - May 28, 2014

Caroline Wozniacki has had, by her own words, “a hard time” lately. First the #14 WTA ranked Danish tennis star was dumped by her then-fiancée, golfer Rory McIlroy. Perhaps McIlroy saw tennis rackets being hurled at him on Thanksgiving’s eve in his future and learned from the mistakes of other golfing superstars.

Then again, in the words of golf analyst David Fehrety, “He has a face like a half-chewed caramel.” I don’t see how he expected to do any better than the athletic, endowed, and pretty 23-year-old Wozniacki. That considered, the blow must be even harder for Wozniacki.

Making matters worse, Wozniacki was bounced in the first round of the 2014 French Open by 64^th ranked Yanina Wickmayer of Belgium. Throwing more salt in the wound, McIlroy appears to be coasting along on the course. McIlroy completed an improbable comeback to win the BMW PGA Championship tour this past weekend. Clearly he’s handling the split in stride.

Today’s retweet, from Rick Reilly (@ReillyRick) boils all of the above into 140 characters or less:

“Poor Caroline Wozniacki. 1) Dumped by Rory McIlroy. 2) Watches him win w/out her. 3) Booted in 1st round of French.”

McIlroy, right, dumped Wozniacki, far left. Seriously? I know championship athletes have to be confident, but that is bordering on "overconfidence".

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Retweet of the Day - April 22, 2014

New York Knicks President Phil Jackson has wasted very little time in steering the team's ship in a different direction. On Monday, as expected, Head Coach Mike Woodson was let go. I'm sure that more cannings are forthcoming.

I can probably count the number of times I made my own tweet a Retweet of the Day on one hand. However, this one was retweeted more than once and ties media and sports culture together. Ever see the Geico commercial where, "Bad news doesn't always travel fast,"? Here's the Daily Hat Trick edition, from Yours Truly (@ech1997):

"You think going back to work after a holiday sucks? Mike Woodson would gladly swap with you. #Knicks #NBA #fired pic.twitter.com/oRmv26oNf8"

Image from my account at www.twitter.com

Retweet of the Day - April 17, 2014

As Holy Week nears its conclusion, much of the nation prepares for a weekend of family, friends, and celebration. Also, this weekend marks the beginning of the 2014 NBA Playoffs. It's a weekend full of something for everyone!

Not lost on those in the Twittersphere is that Easter Sunday falls on April 20th. Abbreviated, it's on 4/20...yes...as in that "420", the pot smokers' Christmas, New Year's, and Fourth of July rolled into one (pun intended). Today's retweet is from Based Dandy (‏@NeezGod):

"420, NBA Playoffs, and Easter on the same day doesnt get any better"

I'll bet Blake Griffin is chiefin' right now!

Image from www.twitter.com

Retweet of the Day - April 15, 2014

One can always find a little good news to go along with bad news. The bad news is that it is April 15th, tax day. And Uncle Sam wants YOU...to pay up!

The good news is that Major League Baseball celebrates Jackie Robinson Day. Jackie Robinson broke the color barrier in baseball, thus shattering it in every other major North American sport 67 years ago today. The occasion is reflected upon at every major league ballpark. Among the festivities, every player wears Robinson's jersey number, 42, today.

Number 42 was permanently retired from MLB in 1997, with players wearing #42 at the time grandfathered in an exception to the rule. With future Hall of Fame pitcher Mariano Rivera's retirement following the 2013 season, there are no players remaining that don Robinson's number, except for on Jackie Robinson Day.

Today's retweet was something I simply found interesting. I don't know if this is any more than an anecdotal story, if it really happened, or if it is a bit of a tall tale. I don't remember the suggested controversy back in 1997, but that was 17 years ago. Even a sports junkie like myself can forget a few things that made everyone go, "hmm," at the time. The most interesting thing about today's retweet, from Paul R. Bear (@The_Paularbear): a reminder of who John Q. Fan thinks of as a good guy and a bad guy in the lexicon on baseball.

"Just so every1 knows, Ken Griffey Jr was the 1st to suggest everyone wear 42 on Jackie Robinson Day & Barry Bonds thought it was a bad idea."

Thank you for your courage, Jackie.

Image from USATSI via www.cbssports.com

Retweet of the Day - April 3, 2014

The biggest NFL storyline, last week, was the release of wide receiver DeSean Jacksohephiladlephia Eagles. Speculation was rampant as to why Jackson, indisputably one of the top ten receivers in the NFL, was released so abruptly with no attempt by the Eagles to acquire value in a trade.

The Eagles gave no reason but sources to sports media offered possible gang affiliations with the Crips street gang as a factor in Jackson's dismissal. Jackson has denied any gang membership or activity. Jackson has since signed with the Washington Redskins.

Today's retweet, from The Fake ESPN (@TheFakeESPN), has a unique take on the situation:

"DeSean Jackson signs with Redskins, Crips officially recognize him as a Blood for wearing red."

Am I the only one who sees the irony here?

Image from www.larrybrownsports.com

Retweet of the Day - March 28, 2014

The rock concert that was former Heisman Trophy winner Johnny Manziel's Pro Day was the spectacle one has come to expect with Manziel. Johnny Football had a host of personalities present for his showcase, including former President George H.W. Bush.

From a football standpoint, Manziel did well. Wearing a helmet and pads, also a first to my knowledge, he hit his throws as well as anyone expected. He only helped his draft stock yesterday, circus atmosphere notwithstanding.

Today's retweet, from Evil Mike Tomlin (‏@EvilMikeTomlin) has a theory on someone Mr. Football may not have wanted at his audition:

"After hearing that no one from the Browns organization attended his pro day today, Johnny Manziel said he was extremely "relieved""

Something tells me he would get over it if he went to Cleveland.

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Retweet of the Day - March 19, 2014

The New York Knicks announced Eleven-time NBA Champion Head Coach Phil Jackson as their new President yesterday. Jackson has had the Midas Touch throughout his long NBA career, winning six championships as coach of the Chicago Bulls and five as the coach of the Los Angeles Lakers.

Expectations are sky high in Gotham. All eyes are on Knicks forward Carmelo Anthony. Anthony is probably a future Hall of Famer, but many, possibly Melo himself, are of the opinion that he has not reached his full potential. Today's retweet, from Todd Maxwell (‏@toddmax16) illustrates the high expectations now that the Zen Master is at the helm.

"Phil Jackson is going to turn Melo into an MVP if he stays with the Knicks next year"

Melo has to be tired of seeing stuff like this on the Internet.

Image from www.twicsy.com

Retweet of the Day - March 7, 2014

The Los Angeles Lakers are terrible. The NBA's flagship franchise, hampered by injuries to Kobe Bryant, aging, and bad contracts, are the worst team in the Western Conference. Over the decades, the Los Angeles Clippers had played the "little brother" role in L.A., a sidekick that should feel privileged to simply be there.

That is no longer the case. The Clippers run Los Angeles in 2014. This was made painfully obvious in the savage beat down that the Clippers laid upon the Lakers last night. The Clippers had over 70 points at halftime. The Lakers did not cross the 50 point threshold until midway through the third quarter.

Today's retweet, from The Sports Quotient (‏@SportsQuotient), quoting the recently retired, 41-year-old, Grant Hill, pours salt into Lakers Fan's wound. 

""We'd give the Clippers a better game than the Lakers." - Grant Hill speaking on behalf of the @NBAonTNT crew. pic.twitter.com/fsvvTF3wME"

When it rains, it pours.

   
Image from www.twitter.com

Retweet of the Day - March 6, 2013

When you are a two-time defending champion in any sports, you are the hunted, not the hunter. This is also true in the NBA. The Miami Heat are so good, that they often can be seen sleepwalking through games. Every now and then, the sleeping giant wakes up. LeBron James dropped 61 points on the Charlotte Bobcats earlier this week in spite of the major mismatch between the two teams.

Then, of course, there is the 2013 NBA Finals rematch at the defending Western Conference champion San Antonio Spurs. Disregard any downplaying of this game. Both teams want to win.

The Heatles are so popular that you will find "fans" dressed in Heat gear at nearly every road game in which they play. San Antonio is no exception. Today's retweet Stephen Anderson ‏(@andersonstevem) pokes a little fun at the nationwide Heat bandwagon as the Spurs put it to the Heat, 111-87, tonight.

"In other news: Fans in Heat jerseys at the arena were seen switching to Spurs uniforms after the game. #SpursNation"

There are some very confused Heat fans.

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Retweet of the Day - March 3, 2014

Last night, Hollywood had its annual celebration. The Oscars went off without a hitch. There were quips, there was nostalgia and there was a tribute to those who passed on in the past year.

The metaphors of passing on can always extend to the sports world. The New York Knicks, a playoff team in 2013, have been an abysmal disappointment, almost to the point of disbelief. Today's retweet, by Not Bill Walton (@NotBillWalton):

"They forgot to put up a picture of the 'NY Knicks' in that In Memoriam montage. #Oscars"

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Retweet of the Day - February 18, 2014

Richie Incognito, willingly or not, has become synonymous with meat-head bullies in the NFL. His well publicized harassment of former Miami Dolphins teammate Jonathan Martin has been a prominent topic in sports media since Martin left the team in November.

This scandal became so sensational that the summer story about Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Riley Cooper's caught-on-tape racial outburst became a footnote in last year's chapter of sports controversy. And, of course, sports media had a pot of gold dropped upon them when Missouri Tigers defensive end Michael Sam, the 2013 SEC Defensive Player of The Year, announced he was gay, virtually assuring that major league American sports will have its first active openly gay player, in it toughest and most popular sport.

Today's retweet, from Brett DiSanto (‏@disanttt) ties these headlines together cleverly:

"Cast of next years Real World: Richie Incognito, Jonathan Martin, Riley Cooper, and Michael Sam. Whose not watching that?"

Now I've seen everything.

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Retweet of the Day - February 17, 2014

Another NBA All-Star Game has come and gone. With a whopping total of over 300 points scored between the East and West All-Stars, fans got to see a showcase of dunks and long distance jumpers as defense was wholly absent from the NBA's annual exhibition.

Still, the West has gotten the better of the East. Much like the balance of power is in the Western Conference, the same has generally applied to the All-Stars in recent years. Today's retweet, from NOTSportsCenter (@NOTSportsCenter) puts a clever spin on this trend:

"BREAKING: Tired of losing all star games, LeBron has opted out with the East and will join the West for the 2nd half #AllStarGame"

Looks like LeBron would rather fight than switch to me.

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Retweet of the Day - January 30, 2014

Richard Sherman went and did it again! Serving up media gold.... There aren't many things that the Seattle Seahawks Pro Bowl cornerback can say in the week leading up to Super Bowl XLVII between his Seahawks and the Denver Broncos that won't receive disproportionately excessive attention.

Yesterday, Sherman made mostly complimentary remarks about future Hall of Fame Broncos quarterback Peyton Manning. He did mention, however, that Manning throws a lot of "ducks" (an ugly, wobbly pass lacking power and velocity). The media had a field day. The comments were plastered all over Twitter.

Ooooo! Did you hear what Richard Sherman said? Any observant NFL fan would call this a "fact" since Manning returned from four neck surgeries in the 2012 NFL season. Manning, himself, admitted to throwing ducks, but mentioned that they were ducks for a lot of yards and touchdowns.

Today's retweet is from Smart Football (@smartfootball), understanding the over-hyping of...everything...at the host hyped sporting event in America:

"Demaryius Thomas's response to R. Sherman saying Manning throws ducks should just be "Uh my QB used to be Tim Tebow"..."

This was Tebow's throwing motion. Look at it. Juuuust...look at it! Perhaps Tebow should have played baseball.

Image from http://abcnews.go.com

Retweet of the Day - January 29, 2014

Yesterday, Seattle Seahawks running back Marshawn Lynch gave a mellow interview to Hall of Famer Deion Sanders of the NFL Network. Lynch is known for being camera shy (or camera avoiding) with the media. The interview is available at NFL.com. The highlight of the modest-tempo conversation was Lynch saying he is, "Just about that action."

If you watch the video, Lynch's demeanor is as noteworthy as anything he actually says, as observed by Dylan O'Brien ‏(@dylanobrien):

"Breaking news! The NFL approves the use of medical marijuana for players, but Marshawn Lynch already smoked it all #SBMediaDay"

Juuuuust look at him!

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