Sideline Scoop: The Power of Twitter

Today, the Sideline Scoop takes a look at the power of Twitter in particular as a social media, as we learn how the site gets athletes and fans in trouble and how athletes are now asking to be released via tweets.

Carlos Martinez pitches during the playoffs last season.

1. Cardinals' prospect learns tweeting isn't Twitter's only danger

Carlos Martinez, a 22-year-old pitcher hoping to make the Cardinals' roster this year, found himself in hot water recently thanks to his Twitter account. It was not because of anything he tweeted though - it was because it was discovered that he had 'favorited' (Twitter's equivalent of a Facebook 'like') pornographic photos and links.

2. Knicks fan arrested for making death threats to owner via Twitter

Knicks fans have reason to be frustrated - the team has failed to reach the success of the '90s and has become more a joke lately. This caused a 19-year-old fan to vent his frustration to Knicks owner James Dolan via his Twitter by tweeting things like "James Dolan, it's officially time to die" while pointing a gun to the camera and holding a sharp object to his neck.

3. UFC fighter tweets boss, asks to be released

Many people today are not happy at their job, but how many are willing to tweet to their boss and employer to ask to be let go? That is exactly what UFC lightweight fighter Nate Diaz did.
As of this writing, neither UFC nor Diaz's representatives have commented on the situation. Regardless, welcome to the world of Twitter, where one can just ask to be let go at any point in time. Why bother with the face-to-face talk?