NFL Star Ochocinco Sets Up His Own Twitter-Based News Network

from the good-luck-NFL dept

Tue, Oct 27th 2009 11:21am — Mike Masnick

Earlier this year, in talking about the changing nature of sports reporting, one of the things we mentioned was that you shouldn't count out players themselves as a part of that ecosystem, since they could now go direct to fans themselves, without having to talk through a reporter. Of course, sports leagues are scared to death of this concept, and we also noted that the NFL, among others, was seeking to limit how players were interacting with fans, with some teams even punishing players for being honest with fans.

However, with all those rules and guidelines, it seems the NFL didn't count on outspoken Bengals player Chad Ochocinco from taking things even further. Reader DEF was the first to alert us that Ochocinco has decided to set up his own Twitter-based reporting operation on goings on within the NFL, believing that via other players, he'll be able to get the real scoop and post the information faster and more accurately than any traditional "reporter." He says he's "knocking out the middleman."

And this is exactly the point we were making about how the media landscape is changing. People want relevant news and information in a format they find most useful. They don't care if it comes from a reporter, an athlete or the guy down the block. Yes, there are different levels of trust with who delivers the news, but reporters need to realize that they're not the only gatekeepers any more -- no matter how much they wish they were.

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Filed Under: chad ochocinco, football, news, reporting, twitter
Companies: nfl, twitter

16 Comments

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Dark Helmet (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 11:28am

Very True...
"Yes, there are different levels of trust with who delivers the news"

Correct. For instance, with bloggers or NFL players as a generality, I have NO IDEA whether to trust them or not.

With reporters, I absolutely know not to...
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Nastybutler77 (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 11:41am

iPhone app
Mr. Ochocinco also has his own "official" iPhone app. For just $2.99 you can get all things Ocho. I wonder how much he'll make off of it? When I first saw it I had to roll my eyes, but I guess it's a good way to connect with fans, if they're willing to shell out $3 for it.

This guy has made self promotion a full time job. It's a wonder he still has time for football.
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:Lobo Santo (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 11:56am

Re: iPhone app
It's my understanding that a certain millionaire (with a dead-woodchuck hair piece) *cough*TRUMP*cough* made his money thru shameless and constant self promotion...

Which isn't to say it's a good strategy (I find it obnoxious) but it could be a working strategy.
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Chuck Norris' Enemy (deceased) (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 12:06pm

#1 Fan
Joe Montana, you better come out of retirement and win the Niners another Super Bowl or Mr. Ocho will become my new favorite player of all time.
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ChurchHatesTucker (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 12:07pm

Oy
OK, I have to love someone who will duke it out with the rules committee like he did.

That said, I can totally see a coach putting the kaibash on the twitter.

THAT said, ... wait, where was I?
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zaven (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 12:20pm

Gotta love any player who legally changes his name to his nickname so the NFL doesn't fine him for wearing it on the back of his jersey. Now this. Chad Ochocinco. You are the man.
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Dark Helmet (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 12:24pm

Re: Oy
"THAT said, ... wait, where was I?"

Funny, that's what the Bears secondary said last week when Ochocinco was running circles around them...
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Free Capitalist (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 12:36pm

Re: #1 Fan
Great Joe, we ask, once again, that you bestow your blessings on Alex Smith...
...
and with a twitter feed for all.. Amen.
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Anonymous Coward, 27 Oct 2009 @ 12:42pm

"Yes, there are different levels of trust with who delivers the news"

Reporters being the lowest level and those with first hand experience (ie: the players) being higher levels.

At least if those with first hand experience contradict themselves it won't be censored and the people will notice the contradictions and start to ask questions and devise their own theories.

It's like with history, what's a more reliable source, a primary source or a secondary source? Those involved in the situations are more reliable and are at least less likely to be confused, they are better authorities over the matters.
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zaven (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 1:10pm

Re: Re: #1 Fan
Why bless Alex Smith. Sean Hill is the man.
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Leviathant (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 1:11pm

And a new contract clause is spawned...
I think this is great (and I don't care about football), but I'm sure it won't be long before any new NFL contracts take this kind of thing into account - if it's not already covered by some obscure clause written in over-inclusive language.
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EXrider, 27 Oct 2009 @ 1:13pm

Ochocinco = Douchebag
As a person who grew up in Cincinnati and lives close by. I for one, think Chad Johnson is the most pretentious douchebag ever.
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Free Capitalist (profile), 27 Oct 2009 @ 1:36pm

Re: Re: Re: #1 Fan
I tend to often agree, notwithstanding the overall net of the last 3 games, however, Alex starts this Sunday.
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yogi, 27 Oct 2009 @ 2:01pm

Re:
Yeah, hard to think of people less reliable and trustworthy than mainstream reporters.
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Anonymous Coward, 27 Oct 2009 @ 3:12pm

I can just see how this works.

Do I ask Billy about the low blow last week? Nah, I went to school with him, he's a nice guy. What about fred's drug problem? Nahh! We don't talk about that. What about that injury? Nahh, we don't want to give any other teams info.

let's just write about everyone's dogs. Except Michael Vick's dogs, we don't talk about that.

Yeah!
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kevjohn, 28 Oct 2009 @ 7:30am

Re: Ochocinco = Douchebag
As a person who grew up in Cincinnati and now lives far away, I for one, think Chad Ochocinco is a lively individual who brings some excitement and widespread interest (such as this techdirt article) to an otherwise mundane city and sports franchise. Don't hate on the guy becuase he's rich and (somewhat) talented and wants off loser (historically speaking) team and out of dazzling ol' Cincy.
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