Chris Thomas Profile Banner
Chris Thomas Profile
Chris Thomas

@ByChrisThomas

2,849
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Following
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10,671
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Husband. Father. Executive Editor, Sports, USA TODAY Network. Past: @freep , @tennessean , @knoxnews , @clarionledger . Email: cdthomas @gannett .com

Joined May 2009
Don't wanna be here? Send us removal request.
@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
3 years
John Wilkerson's radio call as Vols stun Wright State. Courtesy @SportsRadioWNML
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
To recap Astros PR’s last 15 months: -Stripped Houston reporter’s creds for tweet that didn’t violate cred terms. -Violated CBA to ban Freep reporter from postgame scrum (by using security guards). -Called SI story on exec’s misogyny “fabricated” after declining to comment
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Hey, @JustinVerlander : I would like to know who you have contacted @freep about telling your side of the story. My reporter has not heard from you directly, nor have I. My email is listed on the article we published last night. I am more than happy to speak with you about it.
@JustinVerlander
Justin Verlander
5 years
Although I tried to avoid this situation altogether, I’ve still reached out to @freep multiple times today with no response. They’re still not interested in my side of the story.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
Some (belated) professional news: After nearly four years working with a juggernaut team @freepsports , I’m leaving Detroit to return to my home state. Starting Jan. 4, I’ll take over as South Region sports director in the USA TODAY Network, based in Nashville.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
7 years
Some professional news: Excited to announce I've been named sports editor @freepsports . Detroit is a vibrant and passionate sports town with a tremendous following, and we have some of the best talent in the country at the Free Press. Let's get to work!
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Shirtless Devin Bush is here.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
1 year
How Vanderbilt basketball celebrated beating Kentucky in SEC Tournament. Vandy 80, Kentucky 73
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
@JustinVerlander @freep Hey, @JustinVerlander : I would like to know who you have contacted @freep about telling your side of the story. My reporter has not heard from you directly, nor have I. I am more than happy to speak with you about it.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Tiger Woods wins today. Lions lead Patriots by 10.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
The ⁦ @astros ⁩ blocked a Free Press reporter’s access on Wednesday night. It must never happen again.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
9 years
Oak Ridge 5-star WR Tee Higgins commits to Vols via @knoxnews
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
Our @seideljeff brought the heat: "Oh, there's one more thing that I love about Detroit, Mr. President. It's Detroit vs. Everybody. "If you punch one Detroiter, you punch all Detroiters. And we never forget." via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
My daughter’s dad-joke game is strong. I dare you not to laugh.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
Some personal news: I'm leaving @prepxtra to join @freepsports as content coach. Excited for the move, bitter-sweet b/c Knoxville is home.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Ever seen a quintuple-double? There almost was one in Michigan on Wednesday.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Christin Stewart just got his first big-league hit ... Off Justin Verlander.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
Back-to-back games in double figures for Xavier Tillman. @chrissolari saw this coming.
@evan_b
Evan Barnes
4 years
Desmond Bane with a sneaky 10 points tonight (4-4). Tillman with 15 points. Just another good night for the Grizzlies rookies. 100-90 lead with 718 left.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Tiger’s leading a major on Sunday. Tiger’s leading a major on Sunday. Tiger’s leading a major on Sunday. This is not a drill.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Find this poster only in Sunday's @freep :
@freepsports
Freep Sports
5 years
Congratulations to coach Mark Dantonio on his 110th career win at Michigan State, breaking the program record. Every win:
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Jim Harbaugh signed six Ohio players in his first few recruiting classes at Michigan. He has five players committed for 2019. via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
At hospital, where Baby Thomas No. 3 could make its debut. The journalist in me tells me to live tweet. What say you, @HiKirkHere ?
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
7 years
Congrats to @MitchAlbom on his induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Well deserved is understatement.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
Former @Vol_Baseball standouts Christin Stewart and A.J. Simcox part of Detroit Tigers spring training roster today vs. Florida Southern
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
. @GSunDarrenReese . I have no words.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Kyler Murray. Tonight’s No. 1 pick? You OK, ⁦ @GeorgeStoia ⁩?
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
3 years
Here for #GarthBrooks with @brooke_thomas4 @NissanStadium . This lightning be damned.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 months
Could not be more excited for Phil, who gave me my start in the industry. He’ll do big, big things in his new role.
@philkaplan
Phil Kaplan
5 months
Some personal news ... I am now the USA TODAY Network South Region sports director after the well-deserved promotion of @ByChrisThomas . We have a great team of 40 sports journalists spread across four states. They make me look good every day. Saving the -30- for now.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
3 years
In today's @knoxnews : An 8-page special section celebrating Peyton Manning's induction into the @ProFootballHOF . w/ contributions from @AdamSparks , @Gentry_Estes , @philkaplan , @caitiemcmekin and more.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Proud of the work our @freepsports staff continues to do on all platforms. Top 10 Sunday section is no small feat. 💪💪💪
2019 APSE CONTEST RESULTS CATEGORY A: SUNDAY SECTIONS
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Great story from @Kreager about how @KirkHerbstreit juggles being dad on Friday nights, and then one of the nation’s most trusted college football personalities on Saturday. via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
The @freep is seeking a champion college football insider to cover Michigan, MSU and the Big Ten. Big-J journalism chops preferred. No ambition is too big for this role. Apply here: 👇👇👇 CC: @freepsports
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
3 years
Knoxville Catholic stars @arodgers_3 vs. @HarriSmith22 in the NFC North twice a year? I'm in. CC: @KCIrishFootball
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
Incredibly moving. Incredibly powerful. #LongLiveZae
@AdamSchefter
Adam Schefter
8 years
The story of Zaevion Dobson...
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
3 years
Congrats to #TeamSouthRegion on placing in @APSE_sportmedia contest for work done in 2021. Thirty-nine wins so far for the region, led by @nicksuss (4), @BennettDurando (4), @_NickKelly (4), @TDARaginCajuns (4) and @Gentry_Estes (3).
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
Former South-Doyle pitcher Chad Bell also on Tigers' 40-man roster. Played in Toledo last season; trying to break into big leagues this year
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
Sometimes you just survive. Tennessee, as lethargic and vanilla as it looked, did just that. Freak out if it does it vs. Virginia Tech.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
1 year
Brandon Miller introduction before Alabama - Mississippi State. Far more cheers than boos in return to Nashville for SEC Tournament.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
POLICE VIDEO: Michigan basketball's Zavier Simpson at crash scene in Ann... via @YouTube
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
I found Mike Pearl.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
9 years
Central is 2-0 for first time since 2006 season via @knoxnews
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
Welcome home, Omari! Thrilled to add you to our @freepsports team. Also: lmk when the Pistons play again.
@omarisankofa
Offseason O
4 years
Starting Monday, I’ll be the new Pistons beat writer for the Detroit Free Press ( @freep ). It’s surreal to move back home to work for the newspaper I grew up reading, to cover the team I grew up watching. Can’t wait to get started.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
7 years
Chad Bell finally makes MLB debut.
@DetroitGameday
Gameday Feed
7 years
Chad Bell goes down in count 2-0 to Jake Lamb, but comes back with three fastballs for his first MLB strikeout. He pitches a scoreless 8th.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Our @chrissolari went first person to explain Cassius Winston’s impact at Michigan State. This is a good one.
@chrissolari
Chris Solari
5 years
Cassius Winston’s Michigan State legacy transcends basketball. Here’s how I know
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
Encourage anyone looking for a hard-working up-and-comer with college beat skills to take a look at George. He's going to be a star. He was for us in Detroit.
@GeorgeStoia
George Stoia III
4 years
With that said, I'll be on the market following graduation in May. Take a look at some of my work here:
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
For those like me who grew w/Gatlinburg as a backdrop for childhood, this will bring you to tears:
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
From @shawnwindsor : Kareem Hunt signing shows hitting women forgivable, but kneeling is not via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
The Josh Christopher commitment will not make Wednesday's @freep print edition, according to multiple sources with knowledge of the situation.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Was just a drill.
@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Tiger’s leading a major on Sunday. Tiger’s leading a major on Sunday. Tiger’s leading a major on Sunday. This is not a drill.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Michigan and Michigan State are about to be on a collision course in the Big Ten tourney, and all I can think about is whether Aunt Becky will still be allowed to host "Wake up San Francisco."
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
7 years
Former South-Doyle star Chad Bell rejoined Tigers today.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
7 years
Chad Bell warming up in Tigers bullpen. Knoxville native could make MLB debut.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
This is good news for Detroit, of course. During my tenure @freep , the @DetroitRedWings ’ playoff streak ended, the @tigers ’ entered an extensive rebuild, the @DetroitPistons made one playoff appearance (and were swept) ... and the Lions were still the Lions.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Christin Stewart is 2-for-2, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs. It's the second inning. That's good, right?
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
3 years
John Brice batting 1.000 on GQ job scoops this millennium. Big news for @gwquarles .
@JohnDBrice1
John Brice
3 years
#BREAKING Multiple sources tell @FootballScoop that @gwquarles is the new @ETSUFootball HEAD COACH. BOOM! @FootballScoop
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Slow day in Detroit sports today. 42 stories, six galleries and I can't remember how many videos published. @DanaSulonen and @HiKirkHere say they're ready for more.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
1 year
Here’s the video of Vanderbilt star Enrique Bradfield Jr.’s broken bat vs. Eastern Illinois. Wild.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
2 years
. @Kreager asked them to "come by, say hi." This is what they did.
@Tennessean
Tennessean
2 years
High school sports editor @Kreager  ran out of eligibility years ago... yet here we are. Follow along for live updates from the Tennessee high school football playoffs 🏈:
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
It's time for the NHL to admit it has a concussion problem, writes our @shawnwindsor . A read worth your time. via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
So much good content on @freepsports this morning. Read it all. But make time for this one:
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
All of this is to say: Better days are ahead for Detroit sports (except maybe the @Lions ) and for the talented folks @freepsports , who have continued to lead an ever-changing and competitive market into the digital age. Thanks for the memories, 313.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
7 years
Bell is former South-Doyle star. Gets chance to make his MLB debut with Tigers.
@tigers
Detroit Tigers
7 years
Following today's game, the #Tigers optioned RHP Joe Jiménez to Toledo (AAA). LHP Chad Bell will be recalled prior to Monday's game vs CLE.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
Excited to add Ben to our @Tennessean sports team! Follow him for @Titans coverage ... or foodie advice.
@benyarthur
Ben Arthur 🇬🇭
4 years
I’m leaving my home city, but I’m really amped for this next chapter of my career! Thank you to @ByChrisThomas , @ma_anastasi , @mariadevarenne , @tommydeas and @philkaplan for this opportunity. Can’t wait to join The Tennessean team.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
Central defensive end commits to Virginia.
@IsaacBuell
Isaac Buell
8 years
🔶🔷⚔️
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
9 years
Arkansas coach Bret Bielema in full rain gear, sipping on, presumably, water or coffee. Or scotch. I vote scotch. http://t.co/pmndQUYsW0
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Bruce Pearl's going to the Final Four. Knoxville isn't going to handle this well.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
Friends remember Detroit sports media mainstay Jamie Samuelsen
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Christin Stewart just hit a BOMB in the top of the 10th inning. ... Former Vol. Tigers lead 2-0.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
9 years
Morristown West's Jonathan Fluker didn't dwell on his cancer via @knoxnews
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Legally blind boy takes on Little League: I just wanted to use a yellow ball via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Big day for @freepsports at 2019 @APSE_sportmedia contest, and hopefully more to come. Five placements so far, including work from @davebirkett , @joeguillen , @MattMencarini , @ReporterGina , @dozierkirt , @ericseals and @bkjournalism . Congrats to all.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
3 years
Congrats, Aria! Welcome to the @Tennessean . Excited to add you to the team.
@aria_gerson
Aria Gerson
3 years
some ~ personal news~: I'm thrilled to announce that I'm the next Vanderbilt beat writer for @Tennessean ! I start with the SEC baseball tournament in a few weeks. Humbled to have this opportunity and I can't wait to get to work.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Jalen Rose's 100-year-old grandma calls out Sister Jean: 'It's over' via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
How Alan Trammell became the Detroit Tigers' heartbeat for 20 seasons via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
DeBord gives no comment on Jalen Hurd. "Coach will take care of that."
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
Squad: Scarecrow, Dorothy, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
7 years
Is Detroit Lions OC Jim Bob Cooter interested in Tennessee football job? via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
9 years
Catholic's Amari Rodgers has picked up an offer from Tennessee, per Steve Matthews. Rodgers is USC commit, son of Tee Martin
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
Snow day.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Barack Obama picks Michigan State to win the 2018 NCAA tournament via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
7 years
Once scored Scott Central's first 58 points in a playoff game. A high school legend in Mississippi.
@PlayersTribune
The Players' Tribune
7 years
Mississippi born and raised, @HailStateWBK 's @VictoriaVivians ’ roots gave her wings. Now she's in the Sweet 16.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
8 years
All-state QB Dresser Winn, of Class 1A state champion Dresden, commits to Western Michigan.
@dresserwinn
Dresser Winn
8 years
Committed🐴
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Ouch. Just ouch.
@slmandel
Stewart Mandel
6 years
In Harbaugh's 16-team playoff, he'd get rid of the conference championship game. So no real effect on his own program.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
3 years
Khari will do big things covering @GoJSUTigers . Excited to see how he grows into his new role and shapes our coverage of HBCUs in the region. Welcome aboard!
@_KhariThompson
Khari A. Thompson
3 years
I’ve been hired to cover Jackson State University football for the @clarionledger . Very excited for the opportunity. Can’t thank @ByChrisThomas enough for it. Same goes for @Kreager . I appreciate all the support and mentorship through the years.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
3 years
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Astros PR making a mess of things? Nah.
@HunterAtkins35
Hunter Atkins
5 years
The Astros called this @stephapstein report misleading. It is not. I was there. Saw it. And I should’ve said something sooner.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Joe Guillen, Gina Kaufman, Tim Evans, Marisa Kwiatkowski, Matt Mencarini and Mark Alesia of the Detroit Free Press and IndyStar won first place in the Associated Press Sports Editors’ 2018 contest in Explanatory Story for the A Division.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
2 years
Intimate moment amid a wild scene captured by @Gentry_Estes .
@GoVolsXtra
GoVolsXtra
2 years
Tennessee football QB Hendon Hooker had a special moment with his mom after the #Vols stunning win over Alabama at Neyland Stadium. #GoVols Final:
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
Welcome aboard, Tyler! Excited to see what you do in Detroit. Your first priority when you arrive: American or Lafayette?
@TDavisAAS
Tyler Davis
4 years
Yo, super excited to tell y’all I’m moving to Detroit next week & will be joining the illustrious @freep as an assistant editor for @freepsports . I’ll miss the friends, sources & coworkers I’ve come to know in Des Moines. Super thankful to @DMRegister for the past 4(!!) years.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
6 years
Emoni Bates is the top-ranked freshman recruit in the nation. He'll play a lot more basketball in his life. Some of the seniors at Ann Arbor Skyline won't. Well done, @shawnwindsor via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
Sports, internet, fantasy sports betting approved by Michigan House via @freep
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
4 years
The Free Press reached out to a dozen or so former athletes and coaches and asked them to share their favorite @MickMcCabe1 stories on his 50th anniversary @freep . @SuzyMerchant 's stories (plural) more than delivered. Here comments ... and more:
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
5 years
God bless the one person who didn't vote Derek Jeter to the @baseballhall . Wow.
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@ByChrisThomas
Chris Thomas
9 years
It was an honor to tell y'all's story, Randy. Wonderful family. Inspiring story.
@CoachMckamey
Randy Mckamey
9 years
Thank you @ChrisThomasKNS for honoring our son Will in today's Knoxville News Sentinel-Great article. #faithnotfear http://t.co/P7X8RyamF5
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