Chris Thomas
@ByChrisThomas
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Husband. Father. Executive Editor, Sports, USA TODAY Network. Past: @freep, @tennessean, @knoxnews, @clarionledger. Email: [email protected]
Joined May 2009
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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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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.
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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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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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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How Vanderbilt basketball celebrated beating Kentucky in SEC Tournament. Vandy 80, Kentucky 73
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@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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The @astros blocked a Free Press reporter’s access on Wednesday night. It must never happen again.
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Former Detroit Lions Pro Bowler Mike Cofer, who played at Tennessee, dies after long illness via @freep.
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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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My daughter’s dad-joke game is strong. I dare you not to laugh.
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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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Ever seen a quintuple-double? There almost was one in Michigan on Wednesday.
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Christin Stewart just got his first big-league hit . Off Justin Verlander.
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Back-to-back games in double figures for Xavier Tillman. @chrissolari saw this coming.
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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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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Find this poster only in Sunday's @freep:.
Congratulations to coach Mark Dantonio on his 110th career win at Michigan State, breaking the program record. Every win:
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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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This is a good one from Jesse Smithey (@5StarPreps): Tiger Woods' Masters win as epic as Jack Nicklaus' in 1986, maybe better via @freep.
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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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Congrats to @MitchAlbom on his induction into the Michigan Sports Hall of Fame. Well deserved is understatement.
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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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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.
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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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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Proud of the work our @freepsports staff continues to do on all platforms. Top 10 Sunday section is no small feat. 💪💪💪.
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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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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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Knoxville Catholic stars @arodgers_3 vs. @HarriSmith22 in the NFC North twice a year?. I'm in. CC: @KCIrishFootball.
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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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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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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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Brandon Miller introduction before Alabama - Mississippi State. Far more cheers than boos in return to Nashville for SEC Tournament.
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Welcome home, Omari!. Thrilled to add you to our @freepsports team. Also: lmk when the Pistons play again.
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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Chad Bell finally makes MLB debut.
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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Our @chrissolari went first person to explain Cassius Winston’s impact at Michigan State. This is a good one.
Cassius Winston’s Michigan State legacy transcends basketball. Here’s how I know
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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.
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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For those like me who grew w/Gatlinburg as a backdrop for childhood, this will bring you to tears:
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From @shawnwindsor: Kareem Hunt signing shows hitting women forgivable, but kneeling is not via @freep.
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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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Was just a drill.
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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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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Former South-Doyle star Chad Bell rejoined Tigers today.
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Chad Bell warming up in Tigers bullpen. Knoxville native could make MLB debut.
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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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Christin Stewart is 2-for-2, 2 HRs, 5 RBIs. It's the second inning. That's good, right?.
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John Brice batting 1.000 on GQ job scoops this millennium. Big news for @gwquarles.
#BREAKING Multiple sources tell @FootballScoop that @gwquarles is the new @ETSUFootball HEAD COACH. BOOM! @FootballScoop.
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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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Here’s the video of Vanderbilt star Enrique Bradfield Jr.’s broken bat vs. Eastern Illinois. Wild.
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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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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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Bell is former South-Doyle star. Gets chance to make his MLB debut with Tigers.
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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Excited to add Ben to our @Tennessean sports team! Follow him for @Titans coverage . or foodie advice.
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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Jackson State told a @clarionledger reporter he could not cover Deion Sanders' football program at SWAC Media Day. Here's the story: via @clarionledger.
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Central defensive end commits to Virginia.
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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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Bruce Pearl's going to the Final Four. Knoxville isn't going to handle this well.
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Friends remember Detroit sports media mainstay Jamie Samuelsen
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Christin Stewart just hit a BOMB in the top of the 10th inning. Former Vol. Tigers lead 2-0.
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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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Congrats, Aria! Welcome to the @Tennessean. Excited to add you to the team.
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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DeBord gives no comment on Jalen Hurd. "Coach will take care of that.".
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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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Once scored Scott Central's first 58 points in a playoff game. A high school legend in Mississippi.
Mississippi born and raised, @HailStateWBK's @VictoriaVivians’ roots gave her wings. Now she's in the Sweet 16.
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All-state QB Dresser Winn, of Class 1A state champion Dresden, commits to Western Michigan.
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Ouch. Just ouch.
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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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!.
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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Also a big congrats to @afkostka (2), @cecil_joyce (2), the late @CecilHurt (1), @evan_b (1), @mgiannotto (1), @christinalong00 (1), @aria_gerson (1), @ByMikeWilson (1), @KokiRiley (1), @courierchris (1), @CoryDiaz_TGN (1), @LSUBeatTweet (1), and @_NickGray (1) for great work.
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Well, you come at the king, you best not miss. And @phoebesaid didn't miss, this story shows. via @freep.
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Astros PR making a mess of things?. Nah.
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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Jordan Peele hilariously accepted congratulatory messages meant for Jordan Poole
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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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Intimate moment amid a wild scene captured by @Gentry_Estes.
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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Welcome aboard, Tyler! Excited to see what you do in Detroit. Your first priority when you arrive: American or Lafayette?.
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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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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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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It was an honor to tell y'all's story, Randy. Wonderful family. Inspiring story.
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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