America's Tweethearts

More athletes are acing their social networking

Rarely a day goes by without an athlete getting into hot water thanks to Twitter. But a few tweeters seem to be using the service the right way.

Quincy Pondexter: Last week the Grizzlies' swingman threw out a query: "Who won Miss Tennessee?" That prompted a response from the winner herself, Chandler Lawson. After some banter that established both were single, Pondexter tweeted, "Date? Lol." Lawson accepted, noting, "We've got an audience waiting apparently!"

Lesson: Use LOL. It establishes a certain awareness of the absurdity of what you're doing—and gives you an out (I was only kidding!) if you get shot down.

Matt Harvey: The Mets' pitcher bumped into SI Swimsuit model Anne V following a Rangers playoff game. He tweeted, "A @NYRangers win! Riding the elevator out of the garden with the beautiful @AnneV." Within weeks the New York Post reported they were "canoodling" at another game (left).

Lesson: Optimism works, as does flattery.

A.J. McCarron: The Bama QB met his girlfriend, Miss Alabama USA Katherine Webb, after a mutual friend tagged them both and suggested they get together.

Lesson: Be a star quarterback in a football-mad state, and someone will direct a beauty queen your way.

PHOTO

JAMES DEVANEY/WIREIMAGE.COM (HARVEY AND ANNE V)