GENERAL NEWS
Arizona sports’ year in 2018 as told by social media
The year 2018 had no shortage of big sports stories in Arizona.
The Arizona Cardinals traded up to take a quarterback in the draft. Then their season began and they benched (and eventually cut) Sam Bradford, fired offensive coordinator Mike McCoy and struggled under Steve Wilks.
The Phoenix Suns got the first overall pick, fired their general manager and had an up-and-down (mostly down) regular season thus far.
The Arizona Diamondbacks were well on their way to the playoffs before collapsing in September and eventually trading Paul Goldschmidt to the St. Louis Cardinals.
The Arizona Coyotes traded players who were once thought to be big pieces of the team’s future, sending away Max Domi, Brendan Perlini and Dylan Strome.
Arizona State football and men’s basketball each had signature moments; Phoenix Rising and the Phoenix Mercury got to the playoffs and many other things made it a crazy year. Here are those stories (and others) told through the lens of social media.
Jan. 12: Khalil Tate didn’t come to Arizona to run the triple option
Arizona QB Khalil Tate tweeted this moments after Navy’s Ken Niumatalolo emerged as a strong candidate for the UA head coaching position. Niumatalolo runs a triple option offense at Navy. 😳👀 pic.twitter.com/grwgOeVUjp
— The Wildcaster (@TheWildcaster) January 12, 2018
Jan. 22: Cardinals hire Steve Wilks as head coach
The #AZCardinals red suits you well, Coach Wilks! #BeRedSeeRed pic.twitter.com/h4JwemgqOa
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) January 23, 2018
April 2: Josh Rosen pokes fun at former UCLA head coach Jim Mora
Why? 🤷🏻♂️ #why
— Josh Rosen (@josh3rosen) April 2, 2018
April 22: Cardinals trade up to draft Josh Rosen
BOOM! 👊
The #AZCardinals trade UP ⬆️ and take UCLA quarterback Josh Rosen! #NFLDraft pic.twitter.com/XB3v9yLzt8
— 98.7 Arizona Sports (@AZSports) April 27, 2018
May 2: Suns hire Igor Kokoskov
Welcome back, Coach! pic.twitter.com/KK28r3XoD1
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) May 2, 2018
June 15: Coyotes trade Max Domi for Alex Galchenyuk
Thank you @ArizonaCoyotes for the past three seasons. Memories and friends that I will carry with me for the rest of my life #ThankYouAZ 🌵
— Max Domi (@max_domi) June 16, 2018
June 21: Phoenix Suns draft Deandre Ayton first overall
DEANDRE. #TimeToRise pic.twitter.com/ub2lO4iM18
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) June 21, 2018
June 22: Arizona Coyotes draft Barrett Hayton in first round
Dream come true. So proud to be a part of the @ArizonaCoyotes pic.twitter.com/MVvaWkN3Kt
— Barrett Hayton (@BarrettHayton) June 23, 2018
July 7: Devin Booker signs contract extension
I am humbled & honored to commit to the Suns organization long term. I loved calling Phoenix home the last 3 seasons as this team & community are special to me. Thank you to the Suns for drafting me and believing in me. I look forward to the future & pursuing a title as a Sun. pic.twitter.com/AHRaraPww6
— Devin Booker (@DevinBook) July 8, 2018
July 28: Carson Palmer is enjoying retirement
Sept. 4: Phoenix Mercury advance to WNBA Quarterfinals, fall to Seattle Storm
ONCE AGAIN FOR THE PEOPLE IN THE BACK.
THE. GREATEST. OF. ALL. TIME. pic.twitter.com/OO0F5xbTce
— Phoenix Mercury (@PhoenixMercury) September 5, 2018
Sept. 8: ASU football upsets No. 15 Michigan State
Upset in Tempe!
Herm Edwards' Sun Devils knock off No. 15 Michigan State with a game-winning field goal as time expires. pic.twitter.com/L47ZlN1xr4
— ESPN CollegeFootball (@ESPNCFB) September 9, 2018
Sept. 13: Oliver Ekman-Larsson is named Coyotes captain
The Captain. 👏 pic.twitter.com/qeWdwwdqok
— Arizona Coyotes (@ArizonaCoyotes) September 13, 2018
Sept. 25: Arizona’s AAF team named Arizona Hotshots
— Arizona Hotshots (@aafhotshots) September 25, 2018
Oct. 8: Suns fire GM Ryan McDonough
OFFICIAL: Suns relieve Ryan McDonough of general manager duties.https://t.co/kMdfINRsZk
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) October 8, 2018
Oct. 19: Arizona Cardinals fire Mike McCoy, promote Byron Leftwich as offensive coordinator
Get to know our new offensive coordinator, Byron Leftwich. pic.twitter.com/doWK0r2leq
— Arizona Cardinals (@AZCardinals) October 19, 2018
Nov. 8: Phoenix Rising reach USL Cup Final
Without the fans, we’re nothing. We know not everyone could come out to Louisville but we know you were all with us tonight. Thank you for making this club more than just a soccer team. We can’t wait to be with our family again in 2019. #UpRising pic.twitter.com/uCbEzg93mF
— Phoenix Rising FC (@PHXRisingFC) November 9, 2018
Nov. 21: Didier Drogba calls it a career
Nov. 25: Coyotes trade Brendan Perlini and Dylan Strome for Nick Schmaltz
Thanks for everything @ArizonaCoyotes . Had a fun few years and am very grateful for the opportunity you guys given me to play in the @NHL #Thankyou
— Brendan Perlini (@Bubzp11) November 27, 2018
Nov. 26: N’Keal Harry declares for NFL Draft
Dec. 5: Diamondbacks trade Paul Goldschmidt
Mood. #GoldyBlues pic.twitter.com/7KrfikczaP
— Archie Bradley (@ArchieBradley7) December 6, 2018
Dec. 13: Suns owner Robert Sarver gives a message on social media
A message from Managing Partner, Robert Sarver: pic.twitter.com/f2YLC0woYG
— Phoenix Suns (@Suns) December 13, 2018
Dec. 15: Manny Wilkins plays his last game as a Sun Devil
I put it all on the line just to protect me and MINE. FÉRINA ATHLETICS. 5️⃣ pic.twitter.com/Q3nbdn1H9U
— Manny Wilkins Jr. (@MannyWilkins5) December 15, 2018
Dec. 17: Devin Booker finally fires back at Enes Kanter
🤦🏽♂️ “Pick n Roll at 00 every time” https://t.co/riaizpFpZV
— Devin Booker (@DevinBook) December 18, 2018
Dec. 22: ASU basketball upsets No. 1 Kansas
TEMPE WE LIT 🔥 pic.twitter.com/geNTwHumJ4
— Sun Devil MBB (@SunDevilHoops) December 23, 2018
