NFL Training Camps are Open; Twitter is Closed
Category: Blog - August 05, 2009
Judy Battista of the New York Times recently discussed some team's rules prohibiting NFL players from using Twitter and social media during the season, specifically, games, practices and team functions.
I have to admit, I'm on the fence with this one. On one hand, I say, "please, give me a break." Even if a player were to run his mouth (Tweet) about an injury or something said in the locker room, is it REALLY going to affect the outcome of a game, or is this just another way for NFL teams to tighten the reigns on its players, who do not have a good track record with staying out of trouble?
On the other hand, if I were a coach I wouldn't want one of my players Tweeting during a meeting, much less during a game. These guys get paid millions of dollars to be the best at what they do. Put the mobile device down and pay attention!
The NFL does not have a league-wide social media policy for its players, and I don't believe it should. Let the teams decide for themselves if they need to develop and enforce social media rules. It is what it is -social. Players should be able to have Facebook and Twitter accounts if they so choose. Maybe the rookies should be required to take a "responsible Tweeting" class at the NFL Rookie Symposium, but if the NFL enacts a ban on social media it begs the question, "What's next? Am I allowed to talk...at all?" And if you want to take it to the highest level, "Do NFL players have different freedom of speech rights because they play in the NFL?" Hmmm...let's hope it doesn't get to that point.
Already, many college programs today restrict the use of Facebook by its student athletes to help prevent the posting of incriminating information that could be used against them (read: they don't want pictures of the football captain drunk at a party showing up anywhere). I agree with these restrictions. These student-athletes are obligated to represent their school, their community, their sport and their teammates to the best of their ability. Does the same ring true in the NFL? They only wish.
The NFL is still trying this Twitter craze on for size, and much like the other pro leagues, isn't sure how to use it to it's advantage, or more importantly, how to control its users.
Matt Hansen
Account Supervisor
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