NFL Throws Yellow Flag on Twitter: No in Game Tweets
Unlike the LPGA, the NFL will not encourage the use of twitter, by team players and staff, during sporting events. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello emailed NBC Sports this morning explaining that tweeting during a live game will get you the yellow flag and fines.
Aiello claims that there is already a rule in place that bans cell phones and handheld devices from the sidelines which would make it impossible to tweet without breaking the rule. Aiello’s email reads:
We already have a rule that prohibits the use of cell phones or other handheld devices in the bench area during games
Aiello specifically says “cell phones and handheld devices” and “bench area”; I would like to know whether this rule extends to computers and the locker room. A cell phone is not the only way to send a tweet; you can tweet from the web also. What stops a player from having a desktop computer set up on the sideline? Can a player tweet during halftime in the locker room?
I have tried to find a copy of the NFL rules and regulations to no avail. NFL.com does have a digest of the rules but not a full, unabridged edition, available. If anyone could point me in the direction of a copy, I would love to take a look through this regulation.
All of the Twitter rule talk within the NFL stems from the widely outspoken and brash Cincinnati Bengal, Chad “Ocho Cinco” Johnson. OGOchoCinco, Johnson’s twitter username, has made it clear he wants to tweet during games. OGOchoCinco tweets:
Question? If I tweet during the game and they suspend me, would I get paid during my suspension since it’s not a legal issue?
and
Damn NFL and these rules, I am going by my own set of rules, I ain’t hurting nobody or getting in trouble, I am putting my foot down!!
It is almost expected for Ocho Cinco to butt heads with NFL management. Johnson has had issues every year, silly ones albeit, regarding on the field antics; this year should be no different.
Among celebrities, athletes seem to have embrased Twitter more than others. Professional athletes using Twitter include, jamthedirtybird (Jamal Anderson ex Falcon RB), Lfitzgerald11 (Larry Fitzgerald Cardinals WR), BarryZito (Barry Zito SF Giants Pitcher), and andyroddick (Andy Roddick Tennis Pro).
With the growing popularity among athletes, sporting organizations will be forced to make decisions regarding Twitter, whether they like it or not.
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Hi there, just doing some research for my Cincinnati 4g website. Can’t believe the amount of information out there. Not what I was looking for, but very nice site. Cya later.