ESPN’s Tim MacMahon is reporting that the NBA sent a memo to all 30 teams this week “regarding rules prohibiting the “mocking and/or ridiculing” of opponents or game officials by teams on social media.” Huh? Is the most fun and innovative major sports league getting conservative on us? Dare I say, turning into the NFL? Is this in response to the Portland Trailblazers official Twitter page trolling Chandler Parsons?
In the memo NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum cites concern that some recent social media posts have “crossed the line between appropriate and inappropriate.” The league’s fear is that these inappropriate posts will escalate into “Twitter wars” as well as harm player and league reputation.
Ok, Tatum has a point there as it relates to league reputation. The NBA relies on corporate sponsorship and nothing can and should get in the way of the league making money. If the NBA feels this type of “social media beef” could have an adverse affect on revenue, then by all means it should stop. All teams will toe the line from now on, because you can’t mess with the money flow.
In the memo the NBA listed three specific examples of material that would be inappropriate for posts on official team accounts. They include: disparage, belittle or embarrass an individual opponent or game official. Mimic or impersonate an opponent or game official in a negative manner. Criticize officiating or the NBA officiating program.
Sounds simple enough. Wonder how many savvy social media team employees will continue to find ways to subtweet and troll?