Twitter can be a hostile place for many people. NBA Twitter accounts are usually an outlier in that they do a good job keeping things fun and friendly. The league has obviously taken exception with some recent activity on social media, however, as they have issued a memo to all 30 teams regarding how social media should be used, according to ESPN’s Tim MacMahon.
The NBA sent a memo to all 30 franchises this week regarding rules prohibiting the “mocking and/or ridiculing” of opponents or game officials by teams on social media. The memo from NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum stated that some recent social media postings on official team accounts had “crossed the line between appropriate and inappropriate” and cited concern that “such conduct can result in ‘Twitter wars’ between players that can cause further reputational damage and subject players to discipline by the League.”
The memo also gives three examples of behavior that would not be tolerated on Twitter.
Disparage, belittle or embarrass an individual opponent or game official; · Mimic or impersonate an opponent or game official in a negative manner; or · Criticize officiating or the NBA officiating program.
The NBA is asking nothing more than for accounts to be respectful of the opposition and the officiating. So, sorry NFL, you are still the premier ‘No Fun League” for now.
