NBA Says No To Twitter

The NBA finally made a decision on Twitter and other social-networking sites; they decided that no player, coach, or other team personnel will be able to tweet, update their status on Facebook, or partake in any other action on these types of sites during game time, which by their definition includes while the actual game is happening, breaks, halftime, and even post-game interviews.

The NBA has made it clear however that each team will be able to make up their own rules about using these social-networking sites during other team events such as practices, meetings and charity work.

As a Twitter addict, and someone who got Twitter mainly to be able to follow the lives of NBA players and certain sports reports, this rule makes me a little sad, as it would be fantastic to be able to get the inside scoop on a game, a halftime locker room pep talk, and player reactions right after a game is over. However, I also think this rule will prove to be a good thing in terms of improving player focus. Players should not be tweeting each other or uploading a new Facebook album during a timeout. They should be going over plays with their coaches and making sure they win the game, no matter what it takes. Besides, at the rate at which some players tweet (ahem Dwight Howard, and I love you for it), I'm sure the minute press conferences are over, we will all get to join our favorite players and teams once again and not only get a behind-the-scenes look into the game that just took place but also get to share in celebrating (or mourning) over the score.

So hands off those iPhones and Blackberrys champs, the world of networking will still be there after the game. And we'll all be awaiting your updates.