NFL on Social Media

Source: Wine, Steven. "Some NFL teams clamp down on tweets".Deseret News. 1 November, 2009. http://www.deseretnews.com/article/705321376/Some-NFL-teams-clamp-down-on-tweets.html


Summary: Many teams in the NFL are cutting down on blogging and tweeting. The Miami Dolphins are leading this idea by banning fans and reporters from using social media while watching training camp practices. They continue this idea by having their players restricted with using twitter and blogs. The article explains, "Like many Americans, coaches are anxious and a little confused about the rapid pace of change in communication" (Wine) and this is just one reason they are coming down with restrictions. The other reason is, "They fear opponents might gain a competitive advantage from even the briefest tweet about injuries, personnel decisions, trick plays or food" (Wine). Following very close policies include, the Broncos, the New England Patriots, Buffalo Bills, Indianapolis Colts, New Orleans Saints and Detroit Lions. They similarly don't allow reporting from the practice field. Some teams are not as strict on social media as the Dolphins; the Chargers for example allow twittering, but they fine players who tweet about complaints, they are still controlled about what they can say. NFL spokesperson, Brian McCarthy stated that the organization encourages players to tweet, "When done properly, it's a tremendous opportunity to talk with fans" (Wine). All in all players, fans, and reporters may use twitter and other social medias, but what is said on these websites and newspapers will be controlled differently by each NFL team.


Response: I think this is a perfectly fine idea for the NFL. We have come to learn that sometimes the media that is put out cannot be controlled the way we would wish, but I think this is a polite way for coaches to control what is said about their teams. The media should not have to show every negative thing about these football teams. True, one could bring the question up, doesn't this go against freedom of speech for fans and reporters? But in truth the coaches have the right to create these restrictions because the supporters and journalists have been allowed on the NFL team's property and should obey what they require. These restrictions do not take away the ability for reporters to write what they want to, but it does ask that they do not write while watching a practice. I do like the idea that each team's coach chooses for their own team and it is not forced on all teams. It should be the coaches decision on how controlling they want to be about what is said about their team. I do like that they still allow players to communicate with fans, but in an appropriate manner. I think this organization has the right idea on how to properly control the media.