On August31, Profootballtalk.com reported that the NFL created a policy that restricted use of social media on game days. The restriction begins “90 minutes before the game begins and extends after post-game media interviews have concluded.”
Several NFL teams have all together banned cell phones and computers from the practice field. These teams include the Broncos, Dolphins, Patriots, Bills, Colts, Saints and Lions. Twitter has the ability to turn any average joe into a sports reporter. Teams worry about opponents gaining an edge or insight. They also have concerns about the beat writers, well getting beaten to the punch.
Head coach of the Miami Dolphins, Tony Sparano, voices his concern “Something they think is innocent can really hurt an individual, can really hurt team chemistry and maybe can lead to somewhere down the road a loss of a game. I believe that. I’m one of those guys that will try to take that variable out of the way if you can.
Ocho Cinco and Andre Smith
Such restrictions imposed on players have lead to Chad Ocho Cinco announcing the end of his twitter account on September 4th saying “Due to the many rules the NFL has made I’ve found it difficult to enjoy Twitter and I’ll be deleting my account 
. I thank and love you all for following, hope you enjoyed getting to know the real me: Esteban out”.
Chad Ocho Cinco’s tweet on twitter was first to break the news regarding the signing of the Bengals first round draft pick Andre Smith. His post also included this picture of them together to prove it. Twitter has also fueled the infamous war betweeen ESPN’s Skip Bayless and Chad Ocho Cinco.
It is my believe that the NFL or No Fun League has gone a little too far. Between banning social networking and eliminating end zone celebrations, the league has more rules and restrictions than necessary. The end zone celebrations enhance the entertainment of the game. I can understand coaches banning twitter updates during a game however once the game is over it should be fair game. I mean is it really hurting anybody?
The first amendment of the constitution states that we have the right to freedom of speech. Restricting and even fining players infringes upon this basic right of the players.
Early this September, San Diego Chargers cornerback Antonio Cromartie was fined $2,500 for tweeting that the Chargers served “nasty food” during training camp. Is this really such a big deal? Does learning that Cromartie dislikes the food, make you view the Chargers or even the NFL in a different light?
So if a NFL player wants to tweet, who is the NFL to stop him? It is every individuals choice to participate on twitter or not. It allows the players to voice their opinion directly to the world and in turn the world can see players on a more personal scale.
In Chad Ocho Cinco’s words, it is not over until we “kiss the baby”
