NEW YORK — The NBA is instituting a policy regarding
Twitter and other social media sites, banning players from using them during
games.
The league sent a memo to teams on Wednesday telling them
that cell phones and other communication devices can't be used from 45 minutes
before game time until after players have finished their responsibilities after
games. That includes halftime.
The rule applies to "coaches, players and other team
basketball operations personnel." NBA spokesman Tim Frank confirmed the memo and
its contents.
The memo does not specify penalties for violation of the
rule, and says teams are free to create their own policies for practices and
other team events.
The NBA has more than 1.4 million followers on Twitter,
and many players are active on it.