Technology

What’s the NFL beef against Twitter?

Social media has been very successful. Since 2005, when MySpace really took off, more and more people are bypassing traditional sources of information (TV, radio, newspapers) in favor of cutting-edge websites that radiate “modern”, “chic” and “in”.

How else can you explain the growth of YouTube, Facebook, and the latest social media favorite, Twitter?

On the surface, the use of Twitter appears to be as harmless as its bird logos. However, in the summer of 2009, the microblogging phenomenon drew the ire of the August National Football League officials. (NFL). In particular, some coaches, managers and league officials fear that 140-character “tweets” could compromise confidential game plans, injury reports, and confidential marketing information. Certain NFL teams are even banning tweets during training camp, threatening players with fines and suspensions if they don’t meet the requirements.

What the Controversy is really about.

The speed and mass instant messaging capabilities of Twitter scares head coaches. While a team can manage press conferences and deliver press releases, Twitter gives soccer fans unfiltered access to their gridiron heroes. It represents a transition from command-controlled media to a crude type of citizen investigation. While professional sports journalism still has its place, modern technology (laptops, laptops, cell phones, personal digital assistants (PDAs)) allows ordinary people to bypass local sports broadcasting, ESPN, NFL Network, and even the teams themselves to get what they want. want.

The NFL in a Web 2.0 world.

NFL franchises are understandably sensitive about their operations on the field, but media leaks and other breaches of confidentiality will occur with or without Twitter. In the age of 24/7 news cycles, a fragmented multimedia environment exposes professional athletes to a host of “independents” (bloggers, freelancers, paparazzi, etc.). For better or for worse, the NFL bureau cannot prevent intrepid reporters and investigative journalists from searching for good stories.

The NFL and other sports leagues must maintain the highest level of integrity to survive. As America’s number one spectator sport, soccer is particularly susceptible to issues that can compromise its image. However, instead of attacking Web 2.0, perhaps you should take a look at the growing presence of the game in the game (fantasy football leagues, weekly groups, sports betting, etc.) and the effect it has on the game. society.

In favor of the freedom of the player.

Despite some highly publicized and sensational incidents, NFL players are mostly responsible, hard-working men who represent their teams with honor and dignity. It’s hard to believe that someone who has sacrificed so much to get to the top of their profession will knowingly jeopardize their career with inappropriate tweets. Instead, most players see Twitter as a way to connect with fans and promote themselves off the football field without the usual input from team agents, coaches and publicists.

Twitter as a future partner?

The NFL is arguably the best-marketed sport in the world. Between September and February, he pretty much owns Sundays in America, and the pregame / postgame hype always carries over to non-gaming days. So why the sudden Twitter paranoia? After all, weren’t the team’s general managers gleefully tweeting their winning picks on Draft Day this year? Even NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has a Twitter account!

Like anything else in business, maybe the NFL’s Twitter phobia comes down to money. As financially strong as it is today, the league still doesn’t know how to monetize Twitter. Still, you should relax: Twitter owners (Obvious) are also looking for a viable business model that ensures long-term viability and keeps it out of the reach of a giant media conglomerate. Perhaps the two organizations can come together to create better brand awareness and shape their respective images.

Given his reputation as a marketing genius, the NFL’s reaction to Twitter is a bit odd. Sports leagues cannot control the flow of news any more than the government or the military can. Your best option may be to update your mobile technology policies, especially on game days. For its hardcore Twitter fans, perhaps the time has come for the league to offer general Twitter guidelines that coaches, players, management, and support staff can live with.

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