The NFL will not permit in-game twittering by players, coaches, or others on the sidelines during games this season, league spokesman Greg Aiello told ProFootballTalk.com on Thursday.
Yes, Chad Ochocinco, this includes you. The notorious twitterer was less than excited after hearing about the NFL's stance.
"Damn NFL and these rules. I am going by my own set of rules. I ain't hurting nobody or getting in trouble, I am putting my foot down," said Ochocinco via Twitter.
The announcement by the league was prompted by Ochocinco when he told radio station KGOW in Houston, Texas this week that he intended to send tweets during regular-season games.
"I'm going to really make it fun. I'm using Twitter during games, during halftime, after the games. I'm going to be taking it to the next level," said Ochocinco.
Although Aiello announced the Twitter-ban, the restriction of cell phone use on sidelines has always been in effect.
"We already have a rule that prohibits the use of cell phones or other handheld devices in the bench area during games," said Aiello via e-mail to Profootballtalk.com
What a shame. The "No Fun League" controls touchdown celebrations, sock height, and now it is limiting fan involvement tweet-by-tweet. But how much more of a fan base could they draw if they allowed players to tweet during games?
Imagine Ochocinco on the sidelines asking his "followers" what his next touchdown celebration should be? Or Ochocinco telling his fans via tweet the route he ran to catch that touchdown?
Ochocinco's plan to tweet during games is nothing new. Several NBA players have beaten him to it, including Shaq and Charlie Villanueva.
"In da locker room, snuck to post my twitt. We’re playing the Celtics, tie ball game at da half. Coach wants more toughness. I gotta step up," said Villanueva via Twitterberry last season.
The advancement of the fusion of technology and sports is unstoppable. Villaneuva's tweet during halftime could be another version of a reporter grabbing a player before he heads to the lockerroom.
It's not like these athletes have their phones stuffed in their jock straps. If a player is not in the game, why not let that player involve their fans?
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