NBA Lockout 2011: What the NBA Players Are Saying and Tweeting

The 2011 NBA lockout went into full effect at 12:01 EST on Friday morning, and it took players less than 12 hours to express their lament regarding the sticky situation.

It doesn't look like the work stoppage will cease at any point in the foreseeable future, and ESPN's Ric Bucher reported that the NBA will fine any team that contacts players $1 million, and that includes any communication via social media.

The players have let their voices be heard, and it's interesting to see what they've been saying since they are now facing unemployment.

Andrew Bogut

Bogut's Tweet:

"

Love the new and improved layout of NBA.COM

"

The Milwaukee center is referencing the fact that the league's official website took down all player images and likenesses from the site.

I thought that the owners locked the players out of the league.

I didn't realize that they broke up with them, too.

Joe Smith

Smith's Tweet:

"

It's official!!! we're locked out again!!! 2nd time in my career!!! WoW!!! #Yessiirr...

"

Smith, the former No. 1 overall draft pick back in 1995, has now been locked out twice during his tenure in the league.

What other professional league has had two separate lockouts overseen by the same commissioner?

Jon Brockman

Brockman's Tweet:

"

Current Employment Status: None. The lockout begins.

"

It's pretty sad to see the players realize that the labor issue isn't going away anytime soon.

The league has clearly taken away more than just the occupations of these guys.

Their entire livelihood is basketball.

Roy Hibbert

Hibbert's Tweet:

"

I'm out of a job.

"

The look on Hibbert's face in this picture pretty much says it all.

He's got no job as of right now, and nothing to rely on for the coming summer months.

Danny Granger

Granger's Tweet:

"

I can't believe we locked out smh... Now I need a job smh

"

Even if Granger keeps shaking his head, it's doubtful that the head-bobbing is going to result in a solution.

It's going to be pretty interesting to see how the new financial restrictions may restrict players like Granger on the open market, considering that he signed a five-year, $60 million extension back in 2008.

Derek Fisher

Fisher's Tweet:

"

Hopefully we can find middle ground & continue to bring you the game you love so much! Keep the comments coming! I'm reading them all!

"

The lead man on the player's side is listening to the fans, something that the owners don't seem like they have much of an interest in doing.

Fisher may be searching to find a middle ground between the sides, but there's a large gap between where both parties are standing.

Charlie Villanueva

Villanueva's Tweet:

"

Maaaaan I just got locked out my house too. Not a good night!!! What else could go wrong?

"

The NBA lockout wasn't the only one that Villanueva had to deal with on Thursday night.

He's got no keys to the NBA or to his own house...Where's the man supposed to go now?

Gilbert Arenas

Arenas' Tweet:

"

i heard a owner tell a player who was making 20 million..i make 5 times ur amount a year..so what u make it pockets change to me

"

Is it possible that Arenas overheard a conversation intended for him?

It's pretty magical how depreciation can make a profit look like a loss on the balance sheet for the owners.

Aaron Brooks

Brooks' Tweet:

"

Obama is a sports guy.. Why is he letting the happen ;(

"

I don't think the nifty use of emoticons will bring back the NBA anytime soon, Mr. Brooks.

President Obama may be a sports guy, but even he may not be able to bridge the gap between sides right now.

Tracy McGrady

McGrady's Tweet:

"

anybody need their lawn mowed?#lockout

"

Now that would be a sight to see, wouldn't it?

McGrady might need one of those John Deere mowers that you can sit on though, because he definitely doesn't want to put any extra stress on that tender knee before the action picks back up.

DeMarcus Cousins

Cousins' Tweet:

"

Is walmart hiring?

"

I don't think Walmart ever stops hiring considering that there's a new one popping up in almost every town regularly throughout the country.

It's been a long time since I walked into one that had a door greeter that wouldn't fit underneath the frame.

Aaron Brooks, Part II

Brooks' Tweet:

"

Maybe I could be Metta World Peace new psychiatrist...

"

Winner, winner, chicken dinner.

This has to be the best lockout job that I've seen suggested by a player as of yet, but I'm sure there will be several interesting ones suggested as we move forward.

#LockoutJobs has serious potential to trend on Twitter, and that's the only place any of these players will be taking their talents to for the time being.