The NBA is expected to announce a revised policy on cell phone and social media usage during games for players and coaches, according to SNY’s Ian Begley. The new policy will build on the existing social media policy that was implemented in 2009. Under the original policy, players and coaches were prohibited from using social media starting 45 minutes before tipoff until after their media obligations were fulfilled. However, the revised policy will now prohibit any use of phones or similar devices from the start of the game until its conclusion.
While it is rare for players to use social media during games, there have been instances in the past. The 2009 rule was informally referred to as the “Villanueva rule” after then-Milwaukee Bucks forward Charlie Villanueva tweeted from the locker room at halftime of a game. Portland Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups has also shared a story about one of his players posting a highlight video of a dunk at halftime while they were trailing by 18 points. Some teams have their own policies regarding cell phone and social media usage that go beyond league regulations.
The primary intent behind this rule is to keep players and coaches focused on the game itself, but it also serves as an additional measure to protect the integrity of NBA games. Last season, former Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for life after an investigation revealed that he had shared confidential information with bettors and placed bets on NBA games while playing in the G-League.
As part of this new policy, teams will designate one point person who can handle communication for players and coaches during periods when cell phones are not allowed. This individual would be responsible for taking calls and messages in case of emergencies.
