The NBA is expected to communicate a revised policy on cell phone and social media usage during games for players and coaches, according to SNY’s Ian Begley. The NBPA has worked closely with the league on this revision, according to Begley, and it will build on the existing social media policy. That original policy was instituted in 2009, and it prevented social media usage from the period starting 45 minutes before tipoff and ending after media obligations have been fulfilled. The new policy will prevent any use of phones or similar devices from tipoff until the end of the game.
While social media usage from players during games is rare, it’s not unheard of. The 2009 rule was initially 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 told the story of one of his players posting a highlight video of a dunk at halftime while they trailed by 18 points. Some teams also have their own policies about cell phone and social media usage that go beyond league policy.
The intent of the rule is primarily to keep players and coaches focused on the game itself, but it will also serve as an additional layer of protection to the integrity of the game. Last season, then-Toronto Raptors forward Jontay Porter was banned from the NBA for life after an investigation found that he shared confidential information with bettors and bet on NBA games while he was in the G-League.
As part of this policy, teams will designate one point of communication for players and coaches during the period in which cell phones aren’t allowed. That staffer would be able to take calls and messages in the event of an emergency.
