The NBA's guidelines regarding "social networking" were revealed tonight after us Bee types had already left the Kings practice facility, so I am sure there will be more on the topic in the days to come. Though the rules aren't very restrictive, I am curious to hear the reaction of the Kings most prolific tweeters - Sean May, Jason Thompson and Donte Greene. In essence, the league's guidelines regarding the use of cell phones PDAs and other communication devices consists of the following:
- Social networking devices are banned from the 45-minute mark before tipoff, throughout the duration of the game (and including halftimes), and continuing through the obligatory post-game media availability session in the locker room;
- The rules apply to coaches, players and others directly involved in the actual game itself, presumably excluding the club's media relations and publicity types
- Teams can implement even more stringent rules, which a number of clubs have done
When I reached Kings media director Troy Hanson late Wednesday evening, he said Geoff Petrie and Paul Westphal were still reviewing the league's guidelines and had yet to formulate the club's own policy.
"We have a couple guys that are very active (May, Thompson, Greene), but they're very good about it," said Hansen, referring to something known as "manners. "I'm sure we'll figure something out for practice, but you won't see guys running over to take a water break, pulling out their cellphones. That's never been the case."
Interestingly, one of the Kings who often breached etiquette was former coach Reggie Theus. The personable Theus just couldn't help himself, hence, the need for a league policy. Reggie often was seen checking his cell phone or making quick calls while conducting practices, and on a number of occasions, he interrupted post-game press sessions to take calls. He curbed the activity after hearing about it from his players and members of the media.
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