Today in TechNBA faces $1 million fine for using Facebook or Twitter during lockout
Salary negotiations, salary caps, revenue sharing and just about every other negotiation has come to a standstill today between the NBA and its players. Since the expiration of the current collective bargaining agreement last night between the owners and players, the league has barred any interaction between them through Facebook or Twitter until a new contract is reached.
Should the owners communicate with the players via social media tools, the offender is not only facing a million dollar fine from the league, but the owner's eligibility to participate in draft picks for the new season could also be yanked. This could be devastating to a team that is trying to rebuild for a run at the national title.
The ban on Facebook is particularly tough, extending to coaches, managers and front office personnel. The Twitter blackout is a little more lax. Players can be followed on Twitter, but messages cannot be sent via the social service, nor the retweeting of their updates.
All of this is part of a bigger lockout strategy that puts an end to scouting, European preseason games and support for this summer's Olympic qualifying tournaments. If the two sides don't come to an agreement before the official start of the season, Twitter leaks may soon be the least of their problems.
Post by Dan O'Halloran
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