NFL Bans Tweeting During Games

The National Football League issued rules for players, coaches and other team personnel who want to use Twitter and other online social networks on game days.

The new rules released Monday prohibit the posting of info on social Web sites from 90 minutes before a game until after media interviews following the game. There are no restrictions on days a team isn't playing.

"The growth of social media platforms such as Twitter and Facebook has created important new ways for the NFL and clubs to communicate and connect with fans," the league said in a press release. "The NFL has been at the forefront of the use of new media and will continue to emphasize innovative and appropriate use of these new forms of communication."

The latest ban amends the NFL's prohibition against players coaches and other team personnel using mobile phones, PCs and other electronic devices on the sidelines, locker room and press box. The league believed the new rules were needed, because of the growing use of Twitter, Facebook and other sites by players, The Washington Post reported.

The NFL is not the only sports organizations concerned with the growing use of Twitter by players and others to reach out to fans. U.S. Open officials recently warned players to be careful that their use of Twitter during the Grand Slam tennis tournament, which started Monday, doesn't violate rules against passing along insider information.

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