In the wake of yet another social networking embarrassment for the league, NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell has finally laid down the law, at least when it comes to Twitter.
“From now on, everybody’s tweets go through me,” Goodell posted on his own Twitter page. “Players who don’t get their tweets approved by my office will be fined $10,000 per offense.”
The new rule was enacted in response to the backlash over player tweets questioning Jay Cutler’s toughness after he was unable to finish the NFC Championship game because of injury.
“Maurice Jones-Drew and Darnell Dockett have to realize they represent not just themselves, but also the league,” said Goodell. “The NFL will no longer tolerate unsanctioned Twittering. Any player or coach who wishes to post a tweet must first submit it to the office of the commissioner and wait 10-14 days for approval. We may also respond with a revised tweet based on our lawyers’ review.”
When asked if he thought making players wait up to two weeks to tweet defeated the purpose, Goodell was diplomatic.
“If by purpose you mean being timely, then yes,” he said. “But if by purpose you mean me clenching my fist tighter around the league and ultimately driving our sport into the ground with another work stoppage, then no.”
