I have posted a few times about pro sports stars using social media. It’s always good to see more people catch on and begin to use these wonderful communication tools. But I recently had a mini-debate on Facebook with a couple of friends about the NFL banning/cracking down on Twitter usage which brought up some good points. Today, I would like to get your opinion – Are social media tools such as Twitter helping or hurting sports?
Consider a few points below:
Social media tools allow pro sports players to connect with their fans like never before. This helps build a connection between the fans and their favorite players/team. And let’s face it - without the fans the teams wouldn’t exist.
Many pro athletes could be labeled as ego-centric and use these tools in a way that could harm the team and/or player. This may result in fines and other penalities.
But the ultimate question is, “should what athletes do off the field/court matter?” This is the age old topic that has been the source of many debates. Social media allows fans to see what that sports star is really all about – for better or for worse.
Communication is changing forever. Limiting access is only putting a band aid on the real problem. If you are so worried about how a player may truly feel or what they might say that would harm the team – then should they be on the team anyway? Let them learn for themselves. The fans deserve it.
Good post. That’s why I think sports teams should feature the players’ Twitter feeds on their websites, so the players realize it is public and they need to have accountability when they tweet. I’m in the “they are role models” camp and think they should be just as responsible using Twitter, as they are when they are being interviewed on TV during halftime.