Last week the Memphis Grizzles and Portland Trailblazers exchanged unpleasantries over social media, and they might have gone and ruined it for everyone in the process.
According to ESPN's Tim MacMahon, the NBA sent a memo to all 30 teams on Thursday warning them about the "inappropriate use of social media" and how it can "damage the reputation of the NBA, its team and its players." The league flagged disparaging, mimicking, belittling, embarrassing and impersonating opponents or officials as inappropriate material – as well as criticizing officiating or the NBA officiating program – in an effort to prevent future controversy.
"We want teams to be aware of the NBA's rules with respect to the use of social media by teams," wrote NBA deputy commissioner Mark Tatum. "As with in-game entertainment, teams are prohibited from mocking and/or ridiculing opponents (including teams, players, team personnel (including owners) and opponents' home cities) and game officials on social media in any form, including through statements, pictures or videos."