An internal ESPN memo was leaked to John Koblin yesterday detailing ESPN's strict social media policy. With ESPNers daring to (gasp!) speak out and offer personal opinions publicly, ESPN executives have to be diligent in slapping wrists, wagging fingers, and shooting stern looks. After all, ESPN can't afford another reckless firebrand like Bill Simmons to do anything crazy on Twitter like criticize Skip Bayless. ESPN can't afford such outlandish things as people engaging with critics or fans, discussing sports without the sanctioning of ESPN, or offering any opinions about anything.
It must be difficult for ESPN to track so many potential offendors of their social media policy with hundreds of employees active on social media. Nearly every tweet sent could be a possible violation worthy of suspension or worse. With that in mind, we want to help the Bristol social media police and bring to light just a few violators of ESPN's social media policy from the past couple days. Ya know, just in case they missed anybody. We're here to do what little we can to assist ESPN in this quest to clamp down on needless expression and individualism.
Subject: Dan Le Batard
@dustinparkes @mj_baumann come on now. How long have you been reading sportswriting? That CAN'T be dumbest thing you've read. Maybe top 10.
— Dan Le Batard Show (@LeBatardShow) April 11, 2013
Violation: Defending your work and engaging with critics, even if it's sarcastically talking about your own Twitter fight which may or may not have contributed to the timing of the latest social media memo.
Subject: Scott Van Pelt
@packfns can you read?
— Scott Van Pelt (@notthefakeSVP) April 10, 2013
Violation: Engaging in media criticism AND exercising discretion, thoughtfulness, and respect for ESPN fans. Two for the price of one. Oh you better believe that's a paddlin!
https://youtube.com/watch?v=hFgR0m-9FmM
Subject: Robert Flores
It makes my heart smile to know that @whataburger is following me. #Merica
— Robert Flores (@RoFloESPN) April 10, 2013
Violation: This is not on the updated list of ESPN commentator endorsements, and thus not sanctioned by ESPN.
Subject: Jay Bilas
Interesting story by Mike Bebernes from view of officials: deadsp.in/16JCg3y Ed Corbett is one of the very best, on and off floor.
— Jay Bilas (@JayBilas) April 10, 2013
Violation: Linking to Deadspin, obviously.
Subject: Taylor Twellman
anyone else love the camera work this game?! #dizzy #CCLonFOX
— Taylor Twellman (@TaylorTwellman) April 10, 2013
Violation: Disparaging remarks about competitors.
Subject: Linda Cohn
Rangers battled thru. @hlundqvist30 comes thru in shootout. 2 big points against a very good Leafs team. See ya Saturday Islanders! #NYR
— Linda Cohn (@lindacohn) April 11, 2013
Violation: ESPN does not sanction NHL discussion.
Subject: John Buccigross
Melrose plotting to take over Pittsburgh with his Canadian swag #goingwiththeflow twitter.com/Buccigross/sta…
— John Buccigross (@Buccigross) April 10, 2013
Violation: Avoid discussing future coverage plans.
Subject: Bill Simmons
I think SA would crush the Lakers. The Lakers can't defend, SA would pick them apart. Huge coaching advantage for SA. I just don't see it.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 11, 2013
Violation: No speculating on sports topics.
Subject: Kevin Negandhi
No one should shed a tear for the Marlins owner or his executives.
— Kevin Negandhi (@KNegandhiESPN) April 10, 2013
Violation: No personal opinions on sports topics.
Subject: Chris McKendry
How much fun is this?Great game!
— CHRIS MCKENDRY (@CMCKENDRY_ESPN) April 9, 2013
Violation: No personal opinions on sports topics.
Subject: Chris Fowler
Indulged in a great meal at Weidmann's in Meridian, MS, founded 1875. Redfish, gumbo, and the bus is back on the road.
— Chris Fowler (@cbfowler) April 11, 2013
Violation: No personal opinions on local Mississippi eateries.
Subject: Bill Simmons
I couldn't sleep last night and Slapshot was on. Hadn't seen it in awhile. Is that the 70s movie that's held up the best? It's still
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) April 10, 2013
Violation: No personal opinions on 70's sports movies that maintain cultural relevance.
Subject: Dick Vitale
Do it Smokey – he is the @kingjames of Motown! twitter.com/DickieV/status…
— Dick Vitale (@DickieV) April 11, 2013
Violation: No personal opinions on legends of Motown.
For approved tweets, see this, this, this, and especially this or this for examples.
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