Social Studies

Twitter Causes ESPN, NFL Teams To Alter Coverage

ESPN’s new social media policy has everyone atwitter today, as Bristol becomes the first large-scale sports media organization to formally implement specific guidelines. As expected, opinion varies -- Kenny Mayne noted the company’s “Taliban-like decree against further Twitter,” while Ric Bucher figures he can “still tweet about my vacation/car shopping.” But one ESPN producer follows up last night, “Don't worry, Twitter, we ESPN'ers are still here.” Social media expert Kathleen Hessert, an advisor to many companies and athletes, tweets this morning that ESPN’s “intentions are good. Results maturing.”All this comes as several NFL teams have banned tweeting in some form. Club officials must cringe when reading tweets like Bills LB Kawika Mitchell, “It's bullsh!t that the league is scared of twitter."

Product Placement 
Procter & Gamble products to receive Official Locker Room status with NFL in multi-year deal.

Throwing It In Reverse 
Buick pulls backing from PGA Tour events; The Greenbrier expected to take Buick Open dates.

Reaching The End Zone
AFL officially suspends operations, though some teams vow to play on, perhaps in af2.

Friends In High Places 
Questions emerge about relationship between Glendale city manager and Reinsdorf group.

Up Close And Personal  
NHL Panthers unveil "Locker Room" ticket package featuring lower-level seats, personal attention from players.

Family Guy
Canucks CEO Chris Zimmerman cites family reasons for return to Northeast; Gillis promoted, but says priority will remain hockey side.

Home Security System
Dodger Stadium has become "good, safe, family-friendly place to watch a game again."

The Other Shoe Drops 
adidas reports sales growth in U.S., Latin America, but drops in European, Asian markets.