NBA Reminds Teams Not To Mock Opponents, Refs On Social Media

The NBA, "citing concerns about provoking exchanges between players that could damage the league's reputation, issued a memo to all 30 franchises this week emphasizing rules prohibiting 'mocking and/or ridiculing' opponents or officials by official team social media accounts." The memo, written by NBA Deputy Commissioner Mark Tatum, "included three bullet points specifying what would be considered inappropriate material" for team social media accounts:

• Disparage, belittle or embarrass an individual opponent or game official
• Mimic or impersonate an opponent or game official in a negative manner
• Criticize officiating or the NBA officiating program (ESPN.com, 2/9).