As with everything these days, social media has found it’s way into the sports world but whether that is a good thing or a bad thing is debatable. Social media sites have been used to reach out to fans to alert them of a problem or to keep fans updated on scores. However, professional and collegiate athletes have also taken to using Twitter to express negative reactions, ranting about the turnout of a game or talking negatively about other players.
The NFL especially has had trouble this season with players letting out their anger about the replacement officials in the beginning of the season. The NFL didn’t fine these players; however, in the past players have been hit with thousands of dollars in fines for comments made on social media.
When Amare Stoudemire, a player for the New York Knicks, responded harshly and used explicative language to a fan who had tweeted him, he was fined $50,000. Miami Dolphins wide receiver Chad Ochocinco, who is not new to big fines, was slapped with a $25,000 fine for tweeting during a game, which is banned under NFL rules.
The NFL has gone to great lengths to try to separate athletes and social media during games. A rule added in 2009 prohibits players from updating their social media from 90 minutes before the game until after the post-game press conferences are done; other leagues have also added in restrictions.
However, outside of these incidents there seems to be more good than bad that comes out of the collaboration between social media and the sports world. Posts on Facebook and Twitter keep fans who are unable to watch the game up to date on the score or outcome of a game. Even fans who are at the game are able to check for updates while they are up in the nosebleeds.
At the Nebraska/Arkansas State game, for example, when Husker head coach Bo Pelini was taken to the hospital at halftime, many fans at the game in the stadium had no idea he wasn’t there until they checked their social media sites and were able to find out.
During most big time athletic events, the Twitter “Trend” column, where the top ten most used hash tags and words are ranked in order, contains a sports team name or something related to sports trending worldwide. Even the Nebraska Cornhuskers have adapted to using social media during sporting events. On the field at Memorial Stadium, painted along the side of the field is #Huskers, a sign that encourages people to tweet about the game and use the hash tag.
Another positive aspect that comes out of the social media and the sports world is ability of the fan base to be enthused 24/7. Fans take to Twitter, using the same hash tags, gathering trends sometimes with four or five of the top t
rends being about the same subject. When the Monday between the Night Football game Packers and the Seahawks ended in one of the most controversial calls ever, the hash tags #MNF #Packers #Seahawks #interception #ReplacementRefs all trended world wide at the same time. The fans took out their anger, voiced their opinions, and were able to share their frustration. These sites offer a place for fans to talk to each other and stay enthused about their team all the time, not just on game day.
With technology becoming an increasing part of many people’s lives, it is unavoidable that social media will continue to come into the sports world. However, it seems that whether its invasion will be a good thing or a bad thing will have to be determined by those using it and their responsible or irresponsible choice.
