U.S. Open Issues Twitter Warning

The officials at the U.S. Open have made their message to the players very clear – be careful what you tweet.  So many people love Twitter but this warning underscores the dangers associated with the popular social networking site.

Apparently, a signed has been posted all over the place at the USTA Billie Jean King National Tennis Center from the players’ lounge to the locker rooms (and even the referee’s office) with a headline:  “Important. Player Notice. Twitter Warning.”

The message goes on to say:  “Many of you will have Twitter accounts in order for your fans to follow you and to become more engaged in you and the sport — and this is great.  However popular it is, it is important to warn you of some of the dangers posted by Twittering as it relates to the Tennis Anti-Corruption Program Rules.”

Players are already reacting to the warning with Andy Roddick tweeting: “lame the US Open is trying to regulate our tweeting.. I understand the on-court issue but not sure they can tell us if we can’t do it on our own time … we’ll see.”

He then added: “I definitely respect the rule about inside info and on the court, but you would seriously have to be a moron to send ‘inside info’ through a tweet.”

In response to Roddick’s tweets, U.S. Open spokesman Chris Widmaier said: “We agree with Mr. Roddick that it would be ‘moronic’ to provide what might be construed as insider information. However, in the age of new media, it is imperative to ensure the absolute integrity of the game.”

It’s a sad day when a sport has to warn the athletes not to put out sensitive information on Twitter but I guess it’s necessary.

image: Zuma Press