A decade ago, the closest fans could come to directly interacting with their favourite athletes were if they met at a meet-and-greet or a fundraiser. Even exclusive interviews through various networks would only allow fans to watch and listen. Now, with the explosion of social media, a completely new element to fan/athlete interaction has arisen. Athletes are not just able to connect with their local fans, but their fans from all over the world can connect with them. Topics of discussion are no longer restricted either. We are getting to know certain athletes outside of their sport. We get to hear what they have to say about politics, pop-culture, and their personal lives. While this marriage of sport and social media presents a fresh look at athletes, do not expect it to be as free as it is now.

Take Sean Avery for example: while he has been decently well behaved in recent years, Avery and the National Hockey League have had numerous battles as a result of Avery’s free speech. In 2008, Avery was suspended six games for making inappropriate comments towards Dion Phaneuf’s girlfriend Elisha Cuthbert. Avery has been accused of making a racial slur toward Georges Laraque, and trash-talking Jason Blake who was battling leukemia. While Avery seems to have learned his lesson, it is only a matter of time before he, or someone else, expresses an opinion that his or her league does not like.

In the NBA, Commissioner David Stern has already changed the way social media functions within his league. Stern has implemented rules that restrict the amount of activity that can occur. For example, players cannot “tweet” 90 minutes before a game, during halftime, or until their interviews are fulfilled after a game. In an article written on Yahoo Sports, Stern says, “You want to make sure that pop culture doesn’t intrude on what brought us here, which is the game, and that we show the right respect for the game.”

Teams and management will soon begin increase content restrictions for athletes. How they go about it remains to be seen; however, “The Eye in the Sky” will be watching very carefully to determine what is permissible and what is not. As Stern finishes, “We just need to make sure when it’s OK to Tweet and when it’s not OK to Tweet so it at least focuses around the game. It would look unusual for a guy sitting on the bench to pick up his cell phone, and I think we can agree that he probably shouldn’t be writing e-mails.”

If an athlete makes a comment that is deemed to jeopardize the integrity of a team or sport, there will be disciplinary action. For the time being, sports fans should enjoy the free speech as it lasts.