NBA stars are set to be banned from using their cell phones during games this season, according to reports.
League officials are claimed to be keen to minimise players’ social media use during play.
This will see even the likes of LeBron James and Steph Curry have their cell phone use limited.
According to Yahoo Sports, teams will be contacted regarding the rule change this week.
The new season is set to tip-off on Tuesday, when the defending champion Boston Celtics host the New York Knicks.
It’s claimed that as part of the rule, players will not be able to use their phones from 45 minutes before tip-off until post-game media obligations have been fulfilled.
Not just players will be affected, with the ban also being imposed upon NBA coaches.
League officials are said to have worked with the NBA Players Association in order to get the rule right.
While players and coaches are banned from going on their phones, it’s claimed that one person will be designated as a “point of communication” – able to use their cell phones in case of emergency.
Even if players are inactive for a game, if they are with the team on the bench they too will not be allowed to use their phones.
Should there be a medical or security issue on a game night, the ban will be lifted.
It’s claimed that the rule will be imposed to “keep players and coaches focused” during games.
But there have also been gambling considerations made following last season’s Jontay Porter scandal.
Back in April, the NBA imposed a lifetime ban on Toronto Raptors big man Jontay Porter.
Following an investigation, it was determined that Porter, 24, had violated the league’s gambling rules.
“A league investigation found that Porter violated league rules by disclosing confidential information to sports bettors, limiting his own participation in one or more games for betting purposes, and betting on NBA games,” a statement read.
‘INTENTIONAL’
It went on to reveal that, ahead of Toronto’s 123-89 loss to the Sacramento Kings on March 20, “Porter disclosed confidential information about his own health status to an individual he knew to be an NBA bettor.”
The bet was reliant on a poor performance by Porter, which the NBA deemed to be intentional.
It was also found that Porter had limited his own game time in order to influence bets.
League officials hope that the cell phone ban can help to “bolster the integrity of the game”.
Porter played in 26 games for the Raptors last season, having previously featured 11 times for the Memphis Grizzlies during the 2020-21 season.
He has also played for four teams in the G-League.