Right on schedule, David Stern comes to the rescue of the NBA and lays down the law regarding Twitter and the NBA players. Well, the truth is they are more like guideliness. In fact, maybe he didn't so much lay down the law as he layed down some non-offensive, unnofficial, modest suggestions.

After the recent NBA Players' Twitter trouble, David Stern had to do something. As I previously discussed, regulating the players' activity on Twitter isn't an easy task and David Stern recognizes this fact.

“We’ve had discussions regarding the development of a team policy that would not interfere with a player’s ability to dialogue with fans via social networking, but would deter or prohibit such dialogue from taking place during ‘business hours’ at and around the workplace, time surrounding games, practice, team-related events, etc.,” the [Western Conference] executive said. “We would also attempt to address the matter of our players utilizing social network vehicles to release team-related news and business information.” - Via Yahoo

As far as NBA organization goes as a whole, there isn't much they can regulate, and as such, they must leave a majority of it up to the teams themselves. But that brings up more interesting topics on just how the players will be regulated. Separating the 'business hours' becomes a difficult task when part of your business involves public relations.

Interestingly enough, David Stern stepped out of his role as 'purveyor of business and all things that make the NBA money' and talked about the game itself. “Obviously, there is a happy medium between tweeting before the game and tweeting from our bench during the game,” Stern said by phone. “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.”

Plenty may laugh be laughing right now but chances are many of you are downright confused. When was the last time we heard David Stern talk about "respect for the game?" I know there are plenty of Suns fans gasping right now.

You know, in my mind, I picture the meeting David Stern had regarding the recent Twitter outbreaks (it's a new thing, sort of like swine flu) involving more TI-83's than PR managers. You see, David Stern is a cutthroat and ruthless son of a bitch when it comes to getting his chedder. It's all about the money.

It's always about the money.

But, for the first time in a long time I'm taking Mr. Stern's side on this one, albeit for different reasons. It's sad to see players like Stephon Marbury go crazy in front of millions. It's sad to see Michael Beasley check into rehab after posting a picture with a bag of marijuana in the background.

It's also funny at the same time.

The fact of the matter is that Stephon Marbury was a nutcase before he went crazy on the Internet. I'm sure you have all seen the Stephon Marbury interview with Glen Beck. If not, you better check it out.

And it's not like Michael Beasley didn't already have a drug problem that he was being treated for at the same time the alleged picture was taken.

These players are getting into the same trouble they have been getting into all along. In fact, some could say it's much less severe because they are just reflecting these major issues which become in the spotlight and are usually identified by the masses before anything really severe happens.

Rather than close his Twitter account because of gang problems, JR Smith could have been out there on the street getting caught up with that nonsense where I hear they play for keeps. I'll take the Internet, thank you very much.

The Troubled Tweets Are Here to Stay

As communication technology continues to increase, fan and player interaction gets closer and closer. As touched on earlier, the business of basketball is about connecting the fans with the game. When you go buy a ticket to watch your favorite team, the whole reason you are there is to feel the energy and atmosphere and connect with the game.

The sports merchandise you purchase, the jerseys, the shooter shirts, basketball cards, all of it. It's all there to connect the fan to the game. To make the fan feel as if they are part of the game. I don't know about you but I scream at my TV when MY team is down.

The game is a business that interacts the fans with the game. The basketball trinity if you will.

I don't know that we'll be seeing Shaquille O'Neal tweet during halftime while playing with the Cleveland Cavaliers, but I do know that he'll be causing mischief in Cleveland during his stay. That's the type of person he is and it reflects in his communication, both in real life and in the digital world.

And because this is the first time in a long time I have actually agreed with Mr. Stern. I figure it's time to pay a tribute to the old man himself in the form of Photoshopped images. Enjoy.