The NBA is still reeling from former Toronto Raptor Jontay Porter’s ban for feigning injuries to exit games early to win prop bets. The league is now bolstering its integrity protocols, banning cell phone use courtside.
players routinely breached it without any consequences
The previous rule dictated that coaches and players may not use phones or social media within 45 minutes of the beginning of a game and until they complete their media duties post-game. While this restriction was in place, players routinely breached it without any consequences.
SYN reporter Ian Begley reported that the rule change aims to improve the integrity of games and keep everyone focused on the game at hand. Every team will have a single staff member allowed to carry an emergency phone.