The Stankoniforous Files

A directive straight from Bristol or Disney. Twitter is dead in the ESPN-verse. You know Twitter, right? The uber-popular site populated with celebs and regular folks. It's a big deal (no Ron Burgundy)

So why the straitjacket? Please read the guidelines Stank-0 has posted.

ESPN’S ADDITIONAL GUIDELINES FOR SOCIAL NETWORKING

ESPN regards social networks such as message boards, conversation pages and other forms of social networking such as Facebook and Twitter as important new forms of content. As such, we expect to hold all talent who participate in social networking to the same standards we hold for interaction with our audiences across TV, radio and
our digital platforms. This applies to all ESPN Talent, anchors, play by play,
hosts, analysts, commentators, reporters and writers who participate in any form
of personal social networking that contain sports related content.

ESPN Digital Media is currently building and testing modules designed to publish
Twitter and Facebook entries simultaneously on ESPN.com, SportsCenter.com, Page
2, ESPN Profile pages and other similar pages across our web site and mobile
platforms. The plan is to fully deploy these modules this fall.

Specific Guidelines

· Personal websites and blogs that contain sports content are not
permitted
· Prior to engaging in any form of social networking dealing with
sports, you must receive permission from the supervisor as appointed by your department head
· ESPN.COM may choose to post sports related social media
content
· If ESPN.com opts not to post sports related social media content
created by ESPN talent, you are not permitted to report, speculate, discuss or give any opinions on sports related topics or personalities on your personal platforms
· The first and only priority is to serve ESPN sanctioned efforts,
including sports news, information and content. Assume at all times you are
representing ESPN. If you wouldn’t say it on the air or write it in your column,
don’t tweet it. Exercise discretion, thoughtfulness and respect for your
colleagues, business associates and our fans.
· Avoid discussing internal policies or detailing how a story or feature was reported, written, edited or produced and discussing stories or features in progress, those that haven’t been posted or produced, interviews you’ve conducted, or any future coverage plans.
· Steer clear of engaging in dialogue that defends your work against
those who challenge it and do not engage in media criticism or disparage
colleagues or competitors
· Be mindful that all posted content is subject to review in accordance with ESPN’s employee policies and editorial guidelines
· Confidential or proprietary company information or similar information of third
parties who have shared such information with ESPN, should not be shared
Any violation of these guidelines could result in a range of consequences, including
but not limited to suspension or dismissal.

• Personal blogs are out! You serve ESPN, step lively and dance when ESPN says so.
• Before you use social networking sites, ask ESPN's permission.
• If ESPN does not report a story, do not question ESPN's decision. ANYWHERE, ANYTIME OR ANY PLACE!
• Do not discuss the inner workings of ESPN with outsiders.
• Do not defend your work on ESPN to outsiders.
• Any posted content must be cleared by ESPN.

I personally have never been to the NFL HOF in Canton, OH, but would like to go someday. I'm sure Stank-0 will want to attend to see the posthumous induction of the late Derrick "DT" Thomas, the most prolific pass rusher of the 1990s. Some stats:

• His 116.5 sacks from 1990 to 1999 led the NFL.
• His 126.5 career sacks are a Chiefs record.
• He holds the single game sack record: 7

Has it really almost been 10 years since DT passed away? If anyone deserves a spot in the Hall, it's DT. You could make the argument that DT was the best defensive player of the 90s.

Let's break down his numbers. His sacks per season comes to 11.5, total (126.5) divided by seasons played (11). His sacks per game comes to .71875. By comparison, LT's sacks per game comes to .6370, however, LT played 2 seasons longer but he had 6 more sacks.

Stank-0, what's your opinion about all of this?

Please excuse this late post. The game yesterday was more an O's away game than an O's home game, and it was in the Yard.

Beckett had a very efficient night, allowing less than 5 hits scattered throughout 7-8 innings.

Because of the jumble of humanity at the Camden St. entrance, Stank-0 missed the 1st inning blast.

Youkilis had a sweet swing that resulted in the other HR.

The O's bullpen needs some work.

The O's left fielder needs to work on some things. He let a very catchable fly ball drop about 3 steps in front of him.

The O's threatened late in the game but that fizzled.

Final 4-0 BoSox.

Post game notes: When did Sox fans become so obnoxious? It was revolting. Thank ye Gods that losing has kept KC fans humble.

The upper deck is pretty cool, but no foul balls come near there.