The Worldwide Leader in Sports has laid down the hammer on its employees that have Twitter accounts.  Basically, ESPN has ruined guys on Twitter like Chris Mortensen, Ric Bucher, and their golf editor Jason Sobel.  Deadspin has the info on a memo sent to ESPN personnel about what they can and cannot say on Twitter, Facebook, etc.

Bottom line?  They can't say anything really provocative.  From the memo:

• 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.
• 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.

In other words, no cool info that would come up in reporting.  No talking about breaking news yet to be officially reported.  We can still get Jason's good info that he shares on Twitter about pairings, etc., but nothing really breaking or yet to be officially reported.  Clearly, that's kinda disappointing.

UPDATE: I heard from Jason on Twitter and, basically, he can still talk golf.  The message from ESPN is just to not be dumb when you Tweet.

JasonSobel Rumors of my tweeting demise have been greatly exaggerated. Let's talk golf. RT @waggleroomgolf Rest In Peace @JasonSobel Twitter Account?

Good news for everybody cause Jason is one of the best.