Should iPods be banned from the sidelines in the NFL?

you realize you are suggesting a ban on coaching headsets?

 

i just threw that out there as a red herring.

I look at communication tools as a distraction.
I look at mp3/music player as harmless and a means of focus.

i am in favor of the double standard.

 

what about the psp?



i would ban this... no benefit imo.

 

I see what you're saying. I both agree and disagree.
As for personal electronic devices, if they want to listen to music instead of watching the game and/or learning, that should be all on them. If they can skip practices/training camp sessions, etc., why not let them listen to music during games?
HOWEVER, going right along with your argument of communications...if they are capable of connecting to the internet (which I think a PSP is), then they should be prohibited. Kinda like you can use a cell phone/PDA on an airplane, just as long as it's not 'transmitting/receiving'.

 

I'm not advocating listening to music but I don't necessarily view it as a distraction. Audible stimulation could have a positive impact. It could heighten senses, keep the heart rate up.. I don't know... I wish I was a doctor so I could have a little credibility here... I could see a linebacker standing, watching the offense, thinking about getting in the game... If he's got his sideline cap on, holding his helmet jamming Megadeth or something... he's just staying pumped mentally... if the special teams comes out and punts he throws the mp3 player in his sideline cap, sets it on the pine, slams his hat on, buckles up and takes his place out on the field to defend... I really don't see the issue. You present it as if he's choosing to listen to music over watching the game when he can actually do both. Listening to the music might open his mind to put him in a place to better learn or teach himself something.

Let me concede something... A guy like VY in that position had no business listening to anything but maybe an OC headset. Hey now, if rap music gets Tulloch on his game... what is the harm in that?

 

It's a valuable coaching tool. Norm Chow hit the "Ask Madden" button about every play.

 

With all the shenanigans going on on sidelines (Like Greg Ellis' Bullcrap) I think there should be a mandatory ban on non-football related things. People are jacking around enough as it is, without music. Most people know that there are always meetings and things on the sideline with position coaches, and you may not hear it if you're fooling around on the ipod. If it's not allowed in High School or College, it shouldn't be allowed in the NFL. They've got 6 other days a week, and the rest of their Sunday to listen to an ipod.