Sharing Stupid $h~*t With Friends and Followers: The First Amendment Rights of College Athletes to Use Social Media

摘要

May state universities restrict or place limitations on their student-athletes' use of social media without running afoul of the First Amendment? It is a given that state actors, which includes a state university's athletic department and its individual coaches, are bound by the First Amendment. Institutional rules and regulations restricting speech or expression imposed by a coach or athletic director will undoubtedly implicate the First Amendment. But, does implicating the First Amendment in this setting mean that coaches' rules and regulations regarding speech and expression violate the Constitution? Many argue yes. However, as former Coach Leo Corso of ESPN College Gameday fame is quick to respond: "Not so fast my friends."