beast
  • beast
  • Select Member Topic Starter
5 years ago
Well this sucks, media can't report the most interesting parts of practice.

Packers put new restrictions on what media can report from training camp practices
Tom Silverstein


Packers put new restrictions on what media can report from training camp practices
Tom Silverstein
Packers News


GREEN BAY – When it comes to allowing their fans a glimpse into their closed training camp practices, the Green Bay Packers are starting to resemble their buttoned-down rival, the Chicago Bears.

On Tuesday, general manager Brian Gutekunst issued a new media policy restricting media members from reporting anything about the starting lineup, projecting who they think might be a starter or key backup, and what players are rotating in and out at a position up for grabs.

The rule pertains to tweets from practice and stories written or broadcast.

Normally, training camp practices are open to the public and the media is free to report on roster battles, position changes and most anything else that doesn’t reveal a team’s strategy.

But with all camps closed to the public and no preseason games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL has given teams permission to set their own rules about what information can be disseminated from practice and whether reporters can tweet highlights in real time.

The NFL has given them that option because without preseason games, opposing teams have no way to personally scout another team’s personnel. One way to keep track of such things is to read media reports out of camp and apparently some teams want as little information revealed as possible.

After allowing their normal rules the first three days of practice, Gutekunst changed the policy and added restrictions that shut down even information on who is in the starting lineup. It is the strictest policy in the NFC North short of the Bears, who for years have had the tightest media policies in the division.

In an email to media outlets, the Packers said:

“Moving forward, media is no longer permitted to mention who is getting rep(etition)s with the first team, second team, third team etc., nor who is being used in certain packages or if players are rotating among positions. It is permissible to comment on play results/player performances, but you must avoid all projections on the depth chart and personnel packages.”

The Packers acknowledged the rules were harsher than normal, “but it is important that we do not put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage.”

They did not say what would happen if the rules were violated.

A sampling of media reports from training camps of the Packers’ main NFC competitors showed plenty of depth chart discussion, information on player usage and speculation on what the depth chart looks like.

For instance:

In a story in The Athletic about the New Orleans Saints, it identified former Wisconsin linebacker Zach Baun receiving snaps with the first team and defensive back P.J. Williams lining up at safety and cornerback.
In the Detroit Free Press, it was reported that Lions’ first-round draft pick Jeff Okudah was working with the second team.
On the San Francisco 49ers’ own website, it was reported that cornerback Jamar Taylor had been seeing first-team snaps with K’Waun Williams out with a calf injury and that cornerback Jason Verrett saw first-team snaps opposite Richard Sherman.
The Minnesota Vikings’ website revealed the new starting offensive line and reported that two players were rotating at left guard. In addition, the Vikings are one of several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles, who livestream parts of their practices.


Packers put new restrictions on what media can report from training camp practices
Tom Silverstein
Packers News


GREEN BAY – When it comes to allowing their fans a glimpse into their closed training camp practices, the Green Bay Packers are starting to resemble their buttoned-down rival, the Chicago Bears.

On Tuesday, general manager Brian Gutekunst issued a new media policy restricting media members from reporting anything about the starting lineup, projecting who they think might be a starter or key backup, and what players are rotating in and out at a position up for grabs.


The rule pertains to tweets from practice and stories written or broadcast.

Normally, training camp practices are open to the public and the media is free to report on roster battles, position changes and most anything else that doesn’t reveal a team’s strategy.

RELATED: Packers tight end Robert Tonyan chasing starting job as he chases 49ers' All-Pro George Kittle

RELATED: Davante Adams' spill puts scare in Packers before he returns to practice field


RELATED: Camp Insider: Injury prevention is top of LaFleur's mind; CB Jackson continues to make plays

But with all camps closed to the public and no preseason games due to the COVID-19 pandemic, the NFL has given teams permission to set their own rules about what information can be disseminated from practice and whether reporters can tweet highlights in real time.

The NFL has given them that option because without preseason games, opposing teams have no way to personally scout another team’s personnel. One way to keep track of such things is to read media reports out of camp and apparently some teams want as little information revealed as possible.

Get the Coronavirus Watch newsletter in your inbox.
Updates on how the coronavirus is affecting your community and the nation

Delivery: Varies
Your Email
After allowing their normal rules the first three days of practice, Gutekunst changed the policy and added restrictions that shut down even information on who is in the starting lineup. It is the strictest policy in the NFC North short of the Bears, who for years have had the tightest media policies in the division.

In an email to media outlets, the Packers said:

“Moving forward, media is no longer permitted to mention who is getting rep(etition)s with the first team, second team, third team etc., nor who is being used in certain packages or if players are rotating among positions. It is permissible to comment on play results/player performances, but you must avoid all projections on the depth chart and personnel packages.”

The Packers acknowledged the rules were harsher than normal, “but it is important that we do not put ourselves at a competitive disadvantage.”

They did not say what would happen if the rules were violated.

A sampling of media reports from training camps of the Packers’ main NFC competitors showed plenty of depth chart discussion, information on player usage and speculation on what the depth chart looks like.

For instance:

In a story in The Athletic about the New Orleans Saints, it identified former Wisconsin linebacker Zach Baun receiving snaps with the first team and defensive back P.J. Williams lining up at safety and cornerback.
In the Detroit Free Press, it was reported that Lions’ first-round draft pick Jeff Okudah was working with the second team.
On the San Francisco 49ers’ own website, it was reported that cornerback Jamar Taylor had been seeing first-team snaps with K’Waun Williams out with a calf injury and that cornerback Jason Verrett saw first-team snaps opposite Richard Sherman.
The Minnesota Vikings’ website revealed the new starting offensive line and reported that two players were rotating at left guard. In addition, the Vikings are one of several teams, including the Seattle Seahawks and Philadelphia Eagles, who livestream parts of their practices.

In the past, the Packers have had limitations on some things that can be reported, but in general reporters were free to describe what they saw during training camp. During the regular season, the club must allow reporters in for the start of practice, but can send them out once they go to 11-on-11 drills.

On Twitter, there was a lot negative reaction to the Packers’ decision.

“You all need to end these BS new media rules,” one person wrote. “If you’re really ‘community owned’ you need to let the media do its job so we, the community who owns you, can stay informed and invested.”
“If they’re gonna pull this sh-- they’d better win,” said another poster.
“The new policy put out by The Packers is embarrassing and an insult to the Journalists and the fans,” a reader wrote in an email to the Journal Sentinel. “If present leadership thinks that it will take these measures for the Packers to have an advantage over other teams, then they must not have much confidence in the present talent level on the team or the coaching staff.”
There also were people who were OK with the new policy.

“We deserve a Championship in my opinion. Whatever they have to do to make that a reality, do it. We can survive a few weeks without Stories that could be totally outdated and wrong in a month anyways. Put your Bucks hats on and enjoy some NBA Playoffs in August!!”, said one tweet.

Gutekunst was not made available Wednesday but was scheduled to meet with reporters on a Zoom call Thursday afternoon. The Packers practice inside Lambeau Field on Thursday and are off Friday.

www.jsonline.com/  wrote:


UserPostedImage
Zero2Cool
5 years ago
Based on what Brian G said today, it's short-term. Stinks, but sounds like it's not forever.
UserPostedImage
yooperfan
5 years ago
Well, so much for having information about the players and their performance to fuel discussion on our discussion boards.
What a terrible thing to do to the rabid fans of Packers Nation.
beast
  • beast
  • Select Member Topic Starter
5 years ago

Based on what Brian G said today, it's short-term. Stinks, but sounds like it's not forever.

Originally Posted by: Zero2Cool 


Sounds likes it's only to the NFL September 5th cutdown day.

And he's only doing it because they can't scout other teams, so he in return wants to make it as hard as possible to scout the Packers.

It makes sense, but still sucks...

Going forward, I'd prefer it if the NFL just forced all 32 teams to allow media to cover that all. As knowing where guys rank and if there is growth are some of the most interesting part of preseason.

UserPostedImage
wpr
  • wpr
  • Preferred Member
5 years ago

The NFL has given them that option because without preseason games, opposing teams have no way to personally scout another team’s personnel. One way to keep track of such things is to read media reports out of camp and apparently some teams want as little information revealed as possible.



I can live with this.

If NFL, Inc. were to come out with some edict that standardized press coverage I wouldn't mind it but if withholding information gives the Packers some kind of unscouted advantage for a couple of weeks, FANTASTIC.

It is kind of funny that some members of the media have gotten a little pissy about not being able to report what they want to report.
UserPostedImage
Fan Shout
Zero2Cool (4h) : Finally got new site to keep folks logged in. New tech is pain sometimes
dfosterf (20h) : Taylor Elgersma is going to be very hard to hide.
Mucky Tundra (22h) : Matthew Golden=DAWG (so load the wagons!!) !!!!!
dfosterf (18-Aug) : We do have good depth at running back imo. Still so frustrating. Bitching about it is a futile excercise, which I plan to do anyway.
Mucky Tundra (17-Aug) : Whoops, I thought Zero was saying it was a surprise the Brewers lost and not Lloyd being hurt
Mucky Tundra (17-Aug) : Not a surprise; inevitable
Zero2Cool (17-Aug) : Brewers streak ends at 14
Zero2Cool (17-Aug) : SURPRISE
Mucky Tundra (17-Aug) : @mattschneidman Matt LaFleur on MarShawn Lloyd: “He’s gonna miss some time.”
Mucky Tundra (16-Aug) : CLIFFORD WITH THE TD WITH UNDER 2 TO GO!!!!!
Zero2Cool (16-Aug) : 90 MINUTES UNTIL FAKE KICKOFF!!
Martha Careful (16-Aug) : I think Ruven is a bot, but regardless should be stricken from the site.
Zero2Cool (14-Aug) : Packers RB Josh Jacobs ranked No. 33 in NFL 'Top 100'
dfosterf (13-Aug) : The LVN Musgrave collision- Andy Herman said Musgrave seemed to be the one most impacted injury-wise
dfosterf (13-Aug) : a lower back injury
dfosterf (13-Aug) : Doubs says he's "fine" after injury scare. Some reported it as z
Mucky Tundra (13-Aug) : With LVN that is; need to see what happens in the next practice
Mucky Tundra (13-Aug) : beast, reading about what happened, it sounded like one of those "two guys collide and are moving slow afterwards" type of deals
beast (12-Aug) : I believe Musgrave has been injured every single season since at least a Sophomore in highschool
packerfanoutwest (12-Aug) : Matt LaFleur: “Highly unlikely” Jordan Love plays more this preseason
dfosterf (12-Aug) : Doubs, Savion Williams, LVN, Musgrave all banged up to one degree or another, missing one here I forget
Zero2Cool (12-Aug) : RB Tyrion Davis-Price is signing with the Green Bay Packers.
Zero2Cool (12-Aug) : zero help, dominated. preseason
beast (12-Aug) : QB Jordan Love has surgery
beast (12-Aug) : Martha said Morgan had a lot of help, I didn't watch the OL so I can't say.
Zero2Cool (10-Aug) : Packers LT Jordan Morgan did not allow a single pressure across 23 pass-blocking snaps vs. Jets last night, per PFF
Mucky Tundra (10-Aug) : With buckeye and the reasonable couple, we're currently sitting at 10
buckeyepackfan (10-Aug) : Just posted to re-up on our FFL.
Zero2Cool (10-Aug) : If healthy after, then thats all I care. Well, no drops would be nice
wpr (10-Aug) : I made it through the 1st Q.
dfosterf (10-Aug) : Just gotta figure out how.
dfosterf (10-Aug) : Could have been a worse start, so there is that.
beast (10-Aug) : Yeah, someone tell the Packers football season has started, seems like they weren't ready for it
Mucky Tundra (10-Aug) : Sooooooo many penalties
Mucky Tundra (10-Aug) : It may only be preseason, but this game is a trip to the dentist
Zero2Cool (10-Aug) : Packers do bad -- FREAK OUT!!!!!!
Zero2Cool (10-Aug) : Packers do good -- eh only preseason
dfosterf (10-Aug) : Well that half was fun
Zero2Cool (10-Aug) : Great, zayne is down
Zero2Cool (9-Aug) : 13 minutes away from kickkkkkkkkkkkkkkkkoffff
Zero2Cool (9-Aug) : Had Celebration of Life for my uncle up north. wicked rain hope it dont come south
Mucky Tundra (9-Aug) : THE GREEN BAY PACKERS ARE PLAYING FOOTBALL TONIGHT!!!!!! THIS IS NOT A DRILL!!!!
Zero2Cool (9-Aug) : Woo-hoo
TheKanataThrilla (9-Aug) : NFL Network is broadcasting the game tonight, but not in Canada. Not sure why as no local television is showing the game.
beast (8-Aug) : But the Return from IR designations had to be applied by the 53 man cutdown.
beast (8-Aug) : It's a new rule, so it's not clear, but my understanding was that they could be IR'd at any time
Mucky Tundra (8-Aug) : *had to be IRed at 53
Mucky Tundra (8-Aug) : beast, I thought the designate return from IR players had to be IR at cutdowns to 53, not before
beast (8-Aug) : It's a brand new rule, either last season or this season, prior, all pre-season IRs were done for the season
beast (8-Aug) : But the Packers would have to use one for their return from IR spots on him, when they cut down to 53.
Please sign in to use Fan Shout
2025 Packers Schedule
Sunday, Sep 7 @ 3:25 PM
LIONS
Thursday, Sep 11 @ 7:15 PM
COMMANDERS
Sunday, Sep 21 @ 12:00 PM
Browns
Sunday, Sep 28 @ 7:20 PM
Cowboys
Sunday, Oct 12 @ 3:25 PM
BENGALS
Sunday, Oct 19 @ 3:25 PM
Cardinals
Sunday, Oct 26 @ 7:20 PM
Steelers
Sunday, Nov 2 @ 12:00 PM
PANTHERS
Monday, Nov 10 @ 7:15 PM
EAGLES
Sunday, Nov 16 @ 12:00 PM
Giants
Sunday, Nov 23 @ 12:00 PM
VIKINGS
Thursday, Nov 27 @ 12:00 PM
Lions
Sunday, Dec 7 @ 12:00 PM
BEARS
Sunday, Dec 14 @ 3:25 PM
Broncos
Friday, Dec 19 @ 11:00 PM
Bears
Friday, Dec 26 @ 11:00 PM
RAVENS
Saturday, Jan 3 @ 11:00 PM
Vikings
Recent Topics
51m / Fantasy Sports Talk / macbob

3h / Around The NFL / beast

23-Aug / Feedback, Suggestions and Issues / Zero2Cool

23-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / isaiah

22-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

21-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

20-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / bboystyle

19-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

18-Aug / Around The NFL / isaiah

18-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

17-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / beast

17-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / Mucky Tundra

15-Aug / Around The NFL / Mucky Tundra

13-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / dfosterf

12-Aug / Green Bay Packers Talk / Zero2Cool

Headlines
Copyright © 2006 - 2025 PackersHome.com™. All Rights Reserved.