NBA Set Up 'Snitch Hotline' To Clamp Down On Orlando Bubble Breaches

To put in frankly, there's a snitch in the NBA.

With the competition set to relaunch on July 30 from the comfort of the virus-free bubble of Walt Disney World, league officials have set up a makeshift hotline to ensure that everything runs smoothly during the build-up.

The phone line, which is now being referred to as the "snitch hotline", was implemented so players within the bubble could notify officials of quarantine and social distancing breaches.

Now, according to The Athletic, the hotline is blowing up with incoming calls regarding coronavirus protocol violations.

While some players have already broken the rules in Orlando - including Sacramento Kings big man Richaun Holmes who left his hotel room to pick up a food delivery - it appears others are now following suit.

With the the revamped season just under two weeks away from kick-off, it appears some players are now taking it upon themselves to notify the NBA of breaches - a move that doesn't sit well with the rest of the league.

Nets guard Spencer Dinwiddie, who will miss Brooklyn's opener against the Orlando Magic on August 1 after testing positive for COVID-19, had a simple message for his colleagues thinking of picking up the phone.

"To all my fellow NBA players, don't call the snitch hotline," he told Taylor Rooks of Bleacher Report via Zoom call.

It's understood the athletes could receive verbal warnings, suspensions or even bans from the bubble as punishment for their actions.

But whether it's the thought of missing out on an NBA Championship, a mega-money pay cheque or even the chance to get back to families as quick as possible, you can't exactly blame the small pocket of NBA stars for venting their frustrations to officials for continuous breaches.

That being said, it might not be too long before we start seeing players trying to frame their rivals in a bid to get an edge come game day. Watch your backs, LeBron and AD.

Topics: News, NBA, Coronavirus, Orlando, Australia, Covid-19

Max Sherry

Max Sherry is a journalist for SPORTbible Australia. After migrating Down Under from London as a teenager, he instantly fell in love with Aussie sport and its culture. From NRL to AFL, cricket to rugby — you name it, Max watches it (with a beer in hand, of course). During his time at Fox Sports, he worked in the football department covering the Premier League, A-League, Socceroos and Matildas. Born a stone's throw away from West Ham's training ground, Max is obviously a die-hard Liverpool fan.

@maxysherry