Former President Barack Obama’s speech Friday is intended to be a secret affair, with organizers threatening to remove anyone who tweets or reports on his comments.
Obama was scheduled to address Massachusetts Institute of Technology’s Sloan Sports Analytics Conference attendees Friday afternoon to discuss his future plans and reflect on his presidency, but media has been barred from reporting on his remarks.
“Following the panel, the sharing or reporting of its contents on public platforms (including social media) will not be permitted,” the conference organizers typed in correspondence to media, according to The Boston Globe. “Those who fail to adhere to this policy will be subject to removal from the conference and denied tickets to future SSAC conferences.”
An event spokesperson clarified “sharing or reporting of its contents” is forbidden when The Globe inquired further. “This policy applies to all attendees, credentialed media included,” the email availed.
The SSAC is an annual conference geared toward sports-industry professionals. Other speakers include former New England Patriots linebacker Tedy Bruschi, Boston Red Sox executive vice president and CFO Tim Zue, Celtics co-owner Steve Pagliuca and former New York Yankees shortstop Alex Rodriguez.
Obama is set to “discuss his time in office and the next chapter of his life,” the SSAC said when it announced Obama would be one of the speakers in January.
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It’s unclear whether or not event organizers will post the speech online or in any other format. The SSAC did not immediately respond to The Daily Caller News Foundation’s request for comment. Obama’s office also did not respond at time of publication.
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