As this semester has some how come to an end, so too has my blog assignment. I have used this forum to discuss pertinent sports events and tried to address the PR side of each event/issue. I hope someone out there enjoyed just part of my blog - if so, it was well worth it.
I have also used the blog to discuss some personal opinions about sports internships, several Major League Baseball teams and the prowess of the SEC. Hopefully my opinions were taken as just that - opinions.
To bring an end to this assignment, I thought I would re-visit some of my favorite and some of my least favorite posts.
Personally, I liked the post about sports internships because it expressed my opinions and thoughts on an issue I feel I know a little bit about. It gave me an opportunity to share some of my experiences and hopefully (if anyone read it) help someone out down the road. I was also happy with some of the posts that used videos! It was an exciting day when I figured out how to incorporate videos and pictures into my blog. I thought, in most cases, they added to the effectiveness of the blog and created a more pleasurable blogging experience.
Of course, not all of my blogs were worth writing home about. A recent one that talked about the popularity of blogs was probably one of my least favorites, but it has shown me areas I can improved upon in future blogs.
Overall I thought the blogs were much tougher than I originally thought. Going into the assignment, I thought it would be simple to think of things to discuss. I was wrong. It was tough to come up with fresh ideas that were relevant, pertinent and interesting. On the bright side, this assignment definitely helped me develop better writing skills as well as an ability to scoop out news from around the world.
As this, my last semester, comes to a close, I am forced to rethink and remember all the finer moments of my time at UGA. Honestly, I can think of few better than the time spent with my HDF campaigns team. They are, without doubt, the best group I have ever worked with. We honestly enjoyed each other's company, and each moment spent working with them is a moment I will treasure long after I have left Athens.
All the best,
Ben!
Friday, May 4, 2007
Wednesday, May 2, 2007
Soccer in the States
Like most years, the beginning of the Major League Soccer season kicked off recently and no one seemed to notice. In a country dominated by FOOTBALL and baseball and basketball, soccer is overlooked and under appreciated. Unlike the rest of the world, America does not take much pride in professional soccer. As a result Major League Soccer has had a tough time leaving the ground. Now, in their 12th season, the league is finally beginning to gain awareness. Attendance is up (but still very low), advertising revenue is up and even ESPN has begun broadcasting regular season games!
From a PR/Marketing standpoint, MLS has really been slow to act. They have what I would consider a good product, but have been unable to make any headway in America. But recently they have gotten noticed and I believe a lot of it has to with their new, effective "You're a fan. You just don't know it yet" campaign. The commercials have run on sports networks ESPN and FSN, as well as ABC (that I have seen). I think what makes them brilliant is that they take aspects of every other sport we love in America and show that soccer has them all - quickness, agility, teamwork, contact etc. Whoever is behind their latest campaign deserves recognition for this recent success.
To test popularity of MLS among some of my cohorts I asked around. Of the 10 people I asked, 4 had watched an MLS game this season (the season just began four weeks ago). Although this number may not seem extremely high, it is huge compared to how many had ever watched a game prior to this season, 0.
The point is, MLS is making headway and I can't help but think their recent campaign is part of the reason, that and the anticipated arrival of David Beckham...
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Sadness in St. Louis
Early Sunday morning St. Louis Cardinal pitcher Josh Hancock died in a single car accident. The 29 year-old bullpen pitcher had reportedly spent Saturday night drinking at a bar and then refused a ride home. Regardless of the details surrounding his death, the Cardinal family has been grieving over an unfortunate loss. To try and commemorate their fallen teammate, the Cardinals hung Hancock's No. 32 jersey from the dugout of their Monday night game against the Brewers (the team took Sunday night off due to the loss).
A situation like this is one that very few prepare for and one the everyone hopes they will never have to deal with. The Cardinal organization must find a way to honor Hancock, but at the same time they will be forced to move along. How does PR personnel handle such a tragic situation? It is very hard to say, but I think the Cardinals handled it nicely. They sent the only person they could to talk with the press: Manager Tony LaRussa. LaRussa addressed the media in an appropriate manner and gave appropriate responses. The team has attempted to memorialize Hancock by wearing a NO. 32 patch on the sleeve of their uniforms. Undoubtedly, the team will hold a commemorative ceremony for Hancock when the team returns to St. Louis at the end of this current road trip.
These efforts should not be considered a "PR Move." They are appropriate tributes to a fallen teammate. They are measures taken by a grief striken team that is struggling to find answers. Situations like this are about much more than PR. They are about remembering that there are so many things out there more important than baseball and public relations. This situation reminds us that life is short, and we must make the best of the time were are fortunate enough to have. Also we must take time to really cherish the people in our lives that make life worthwhile...
All the best,
ben
Tuesday, April 24, 2007
Sweeping Blogs
According to a 2003 article in Forbes, sports blogs are "few and meager." They explain use as being unimportant and somewhat trivial. According to the article no one is reading them, and bloggers will never be able to compete with Web sites and cable TV.
I imagine if an article ran nowadays about sports blogging, it would be singing a different tune. Blogs in general are everywhere, and sports blogs seem to be a major source of sports information. Use however, seems to be coming from middle aged individuals. Just from asking around, it seems no one in my age group - 18-23 is using blogs at all. In fact, of the ten people I questioned, 0 said they even know how to access a blog and 0 said they had ever read a blog.
But blog use is up and young creators of blogs are coming into large sums of advertising money.
Sports blogs too are becoming increasingly popular, providing users a chance to link to hundreds of sports stories and articles from around the world, and view photos and videos of relevant sports news and information.
As for this blog, it seems to fall into the meager category Forbes talked about four years ago...
Because its fresh and newsworthy and it has to do with sports I had to include the following clip and story...
Just so you don't feel bad, here is the story that clears up how he survived.
All the best,
ben
I imagine if an article ran nowadays about sports blogging, it would be singing a different tune. Blogs in general are everywhere, and sports blogs seem to be a major source of sports information. Use however, seems to be coming from middle aged individuals. Just from asking around, it seems no one in my age group - 18-23 is using blogs at all. In fact, of the ten people I questioned, 0 said they even know how to access a blog and 0 said they had ever read a blog.
But blog use is up and young creators of blogs are coming into large sums of advertising money.
Sports blogs too are becoming increasingly popular, providing users a chance to link to hundreds of sports stories and articles from around the world, and view photos and videos of relevant sports news and information.
As for this blog, it seems to fall into the meager category Forbes talked about four years ago...
Because its fresh and newsworthy and it has to do with sports I had to include the following clip and story...
Just so you don't feel bad, here is the story that clears up how he survived.
All the best,
ben
Thursday, April 19, 2007
Manuel loses cool...
This season has been anything but easy for Philadelphia Phillies manager Charlie Manuel. His team, picked by many to win the National League East division, is currently in last place in the division and NL MVP Ryan Howard is on the bench with a leg injury. On Thursday they were able to pull out a victory, but not without Phillies fans expressing their dissatisfaction with Manuel. One group of fans held signs that read "Hey Pat (GM Pat Gillick), Phire Charlie! Save Our Team!"
Following Wednesday night's game, Manuel apparently had enough. While taking questions following a 5-4 loss to Washington, Manuel got into a verbal altercation with a local reporter:
How do the Phillies save face from this incident? Well, it doesn't really appear to be a huge issue. Coaches have exploded as long as the game has been around and no one will ever live up to the Ryan Leaf explosion:
But the Phillies really don't have much work to do to clear this particular issue up. To me it is really simple - start winning. Winning will lighten everyone's spirit. The fans will be happy, the players will be happy, the front office will be happy, and Charlie Manuel will be happy.
From a PR standpoint, this really doesn't present much problem. Manuel has been around the game to earn the right to vent every now and again. He didn't really offend anyone and probably has learned his lesson. Keep your eye on the Phillies though, if they don't heat up, Manuel may be out of work...
All the best,
ben
Tuesday, April 17, 2007
Tim Duncan ejected for ...
This past Sunday, April 15, San Antonio Spurs star Tim Duncan was hit with two technical fouls that ultimately led to his ejection. Whats troubling is that Duncan was sitting on the bench when he received both technicals and apparently was ejected for laughing at what he thought was a bad call.
As you can imagine, after the game the media jumped all over the story, quoting Duncan as claiming referee Joey Crawford wanted to fight.
"He looked at me and said, 'Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?"' Duncan said. "If he wants to fight, we can fight. I don't have any problem with him, but we can do it if he wants to. I have no reason why in the middle of a game he would yell at me, `Do you want to fight?"'
While this seems to be a case of 'he said, he said' what is commissioner David Stern supposed to do. He's got an argument between one of his best referees and one of his biggest superstars that has received national attention. Stern decided the best way to handle the situation was to suspend long time ref Crawford at least until the 2007 NBA Finals. At that point it appears the two will meet to discuss Crawford's possible reinstatement.
While on the face, this may seem like a brash decision by Stern, it seems to me to be rather appropriate. Stern must demonstrate his ability to handle situations like this that inevitably arise in professional sports contests. What he ought to do though, that it doesn't appear his has done, is fully investigate what actually happened. It doesn't appear he has gotten the full story from Crawford and may be missing some very important information.
I think his decision is the right move, but he may want to thoroughly look into the altercation. What was really said between the two and what will this mean for refs in the future...
All the best,
ben
As you can imagine, after the game the media jumped all over the story, quoting Duncan as claiming referee Joey Crawford wanted to fight.
"He looked at me and said, 'Do you want to fight? Do you want to fight?"' Duncan said. "If he wants to fight, we can fight. I don't have any problem with him, but we can do it if he wants to. I have no reason why in the middle of a game he would yell at me, `Do you want to fight?"'
While this seems to be a case of 'he said, he said' what is commissioner David Stern supposed to do. He's got an argument between one of his best referees and one of his biggest superstars that has received national attention. Stern decided the best way to handle the situation was to suspend long time ref Crawford at least until the 2007 NBA Finals. At that point it appears the two will meet to discuss Crawford's possible reinstatement.
While on the face, this may seem like a brash decision by Stern, it seems to me to be rather appropriate. Stern must demonstrate his ability to handle situations like this that inevitably arise in professional sports contests. What he ought to do though, that it doesn't appear his has done, is fully investigate what actually happened. It doesn't appear he has gotten the full story from Crawford and may be missing some very important information.
I think his decision is the right move, but he may want to thoroughly look into the altercation. What was really said between the two and what will this mean for refs in the future...
All the best,
ben
Tuesday, April 10, 2007
Imus out of bounds
In case you haven't heard, we have come across more unacceptable behavior by a renowned broadcast journalist, Don Imus. Imus, a member of the National Broadcasters Hall of Fame, made several disparaging remarks about the Rutgers women's basketball team prior to their national championship game with Tennessee. In case you haven't heard...
Following the comments, several organizations called for immediate punishment and, in the case of the National Association of Black Journalists, his immediate firing. CBS and MS NBC have suspended Imus for two weeks, but according to the NABJ, they need to finish the job and let the national syndicated radio host go.
Showing more forgiveness than the NABJ, the Rutgers women's team has agreed to meet with Imus and attempt to come to some sort of mutual understanding.
This situation arises quite frequently when dealing with radio hosts such as Imus. Known for his caustic attitude and politically incorrect rhetoric, Imus draws lots of listeners, but often tip-toes on the line bordering offensive. How does the radio station react to save face, while at the same time looking out for their best interests?
It is a tough situation. CBS and MS NBC must do the right thing, and I believe they started in the right place. They suspended Imus for two weeks and have offered numerous apologies, including an apology from Imus himself. Where to go from here is a tough PR v. business decision. Restoring their image would call for a firing, but restoring their bank accounts would not. I feel like they could effectively restore their image and keep Imus on the air. Perhaps begin with a longer suspension. Show
America that you do not, in any way, condone such language. Next make it very clear to Imus (as I imagine they have done behind closed doors) that this type of language is utterly inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Also, perhaps CBS and MS NBC could allow spokespersons from concerned groups such as NABJ to come on their airways to discuss their side and how they feel. They may also want to try to get some opinions from the players/coaches Imus offended - lets hear their side and see how they plan to move forward from this, because if they can, we ought to be able to as well.
All the best,
ben
Following the comments, several organizations called for immediate punishment and, in the case of the National Association of Black Journalists, his immediate firing. CBS and MS NBC have suspended Imus for two weeks, but according to the NABJ, they need to finish the job and let the national syndicated radio host go.
Showing more forgiveness than the NABJ, the Rutgers women's team has agreed to meet with Imus and attempt to come to some sort of mutual understanding.
This situation arises quite frequently when dealing with radio hosts such as Imus. Known for his caustic attitude and politically incorrect rhetoric, Imus draws lots of listeners, but often tip-toes on the line bordering offensive. How does the radio station react to save face, while at the same time looking out for their best interests?
It is a tough situation. CBS and MS NBC must do the right thing, and I believe they started in the right place. They suspended Imus for two weeks and have offered numerous apologies, including an apology from Imus himself. Where to go from here is a tough PR v. business decision. Restoring their image would call for a firing, but restoring their bank accounts would not. I feel like they could effectively restore their image and keep Imus on the air. Perhaps begin with a longer suspension. Show
America that you do not, in any way, condone such language. Next make it very clear to Imus (as I imagine they have done behind closed doors) that this type of language is utterly inappropriate and will not be tolerated. Also, perhaps CBS and MS NBC could allow spokespersons from concerned groups such as NABJ to come on their airways to discuss their side and how they feel. They may also want to try to get some opinions from the players/coaches Imus offended - lets hear their side and see how they plan to move forward from this, because if they can, we ought to be able to as well.All the best,
ben
Tuesday, April 3, 2007
MLB Opening Day
This weekend the 2007 Major League Baseball season kicked off with a prime time rematch of the 2006 National League Championship Series between the NY Mets and the St. Louis Cardinals. Sitting on the edge of the bed, watching the Mets crush the 
Cards, I began to wonder how difficult it might be to do PR for a professional baseball team. The season is long, the players are sometimes dull and their is little parity between the elite and the bottom feeders. In my head, I conjured up what I thought would be the top 5 toughest teams to represent - not teams I think would be the worse to work for, just the toughest. Below is my latest top-5 that is based, in no way, on my hatred or love of any particular team.
No. 5 - Kansas City Royals - For obvious reasons I think the Royals would be
extremely difficult to represent - they have no big bat, strong arm or outstanding glove and they haven't been good since I've been alive. How easy would it be to get media coverage for a team like this? Who would care what the club is doing outside of the ballpark and who even knows what they do inside the ballpark? To me, KC is just a dead end...
No. 4 - Tampa Bay Devil Rays - For reasons similar to those outlined above, I can't
imagine the fun I could have spreading the good word about Tampa Bay. The biggest difference here though is that Tampa has NEVER been good, ever! Plus they play in Tampa Bay, a largely retired community that doesn't care at all about their team. Tampa, along with their fellow Floridians from the South, have always struggled with attendance and fan support. The only way to change that is win, something Tampa Bay hasn't been able to do in the club's history.
No 3 - Boston Red Sox - The reasons for putting the Sox at No. 3 are very different
from the reasons mentioned above. This season the Sox have made a $103.1 million investment in Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. How can a PR rep win in this situation? Since Matsuzaka arrived the media has covered him like a blanket. And every interview with any of the Red Sox players is centered around their pitching phenom. I think I would get pretty tired of having to arrange interviews so that players could talk about one thing: Daisuke Matsuzaka. Adding to the challenge is the attention the Japanese media has given the rookie. That makes my job even more difficult trying to accommodate and do business with members of the media from an entirely different culture. Although very rewarding, that task alone would be tough...
No 2 - New York Yankess - It seems everyone in New York has a difficult time
performing under the watchful eye of George M. Steinbrenner and I would imagine the PR people are no exception. The New York media is also been known for being some of the toughest in the business. Throw in the always talked about Jeter-A-Rod debate and you set yourself up for quite a large task.
No 1 - San Fransisco Giants - This one is real simple: Barry Bonds. Bonds has been
the biggest lightening rod sports has seen in a while. The media is obsessed with him and fans are infatuated with him. Whenever the Giants travel, Bonds is greeted with signs, costumes and sometimes props that demonstrates some people's distaste for him. And the media jump all over it. I think it would be a difficult job to handle Bonds and his assortment of interview requests and death threats (which he has received) along with his quest for the Hammer.
Cards, I began to wonder how difficult it might be to do PR for a professional baseball team. The season is long, the players are sometimes dull and their is little parity between the elite and the bottom feeders. In my head, I conjured up what I thought would be the top 5 toughest teams to represent - not teams I think would be the worse to work for, just the toughest. Below is my latest top-5 that is based, in no way, on my hatred or love of any particular team.No. 5 - Kansas City Royals - For obvious reasons I think the Royals would be
extremely difficult to represent - they have no big bat, strong arm or outstanding glove and they haven't been good since I've been alive. How easy would it be to get media coverage for a team like this? Who would care what the club is doing outside of the ballpark and who even knows what they do inside the ballpark? To me, KC is just a dead end...No. 4 - Tampa Bay Devil Rays - For reasons similar to those outlined above, I can't
imagine the fun I could have spreading the good word about Tampa Bay. The biggest difference here though is that Tampa has NEVER been good, ever! Plus they play in Tampa Bay, a largely retired community that doesn't care at all about their team. Tampa, along with their fellow Floridians from the South, have always struggled with attendance and fan support. The only way to change that is win, something Tampa Bay hasn't been able to do in the club's history.
No 3 - Boston Red Sox - The reasons for putting the Sox at No. 3 are very different
from the reasons mentioned above. This season the Sox have made a $103.1 million investment in Japanese pitcher Daisuke Matsuzaka. How can a PR rep win in this situation? Since Matsuzaka arrived the media has covered him like a blanket. And every interview with any of the Red Sox players is centered around their pitching phenom. I think I would get pretty tired of having to arrange interviews so that players could talk about one thing: Daisuke Matsuzaka. Adding to the challenge is the attention the Japanese media has given the rookie. That makes my job even more difficult trying to accommodate and do business with members of the media from an entirely different culture. Although very rewarding, that task alone would be tough...No 2 - New York Yankess - It seems everyone in New York has a difficult time
performing under the watchful eye of George M. Steinbrenner and I would imagine the PR people are no exception. The New York media is also been known for being some of the toughest in the business. Throw in the always talked about Jeter-A-Rod debate and you set yourself up for quite a large task.No 1 - San Fransisco Giants - This one is real simple: Barry Bonds. Bonds has been
the biggest lightening rod sports has seen in a while. The media is obsessed with him and fans are infatuated with him. Whenever the Giants travel, Bonds is greeted with signs, costumes and sometimes props that demonstrates some people's distaste for him. And the media jump all over it. I think it would be a difficult job to handle Bonds and his assortment of interview requests and death threats (which he has received) along with his quest for the Hammer.
Thursday, March 29, 2007
Sports Internships
As the summer has somehow begun to peak its' head over the horizon, students in the sports/PR world have begun to look for the best and most promising internship in the sports industry. As someone who has been through the hustle and fuss ot trying to land the greatest internship in the world, I have a few thoughts on the topic.
Last summer I got the internship of my dreams working with the Atlanta Falcons. My experience there is something I will NEVER forget, but it also served as a pretty good wake-up call.
Below I have compiled my TOP 5 most surprising things about having an internship with a professional sports team:
5) The People: I got an opportunity to work with some of the most amazing people, including Falcon personnel, players, coaches and members of the media. I met so many different people from all walks of life and had to adjust to communicating with such different people.
4)The Unpredictability: Going into an internship with a sports team, I expected some degree of unpredictability, but I wasn't quite prepared for what awaited me. I never knew what was going happen on any given day, or what my bosses would ask of me.
3)The Rush: Here I am referring to both the adrenaline rush and the time table you are sometimes put on. In the world of professional sports, when someone wants/needs something, they want/need it immediately. You are expected to have it ready on time and done correctly. Secondly, I am referring to the adrenaline rush you experience walking onto the field at the GA Dome, or working and eating side-by-side with the greatest athletes in the world. It is a larger than life experience that almost knocked me to my knees.
2)The Scope: By this I mean the scope of the game. I never realized just how big the game of professional football really is. It is a monster that is much, much bigger than the game played on Sunday. There are so many legs on the machine that must work in unison in order for the organization to be successful.
1) The Time: The time commitment made by individuals in the world of professional sports is amazing. As an intern I worked long, long hours, but the guys and girls working full time put in an insane number of hours and sacrifice and lot to help the organization. It is no doubt a year round job that never really lets up...
Best of luck in any and all internship/job searches
All the best,
ben
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Pacman in trouble?
Adam "Pacman" Jones, the Tennessee Titans' first round draft pick in the 2005 NFL draft is making headlines again. Unfortunately for the Titans it's because once again, he has ended up on the wrong side of the law. Since joining the Titans in 2005, Jones has been arrested five times and been considered a "person on interest" 10 times. Yikes!
The most recent incident occurred at a Las Vegas strip club where a shooting on Feb. 19 left three people injured and one paralyzed. Jones was questioned by police for his involvement and released.
Some of his proudest moments have been a felony arrest for obstruction of justice, charges of marijuana possession and assault. After all of this, it makes you wonder. What is the NFL supposed to do? Well, according to NFL spokesman Michael Signora, the league is reviewing Jones' behavior under the player conduct policy.
His behavior is under review? In how many other professions could you be arrested five times, including arrests for marijuana and assault and not face termination?
The only punishment he has served was a one-game suspension handed down by the Titans, not the NFL. The league is yet to make a decision on what to do with Jones. It makes it difficult when a top player in the league spends more time talking with police than he does communicating with his head coach.
This past year was the NFL named a new commissioner to fill the shoes of Paul Tagliabue. Roger Goodell, the new top-gun in the NFL, has a chance to flex some muscle and show the league he means business. He has a chance not just to make an example of a young player, but maybe to do some good in his life. Sit him down and explain to him the dangers and consequences of his actions - that is, if there are any consequences. This sure is a great way to start. And he comes from a Public Relations background, beginning his NFL career as a PR intern. I would have thought somewhere along the way he would have been taught how to handle a situation like this.
nice job...
all the best,
ben
The most recent incident occurred at a Las Vegas strip club where a shooting on Feb. 19 left three people injured and one paralyzed. Jones was questioned by police for his involvement and released.
Some of his proudest moments have been a felony arrest for obstruction of justice, charges of marijuana possession and assault. After all of this, it makes you wonder. What is the NFL supposed to do? Well, according to NFL spokesman Michael Signora, the league is reviewing Jones' behavior under the player conduct policy.
His behavior is under review? In how many other professions could you be arrested five times, including arrests for marijuana and assault and not face termination?
The only punishment he has served was a one-game suspension handed down by the Titans, not the NFL. The league is yet to make a decision on what to do with Jones. It makes it difficult when a top player in the league spends more time talking with police than he does communicating with his head coach.
This past year was the NFL named a new commissioner to fill the shoes of Paul Tagliabue. Roger Goodell, the new top-gun in the NFL, has a chance to flex some muscle and show the league he means business. He has a chance not just to make an example of a young player, but maybe to do some good in his life. Sit him down and explain to him the dangers and consequences of his actions - that is, if there are any consequences. This sure is a great way to start. And he comes from a Public Relations background, beginning his NFL career as a PR intern. I would have thought somewhere along the way he would have been taught how to handle a situation like this.
nice job...
all the best,
ben
Wednesday, February 21, 2007
Gay in the NBA
As we have all probably seen by now, former NBA player John Amaechi announced to the world that he is gay. Following his announcement, the world of sports was filled with questions regarding how athletes, both past and present, would react to having a gay teammate. While the overwhelming majority of responses have been positive, there have been some that have openly denounced the notion of playing alongside a gay teammate. Of course the most widely talked about is former NBA player Tim Hardaway's comment that he "hates gay people."
In case you missed it:
Following Hardaway's comments, the NBA was left wondering how to handle such statements from a PR perspective. The league began by making Hardaway issue an apology which seemed transparent and staged. But what really got people's attention was the NBA's decision to ban Hardaway from his upcoming duties at the NBA All-Star game and, for the time being, any subsequent appearance he was planned to make.
Was this the proper course of action for a league that is desperately trying to show the world they are supportive of players from any walk of life?
While I believe it is an effective place to start, only time will tell how it effects the league's image in America. What must be kept in mind is that it is NOT the NBA's job to educate it's players on the "correct" way to think about any group of individuals, including gays. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, including Tim Hardaway, and free to express their views. What does concern the NBA is its' association with someone who "hates gay people." It becomes the job of the PR leg of the NBA to make clear they are not a league of bigots that allows intolerance of any group, and I think they have done so. They handled a very delicate issue with care and were able to show the world his comments are not indicative of the views of the league.
Although I won't say it often, I will say it now.... good work David Stern
All the best,
ben
In case you missed it:
Following Hardaway's comments, the NBA was left wondering how to handle such statements from a PR perspective. The league began by making Hardaway issue an apology which seemed transparent and staged. But what really got people's attention was the NBA's decision to ban Hardaway from his upcoming duties at the NBA All-Star game and, for the time being, any subsequent appearance he was planned to make.
Was this the proper course of action for a league that is desperately trying to show the world they are supportive of players from any walk of life?
While I believe it is an effective place to start, only time will tell how it effects the league's image in America. What must be kept in mind is that it is NOT the NBA's job to educate it's players on the "correct" way to think about any group of individuals, including gays. Everyone is entitled to their own opinion, including Tim Hardaway, and free to express their views. What does concern the NBA is its' association with someone who "hates gay people." It becomes the job of the PR leg of the NBA to make clear they are not a league of bigots that allows intolerance of any group, and I think they have done so. They handled a very delicate issue with care and were able to show the world his comments are not indicative of the views of the league.
Although I won't say it often, I will say it now.... good work David Stern
All the best,
ben
Monday, February 19, 2007
Big Ten VS. SEC
Although there is much to discuss from the past week in sports, I have come across an article that is of particular interest to me and my fellow believers of the notion that the SEC is, without doubt, the most superior conference in the country.
The article I mention is one that ran on yahoosports on Saturday, Feb. 17. In the article, Dan Wetzel addresses a recent release from Jim Delany, commissioner of the Big Ten conference. In his statement, Delany seems to suggest that the SEC has engaged in questionable recruiting methods by allowing student athletes with low grades and test scores to be admitted to SEC universities. I can hardly imagine...
But what gets me is that Delany suggest that the Big Ten conference is above this practice and as a result has not achieved as much as the SEC.
"I wish we had (seven) teams among the top 10 recruiting classes every year, but winning our way requires some discipline and restraint with the recruitment process," Delany wrote.
While we can all agree that the Big Ten consistently fails to achieve as much as the SEC, can we really be sure it is because the SEC, and not the Big Ten, admits student athletes with sub-par grades/test scores.
Interestingly enough, according to the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate, the SEC's average football SAT score (941.7) is notably better than the Big Ten (931.2). The national average is 929, a number that the majority of the Big Ten (six teams) scored below. Only three of SEC's teams were under.
To me, it just appears to be another case of envy that Delany can only attribute to unfair recruiting practices..... speaking of unfair recruiting, anyone seen Ron Zook's class... makes you wonder...
But what does all of this have to do with PR?
Well Delany, an attorney, is thought to be one of the most powerful people in the world of college athletics. And his comments were posted in an open letter on the Big Ten Web site for the world to see. What have we been taught about discretion?
It is the belief of many in the PR sphere that a person in his position, with his level of education and knowledge, ought to know better than to make a blanket statement that rubs so many the wrong way. As commissioner of the conference, it is his job to represent every school in the Big Ten and speak on their behalf - not in opposition to a clearly superior conference. By attaching his name to the letter, he implies that every school in the Big Ten shares his sentiments. Although Jim Tressel (see the National Championship game) might agree with Delany, it is not fair to the rest of the conference to make such statements and in the process imply all 11 schools feel the same (sidebar: the Big TEN conference has 11 teams... hmmm..)
Someone in the PR department with the Big Ten ought to screen the commissioner's comments a little closer next time or just insist he refrain altogether.
All the best,
ben
The article I mention is one that ran on yahoosports on Saturday, Feb. 17. In the article, Dan Wetzel addresses a recent release from Jim Delany, commissioner of the Big Ten conference. In his statement, Delany seems to suggest that the SEC has engaged in questionable recruiting methods by allowing student athletes with low grades and test scores to be admitted to SEC universities. I can hardly imagine...
But what gets me is that Delany suggest that the Big Ten conference is above this practice and as a result has not achieved as much as the SEC.
"I wish we had (seven) teams among the top 10 recruiting classes every year, but winning our way requires some discipline and restraint with the recruitment process," Delany wrote.
While we can all agree that the Big Ten consistently fails to achieve as much as the SEC, can we really be sure it is because the SEC, and not the Big Ten, admits student athletes with sub-par grades/test scores.
Interestingly enough, according to the NCAA's Academic Progress Rate, the SEC's average football SAT score (941.7) is notably better than the Big Ten (931.2). The national average is 929, a number that the majority of the Big Ten (six teams) scored below. Only three of SEC's teams were under.
To me, it just appears to be another case of envy that Delany can only attribute to unfair recruiting practices..... speaking of unfair recruiting, anyone seen Ron Zook's class... makes you wonder...
But what does all of this have to do with PR?
Well Delany, an attorney, is thought to be one of the most powerful people in the world of college athletics. And his comments were posted in an open letter on the Big Ten Web site for the world to see. What have we been taught about discretion?
It is the belief of many in the PR sphere that a person in his position, with his level of education and knowledge, ought to know better than to make a blanket statement that rubs so many the wrong way. As commissioner of the conference, it is his job to represent every school in the Big Ten and speak on their behalf - not in opposition to a clearly superior conference. By attaching his name to the letter, he implies that every school in the Big Ten shares his sentiments. Although Jim Tressel (see the National Championship game) might agree with Delany, it is not fair to the rest of the conference to make such statements and in the process imply all 11 schools feel the same (sidebar: the Big TEN conference has 11 teams... hmmm..)
Someone in the PR department with the Big Ten ought to screen the commissioner's comments a little closer next time or just insist he refrain altogether.
All the best,
ben
Thursday, February 8, 2007
Super Bowl Ads
As we all recover from Super Bowl Sunday, we are left to criticize the play of each athlete and the decisions made by each coach. Of more importance to the world of PR, are the advertisements that were supposed to rip at our hearts, make us laugh, and discuss the products they were advertising.
Of course there was the widely discussed "Snickers mechanic ad," that has since been pulled for what the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) spokesman Marc McCarthy called "inexcusable" prejudice. After which Masterfoods spokeswoman Alice Nathanson issued a statement in which she said the company would stop running the ad on television and the Web site.
In case you missed it...
On a more positive note were the widely acclaimed Coca-Cola ads including the "happiness factory" ad.
Although it is difficult to imagine this is really what happens when you try to purchase a coke, it's nice to think that maybe, just maybe it is.
Another ad that has gotten a lot of attention is the Toyota truck ad that shows a truck accelerating down a track before slamming on brakes before it goes off a cliff. Although the opening of the ad says "actual demonstration," are we to believe that truck (and who ever was driving it) were actually that close to going off the edge. I'm guessing this 'actual' demonstration didn't happen exactly how we viewed it...
Enjoy!
All the best,
ben
Of course there was the widely discussed "Snickers mechanic ad," that has since been pulled for what the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamation (GLAAD) spokesman Marc McCarthy called "inexcusable" prejudice. After which Masterfoods spokeswoman Alice Nathanson issued a statement in which she said the company would stop running the ad on television and the Web site.
In case you missed it...
On a more positive note were the widely acclaimed Coca-Cola ads including the "happiness factory" ad.
Although it is difficult to imagine this is really what happens when you try to purchase a coke, it's nice to think that maybe, just maybe it is.
Another ad that has gotten a lot of attention is the Toyota truck ad that shows a truck accelerating down a track before slamming on brakes before it goes off a cliff. Although the opening of the ad says "actual demonstration," are we to believe that truck (and who ever was driving it) were actually that close to going off the edge. I'm guessing this 'actual' demonstration didn't happen exactly how we viewed it...
Enjoy!
All the best,
ben
Thursday, February 1, 2007
Super Bowl Media
As we approach the culmination of the NFL season, we are bombarded by media coverage of Super Bowl XLI. The week leading up to the Super Bowl is always one of the most heavily attended events by members of the media - local, national, international, t.v., magazine, newspaper, radio and every other outlet you can imagine. What we often don't consider is the process (often very difficult process) of gaining a credential for the Super Bowl.
I have seen first hand the process for regular season NFL games, and can't imagine the work load the PR department of the NFL has had to deal with over the past month.
According to reports, Super Bowl XLI will have more media members present than any other game in NFL history. So far they have approved some 3,200 credentials and expect this number to grow.This is due, in part, to the increased television coverage, more online news services and, for the first time in Super Bowl history, an Associated Press Super Bowl blogger.
As you watch the Colts and Bears battle it out for the ultimate prize in football, keep in mind the magnitude of the media machine that makes the Super Bowl possible.
All the best,
...ben
I have seen first hand the process for regular season NFL games, and can't imagine the work load the PR department of the NFL has had to deal with over the past month.
According to reports, Super Bowl XLI will have more media members present than any other game in NFL history. So far they have approved some 3,200 credentials and expect this number to grow.This is due, in part, to the increased television coverage, more online news services and, for the first time in Super Bowl history, an Associated Press Super Bowl blogger.
As you watch the Colts and Bears battle it out for the ultimate prize in football, keep in mind the magnitude of the media machine that makes the Super Bowl possible.
All the best,
...ben
Wednesday, January 24, 2007
First Entry
As a senior public relations major at the University of Georgia, I am required to take my final, senior campaigns class which wraps up all of the useful bits of information I learned over my four years here in Athens. Included in the curriculum is an assignment to create a blog for the PR world to view. My focus for this assignment, like many other I have completed, is on sports and PR. I imagine it will be fairly easy to find interesting topics of thought and conversation in this area of study.
For the next four months I will be posting relevant information regarding sports and public relations. I will try and find the most intriguing posts I can find and include links to them so that we can all dive in and enjoy a swim in the deep ocean of sports/PR.
Thanks for taking the time to view my blog and please contact me with suggestions, comments, ideas, concerns, critiques, useful links and intriguing information...
All the best,
ben
For the next four months I will be posting relevant information regarding sports and public relations. I will try and find the most intriguing posts I can find and include links to them so that we can all dive in and enjoy a swim in the deep ocean of sports/PR.
Thanks for taking the time to view my blog and please contact me with suggestions, comments, ideas, concerns, critiques, useful links and intriguing information...
All the best,
ben
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