In this episode, Molly sits down with Jim Rocco and Thom Weidlich, co-authors of Sports Crisis Communications: Cases and Controversies, to explore how the worlds of sports and crisis PR collide. From Tiger Woods’ redemption arc to Aaron Rodgers’ vaccine controversy and Brett Favre’s legal troubles, this candid conversation dissects how athletes, teams, and brands handle scandal when the spotlight turns harsh.

The trio also dives into how social media, fan loyalty, and corporate interests shape the playbook for managing reputation in modern sports. Whether it’s Tom Brady’s conflict of interest, the NFL’s uneasy dance with gambling, or the Dodgers’ Pride Night flip-flop, this episode pulls back the curtain on how power, money, and morality intersect on and off the field.

In this episode:

Tiger Woods’ image makeover: from scandal to super-dad
How Aaron Rodgers’ “immunized” comment tested State Farm’s crisis strategy
Brett Favre, welfare funds, and the price of silence in litigation PR
The NFL’s resilience (and denial) through scandal after scandal
When betting meets ball: why gambling is the next big PR minefield
The Dodgers’ Pride Night controversy and the danger of corporate flip-flopping
What brands can learn from Dick’s Sporting Goods’ values-based stand
Why vulnerability (and a good apology) can save an athlete’s reputation
Tom Brady’s latest “conflict of interest” and the ethics of sports media
Advice for rising athletes and a few words of wisdom for Bill Belichick

Key takeaway:
Reputation is built long before the crisis hits. Whether you’re a star athlete or a CEO, your credibility bank determines how hard you fall, and how fast you recover.

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