The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson When Sports and Scandal Collide: Inside the Biggest Controversies and Comebacks
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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