8.14.2009

Vick Gets Second Chance

Michael Vick gets a second chance with the Philadelphia Eagles. AWESOME!

Ths is an opportunity for Vick to quiet the nasty, ugly, negative and mean-spirited, oh, and yes HYPOCRITICAL folks who continue to place the entire game of dog-fighting on one man's shoulders. Folks say they haven't seen a change yet. Well, I would love to know how Vick can go about "showing" folks that he has changed, if he is not given the opportunities to do the things he needs to do in order for change to happen and be evident.

Playing football affords him the opportunity to work and provide for his family. Touring with the Humane Society helps to share his story about why it was wrong to participate in dog-fighting and to get others to literally learn from his mistake.

You have players and regular people who have killed PEOPLE, abused PEOPLE, cheated on PEOPLE and they have been allowed to get a "second chance". WHY NOT VICK?

Please people of the critical and hypocritical world...please share why Vick should not be given a second chance. And, give me real points and not emotional rhetoric. It's tired and not productive.
I don't want to make assumptions as to why folks HATE Vick so much. So, again, give me some real points. I love dogs too. So, let that point rest. Talk to me about who and why a person should or should not be given a "second chance" to make right of their wrongs and become a better citizen. How do we go about determining who gets tarred and feathered and who does not?

A quote from a long-time friend, colleague of Vick's and MWPR Client Retired NFL Safety Keion Carpenter says, "I think its a great situation for Mike being with a good organization and a great quarterback in McNabb. He can teach Mike so much on and of the field. There's no pressure on him to come in and play, Mike can rather work on getting back in the mix of just playing. Philly fans are getting not only a great player but an even better person. GO EAGLES!"

7.07.2009

The Playbook Commentary on the tragic death of NFL QB Steve McNair

Words cannot express the complete shock, saddness and total sickening feeling I have concerning the tragic death of Steve McNair. I learned about it Saturday afternoon heading to a 4th cookout and I screamed, "No, no, no!"

No, not another death. I was and still trying to embrace the reality that Michael Jackson is dead.

No, why did such a great player and person have to die so tragically and so young?

No, not another black-eye to the NFL brand.

The life and legacy of McNair's on the field and off-the-field accomplishments should be illuminated, not the details surrounding his death. And, he has many. He truly put into practice that when much is given, much is required. He was given a chance to not just play football, but to give his mother her flowers while she was alive to enjoy. He was able to influence the lives of those from his hometown and every place his feet touched and all are better because of it.

He was able to accomplish much professional success in Houston, Tennessee and my hometown Baltimore. He was the picture of hard work, perserverance and determination. He fought through pain when many athletes choose to sit out for a bruise. He was a true titan.

As Eddie George said in a recent press conference, everyone makes mistakes. And, that is what I continue to say in my Playbook Commentaries. My personal saying is, "don't cast a stone that you are not ready to receive back."

We must be slow to judge and quick to understand.

My only remark concerning how he died will be that we all, players and non, must realize that all actions bring consequences...it is up to us to determine if the consequences will be good or bad.

Steve, thank you for what you brought to the game of football...it will never be forgotten and it can never be repeated.

God bless your family.

6.03.2009

The Playbook Case Study: Derrick Rose allegations expose a flawed system -- chicagotribune.com

The Playbook Commentary:


No words. And, it's not that I am speechless because of the allegation, I am speechless that there haven't been more made public. It's a sad commentary on where society's priorities have come down to as well as what we are teaching the next generation of athletes and future leaders. It has not been proven one way or the other if Rose did or did not take the SATs. But, the fact that the question has been raised is enough to make one hang their head in disappointment. AND, twhat is the saddest thing is that he doesn't even realize that what was allegedly done "for his benefit" was actually anything but. He is being pimped for his athletic potential. Period.


But, again I ask..."What is your Plan B?" What happens, if God forbid, you have an injury that ends your career before it even gets started? Who is worrying about that in your circle? We need to stop looking at promising athletes as cash cows. It is not fair to them or to anyone. All good things come to an end. The question is what will their (promising athletes) end look like? Only the athlete has the real answer. I urge the athlete to ake back your power.


I truly pray that this all turns out to be something about nothing....but, as they say, where there is smoke there is normally a fire. So frustrating.


5.24.2009

The Playbook Case Study:Miami Dolphins player arrested in Freightliner truck incident - CNN.com


The Playbook Commentary:


It has been a minute since I have had a commentary on any player's misconduct. Truthfully, its because I felt like I was sounding like a broken record. And, then there was "seemingly" a lull in the missteps.

Now, I will say that on FB and Twitter, I have given my two cents on the hypocritical comments folks have made concerning Vick since he has been released. Net/net on that is...how dare anyone say that he doesn't deserve forgiveness or deserve to play football again. "Don't cast a stone, if you are not ready to receive one back." He made a horrendous mistake...poor judgement and paid for it, royally. To say he is not forgiven is to say his life might as well be over. And, what does that say about rehibilitation? What does that say to ANYONE who has made a mistake in life? Give, what you want to get.

Now, to this story...Randy Starks is an idiot. Period. There are mistakes and then there are mistakes. I want to say that this was common sense. But, as my pastor often says, "common sense is not common to everyone." OBVIOUSLY!

You load up a truck with 10 folks more than it is built for; drive with someone ON your lap; and, apparently, you drive it without legal tags. What is that about? Where is his agent? Who has his back? I know, all the things I have been saying all along. But, it is true. At least your "friends" should have your best interests at heart; even if it's for selfish reasons, like enjoying the constant hook up and benefits of being a part of the "lifestyle". Well, if you go along with the crazy ride and your boy gets in stupid trouble....your "lifestlye" is instantly over.

Come on people. Work with me. We all make mistakes...Lord knows I have, but when do we stop making the out this world ones?

Ask yourself the million dollar question, "Was it worth it?"


MIAMI, Florida (CNN) -- Miami Dolphins defensive end Randy Starks was arrested early Sunday after police said he struck an officer with a slow-moving Freightliner truck, according to a police report.


Starks, 25, faces a charge of aggravated battery, according to the report.The arrest took place about 12:20 a.m. in Miami's South Beach area. Officers said they saw the Freightliner truck in bumper-to-bumper traffic on South Beach's Ocean Drive with some 13 people inside, including a woman sitting on the lap of Starks, who was driving.


The truck's seating capacity is four occupants, the police report said. It was not clear from the police report whether the Freightliner -- normally part of a tractor-trailer -- was connected to a trailer.


In the report, the officer recalled pursuing the truck on foot for about a half-block and pounding on the rear driver's-side window, but it kept moving. The officer caught up to the truck again, and it stopped after the officer pounded on the window again, the report said.


"I slowly approached the side door and just as I reached it the vehicle accelerated and started moving forward and slightly to the left," the unidentified officer writes in the report. "The vehicle's path caused the driver's side of the vehicle to strike me in the chest pushing me back and pinning me against a vehicle stopped in traffic in the northbound lane."


Meanwhile, a second officer was pounding on the passenger's-side window, the report said. The truck stopped and Starks was arrested.


A police check showed that the truck's license plate was not assigned to that vehicle, the report said, and Starks faces a charge for that as well.


Starks was released from jail later Sunday, according to a records check. The Miami Herald newspaper reported earlier he was jailed on $10,000 bond.


Dolphins spokesman Harvey Greene told CNN the club was "only recently made aware of the situation. Since we are in the process of gathering information we have no comment."


Starks is in his sixth NFL season and his second with the Dolphins.

Miami Dolphins player arrested in Freightliner truck incident - CNN.com

4.01.2009

The Playbook Case Study: NFL receiver Stallworth charged with DUI manslaughter - CNN.com

(CNN) -- Authorities charged Cleveland Browns wide receiver Donte Stallworth with DUI manslaughter related to a fatal car accident last month, a spokesman for the Miami-Dade County state attorney's office said Wednesday.

Ed Griffith said authorities allege Stallworth, 28, was driving under the influence last month in Miami, Florida, when he was involved in a traffic accident that killed a pedestrian.

NFL receiver Stallworth charged with DUI manslaughter - CNN.com

3.08.2009

The Playbook Commentary on: Who needs 'em? Plax, Vick, T.O. & Harrison offer more questions than answers by Gary Myers, Daily News


The Playbook Commentary:
Everyone deserves another chance. We all make mistakes. Now, the question is, do we all learn from our mistakes? I am looking for a testimony from each of them. Take what you learned from your respective experience and make a positive impact to your respective circles of influence and community at large.

However, right now, the jury is still out on Plax, Vick, T.O. & Harrison. Until we see how they handle their "next" opportunity, we cannot say anything for or against any of them. All we can say now is they are all gifted athletes with playing life left in them. I pray each of them have finally had their "ah ha" moment and realized that this thing called life is serious and they either need to step it up or step aside to make room for someone who would truly value the blessing of playing pro sports, making a lot of money and having influence. But, I must admit, I am excited to see who gets it and does amazing things with their "next" opportunity.
To read full piece from Gary Myers, Daily News go to link
Who needs 'em? Plax, Vick, T.O. & Harrison offer more questions than answers

3.05.2009

PB Commentary: Dallas Cowboys officially end Terrell Owns' tenure in Dallas - ESPN

Not a Cowboys fan at all. Die-hard Redskins fan. "Hail to the Redskins. Hail Victory!" Win or lose. But, today, Dallas made me proud when they let TO go. I am less of a TO fan than I am a Cowboy fan. Why, you ask? Because he never allowed his game to speak for him...and, game he definitely has. He is a future Hall of Famer based on his on-the-field performances. But, off-the-field? He is what aspiring athletes should not become, caught up in his own hype. He tries to be the Jordan of football, but what he fails to realize is that MJ was a team player and allowed all teammates to have their time to perform. TO cried everytime he didn't get the ball. And, showed his emotions way too much. This is another page out of The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative (character and sportsmanship). He lacked it. And, although he has game Jerry Jones did not want the headache. Now the question is who WILL take the good (skills) and the bad (ego) combo which is Terrell Owens? Only time will tell. I hope he is doing some self-reflection. Because he is the common demoninator in all his less than happy team depatures.


Dallas Cowboys officially end Terrell Owns' tenure in Dallas - ESPN

3.02.2009

The PB Commentary: FOX Sports on MSN - NFL - Marshall's charge dropped; suspension still possible

The Playbook Commentary:

Yesterday, I had the opportunity to pose the million dollar question to two NFL players. Point blank I asked, "What are your colleagues thinking continuing to get in trouble?" Their response (names will not be included) were enlightening. One said, "Since being in the league, its only over the past year or so that the examples given during the rookie symposium have become relevant and had an impact." He went on to share that he makes it a point to just go to work and that is it. Because, he says, "playing is a job". He works so hard that all he feels like doing is going home and chillin' out. But, if he does go out, he is with folks who clearly have his back.

The other player said, "Bottom-line, it's easy to get into trouble and harder to get out. That keeps me in line as much as is possible. But, anything can happen to anyone under the right the situation." They both also said, it's mainly ego that gets guys in trouble, as well as the folks you choose to have in your circle.

My follow up was about the symposium. I asked if the symposium was the first time they were taught specifically about choices and consequences. And, they said yes. I then asked, "So, it is safe to say that goes for most rookie players?" "Yes." Now, of course a lot of players come from a strong family. But, a lot don't. Either way, the symposium is the only introduction or reinforcement of the choice/consequence lesson. But, it should not be. It should be taught on the high school level, if not middle school. So, again, time to plug The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative as this is what we are looking to accomplish.

By the time an aspiring student-athlete is drafted and participate in the rookie symposium, at least the lesson on choice/consequence should be a topic they are more than familiar with.





Marshall's charge dropped; suspension still possible
Associated Press



A disorderly conduct charge against Denver Broncos receiver Brandon Marshall has been dismissed in an Atlanta court, according to his Denver-based lawyer, Harvey Steinberg.


The Pro Bowl receiver, however, still faces possible suspension for repeated violations of the NFL's personal conduct code. The league doesn't require convictions for the commissioner to suspend a player.


"We will (still) look into it," league spokesman Greg Aiello told The Associated Press.
When reached by FOX 31 KDVR in Denver, Marshall said, "I'm very happy, thank you. This is still not a good time, and there's a lot that I have to go through."


Marshall was suspended for a game last year for repeated run-ins with the law. He was looking at perhaps a suspension of eight games or more.


Marshall was arrested in Atlanta on Sunday morning following a fight and spent five hours in Atlanta City Jail before posting $300 bond.


He was suspended for three games last season for repeatedly running afoul of the law — Marshall's suspension stemmed from seven police-related incidents with his former girlfriend, Rasheedah Wately. But he had his punishment reduced to a single game when he pledged to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell that he would stay out of trouble.



Marshall, 24, now potentially faces a longer suspension to start the 2009 season, perhaps as much as eight games, which is the punishment other players have received for repeatedly getting into trouble off the field.


The league doesn't require convictions for the commissioner to suspend a player.
Team spokesman Patrick Smyth said the Broncos were aware of reports of Marshall's arrest but had no comment, and Marshall's Denver-based lawyer, Harvey Steinberg, also declined comment in a text to The AP.


His agent, Kennard McGwire, didn't immediately return an e-mail. Calls and e-mails also were sent after hours to Broncos general manager Brian Xanders and league spokesman Greg Aiello.
It was a March 6, 2008, arrest on a domestic violence warrant filed by his former girlfriend in Atlanta that led Goodell to summon Marshall to his New York offices last summer to explain his series of misdeeds. At that time, Marshall also faced a drunken driving trial that didn't fall under the league's personal conduct policy that would allow for suspension.


After sitting out the opener last season, Marshall returned from his suspension insisting he had turned round his life. He began making weekly visits to the Darrent Williams Teen Center on his days off to help inner city youths, something he said kept him grounded and fed his desire to stay off the police blotter.


Marshall said at the Pro Bowl last month he was ready to settle down and he proposed to his fiance, Michi Nogami, while in Hawaii for the all-star game. Broncos fans hoped this was another sign of Marshall maturing.


Marshall caught 104 passes for 1,265 yards and six TDs last season. But he dropped 18 on-target passes, something he blamed on the nerve damage in his right arm, which he put through a television set while horsing around with his brother in the offseason.


In three NFL seasons, Marshall has caught 226 passes for 2,899 yards and 15 touchdowns, although he's fumbled eight times, losing four.


Marshall is expected to seek a monster contract this year befitting his immense talents and reflecting his back-to-back 100-catch seasons.


His arrest came the same weekend another one of the team's leaders found himself in the news. Quarterback Jay Cutler, a fellow 2006 draft pick who also made his first trip to the Pro Bowl last month, is angry he was the subject of trade talks for Matt Cassel and has suggested his relationship with new coach Josh McDaniels has been strained.


FOX Sports on MSN - NFL - Marshall's charge dropped; suspension still possible

2.26.2009

The PB Case Study: Report: Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt arrested for DUI - Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

The PB Commentary:

A few brands are negatively affected in this piece, the Celtics, Pruitt's and Marbury's. Now, it makes sense why the first two have some PR clean up to do. But, how did Marbury's get caught up in it? The obvious....his brand has issues of its own. Connecting his brand to the Celtics' brand doesn't help him, at least initially, as much as it might hurt theirs...at least initially. But, the jury is still out.

As for Pruitt. Why wasn't someone driving for him? If he is from the area, I know he had friends who could have and should have taken the wheel. Your circle needs to consist of responsible folks who have your back, especially since you have a "celebrity" status to maintain and a responsibility of representing the Celtics. Come on already!


Source: YAHOO! Sports

Thu Feb 26, 2009 11:15 am EST
Report: Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt arrested for DUI
By J.E. Skeets

Well, this is unfortunate.

Boston Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt (pictured right, driving to the net, sober) was arrested Thursday morning in California on suspicion of operating a car under the influence, according to that pesky little website TMZ.com.

Pruitt was pulled over around 3:15 AM in the Hollywood area. Sources tell TMZ Pruitt failed a field sobriety test and had a blood alcohol level well over the legal limit.

He was taken to a local jail and booked on suspicion of driving under the influence. His bail was $5,000.
The 22-year-old Pruitt scored three points in five minutes of the Celtics' 93-91 loss to the Clippers before (apparently) hitting the bottle with friends. He is from the Los Angeles area and played college ball at the University of Southern California.

So to recap: Stephon Marbury says he'll sign the vet's minimum with Boston, Paul Pierce dislocates his thumb, twice, the Celtics lose to one of the worst teams in the league and their back-up guard gets busted for a DUI — all in the span of, what, 24, 48 hours?
Marbury is incredible. He's like the anti-rabbit's foot.

(via CelticsBlog)

Report: Celtics guard Gabe Pruitt arrested for DUI - Ball Don't Lie - NBA - Yahoo! Sports

2.22.2009

MWPRINCight: NAACP head wants N.Y. Post editor, cartoonist axed

MWPRINCight Comments can also be found in the USA Today article.

Comment 1:
My issue with their apology is that it was not sincere. It was more an act to eliminate the headache they created. And, my concern with the NAACP, Sharpton and others is that they might mismanage the opportunity by just demanding folks loose their jobs, that makes them instant "stars"....they will find another gig, i.e. Don Imus. The opportunity I refer to is that of "REAL" talk about race. Bump the sensitivity training...folks at the NY Post and elsewhere need to really get an understanding of where those who were offended, mainly African Americans are coming from. That is IF they care to. And, we, African Americans need to open our minds to the thought of educating those who don't have a clue. Now, once they have a clue, if they choose to continue to be insensitive, than they must go. And, do be clear, I am trying to give the editor-in-chief and cartoonist the benefit of the doubt.....but, its hard.

Comment 2:
Now, after scrolling down and reading some of the other comments, it I am officially afraid. There is hatred and ignorance within the comments on this topic and that shows that folks just don't care to heal. The NAACP was created BECAUSE African Americans (or as we were refere to 100 years ago, "colored" had no voice in education, social, political or civic rights). So, we took the word that was given us and used it for our power. As for the references to "BOY"...that right there shows that you know what you are doing and saying. There is no ignorance here, there is just plain old hurt and meanness. God help us all.


NAACP head wants N.Y. Post editor, cartoonist

NEW YORK (AP) — The head of the NAACP on Saturday urged readers to boycott the New York Post, calling a cartoon that the newspaper published an invitation to assassinate President Obama.

Benjamin Todd Jealous, president of the National Association for the Advancement of Colored People, called on the tabloid to remove editor-in-chief Col Allan, as well as longtime cartoonist Sean Delonas.

APOLOGY: 'N.Y. Post' editorial addresses cartoon
CARTOON: 'N.Y. Post' depiction of dead chimpanzee stirs outrage

Earlier this week, the newspaper apologized to anyone who might have been offended by the image printed Wednesday, which some say likens Obama to a violent chimpanzee gunned down by police in Connecticut.

Jealous said the cartoon was "an invitation to assassination."

On Thursday, after protests by notable figures including director Spike Lee, the paper posted an editorial on its website saying the cartoon was meant to mock the federal economic stimulus bill, but "to those who were offended by the image, we apologize."

A spokeswoman for the newspaper referred the Associated Press to the paper's editorial when asked Saturday about the proposed NAACP boycott.

Jealous called the editorial "a half of an apology, without elaboration."

The drawing, he said, "picks off the scabs of all the racial wounds."

He spoke as the NAACP gathered for its annual meeting in New York, where it was founded a century ago.

NAACP officials said that if the Post does not take "serious disciplinary action," they would reach out to organizations across the country to join them in their efforts against the tabloid.

NAACP Chairman Julian Bond called the publication of the cartoon "thoughtlessness taken to the extreme. ... Anyone who is not offended by it does not have any sensitivity."

Copyright 2009 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

2.17.2009

Black Student Athletes: Change We Can Believe In | Donna White | Opinions, Sports + Entertainment and more at RushmoreDrive

My 140 word comment on RushMoreDrive.com to Donna White's piece:

MWPR ( Less than 1 minute ago)You are missing a significant piece to this puzzle, the parents. Has any research included stats on how many parents of Black athletes, who didn't graduate, played a role in that decision versus White athletes and their parents? Unfortunately, economic challenges influence the decision to stay/study or leave/cash-in on talent. And, that is normally the case for Black athletes more than Whites. Thus, the parents view their talented child as a ticket out/up. So, the pressure to leave is greater.

Donna's piece:

Since the election of President Obama, much has been written about the positive shift in attitude among some Black men who have traditionally survived on the fringe of their communities. Many young men (and not so young men) have cited the election of Obama as a turning point for doing better as Black men – being better sons, fathers and law-abiding citizens.

There is a collective sense that Mr. Obama is the representative of Black men, therefore, they have to positively ‘rep’ the race and him. If having a Black president can do what grandmas and mothers have been trying to do for a generation, then I am all for it. I hope that it extends to the classroom as well, finally abandoning the idea that doing well academically is “acting white” or makes you a sellout.

Again, as President Obama demonstrates, you can ball (basketball in his case) AND be academically competitive.Yet, some athletes are still not getting the message. National Signing Day – the day that high school football players sign their letters of intent to play for a college – was held on Wednesday, February 4. Naturally, the most prominent conferences - the Southeastern Conference (SEC), Pac-10, Big 12 and Atlantic Coast Conference (ACC) - were the big winners in recruiting the nation’s top talent. Most athletes want to play for schools whose games are televised, send the most players to the NFL and have the big name coaches. If I were a star athlete, I probably would want to do the same.

However, I wish more parents and athletes would also look for a program that graduates a majority of its athletes to show their prowess on the field and in the classroom. How many really considered the graduation rate at their chosen school along with the times they would be on SportsCenter? The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport at the University of Central Florida released a report in December that shows that Black football players are graduating at a much lower rate than their white counterparts. Though the graduation rate among Black athletes has increased, only 59% are graduating compared to 76% of white players. Some may say a rate over 50% is good. But a closer examination of the report shows that 19 of the 68 teams that played in recent bowl games graduated fewer than half of the Black students whereas only one (1) school graduated fewer than half of its white football athletes according to Richard E. Lapchick, director of The Institute for Diversity and Ethics in Sport.

If Black athletes want to do better, they need to start selecting schools not just for the potential of getting to the NFL but also for preparing them for life in spite of the NFL.

Myron Rolle, a DB at Florida State, is headed to Oxford. Grant Hill graduated from Duke and still enjoys a prominent career in the NBA. It is possible for athletes to be serious students while dominating on the field instead of being athletes who just happen to attend class between practices. If we really want to do better, Black athletes need to step up their game in the classroom.

Black Student Athletes: Change We Can Believe In Donna White Opinions, Sports + Entertainment and more at RushmoreDrive

2.10.2009

The Playbook Case Study: Jock Sanders of West Virginia arrested on drunken driving charge - ESPN

How did this happen? Why did this happen? This is his second arrest in a year for Sanders. After the first, more restrictions should have been placed on him. Where were his friends, teammates, anyone? Under age drinking is part of the college experience however, when you are an athlete a higher level of expectation should be placed on them.

Student-athletes often do not realize that THEY are their brand. A player's off-the-field/court actions can either help them or hurt them in obtaining their future athletic goals. It doesn't matter if a player successfully scored every time they have the ball on Saturday, if by Tuesday they have done or said something negatively, the potential to instantly wipe out the on-the-field/court success is there. It can take center stage and possibly even destroy their future before it begins.

I am now officially a broken record. Ha!

To learn more about The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative email theplaybook@mwprinc.com.

Jock Sanders of West Virginia arrested on drunken driving charge - ESPN:

"West Virginia receiver/running back Jock Sanders could be facing suspension or dismissal from the team in the wake of a DUI arrest over the weekend.

'I am looking into the situation, gathering facts and will take appropriate action once all the facts are in,' West Virginia coach Bill Stewart said through a school spokesman.

Sanders, a junior, was seen speeding near campus and crossing the center lane in a black Dodge Charger early Saturday, according to an arrest report filed in Monongalia County Magistrate Court. Officer C.L. Thomas approached Sanders' car in a parking lot and reported that he could smell alcohol on Sanders' breath, the report said. When asked if he had been drinking, the 20-year-old Sanders responded 'a little,' according to the report.

Sanders then failed three out of four field sobriety tests and had a blood alcohol level of .125, the report said. The legal limit in West Virginia is .08.

This is Sanders' second arrest in the past year. He was one of four West Virginia players who were arrested in connection with a fight at a club last February. They were charged in March with battery and each pleaded no contest, receiving a fine and community service hours.

Sanders led the Mountaineers last season with 53 catches for 462 yards and seven touchdowns in 2008. He also ran for 278 yards and two scores."

Brian Bennett covers the Big East for ESPN.com.

The Playbook Case Study: Jock Sanders of West Virginia arrested on drunken driving charge - ESPN

Jock Sanders of West Virginia arrested on drunken driving charge - ESPN

2.06.2009

Moral Sense vs. Business Sense

In response to Joe Favorito's Sports Marketing and PR Round-up Blog

It is amazing how the whole Phelps thing has now turned into a morality vs. business debate....should not morality be a part of business.

Now, I do agree with most of what Joe writes in his blog. He proves my point concerning the need for athletes to have another layer of responsibility placed on them, something The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative offers.

PR professionals should be placed on the team. And, as Joe shares, I applaud the NBA's attempt to manage off-the-court actions in creating the new Social Responsibility and Player's Program position. But, what exactly does not that mean? What will that person do? To me, being socially responsible refers to giving back, bringing awareness to issues, etc. That does not mean managing player's off-the-court actions in social environments...am I wrong here?

Anyway, back to Phelps, there is a double-standard clearly. And, it all has to do with what the mighty dollar. Again, a sad, sad reality.

2.05.2009

The Playbook Case Study: USA Swimming suspends Phelps for three months -- baltimoresun.com

The Playbook Commentary:

The two biggest disappointments surrounding this whole thing is first, he views this more as a nuisance, not seeing the seriousness in what he did and what it could do to him. He just wants it to past. He, like other athletes, is not realizing that this act (which again is not his first...folks seem to forget that) can instantly erase all the hard work and years of practice and preparation he has endured. And, that alone is sad. But, the other disappointment is the fact that folks are not REALLY concerned about him, but rather concerned about the money attached to him, and how much they tend to loose from endorsement deals, advertising dollars, ratings, etc. if this story doesn't hurry up and die a quick death. Both sides lack sincerity or transparency.

Now, the biggest lesson in all of this is...well, not really, because there was someone before him that he could have learned from. Never mind...for some reason athletes continue to believe they are the exception...that they will not get in trouble for negative behavior. And, if they do there will be no REAL consequence because of who they are. It's ironic, its only then they finally realize that they are their brand and that it has power...day late.


Full story: USA Swimming suspends Phelps for three months -- baltimoresun.com























2.02.2009

An Awesome Finish: Steelers take sixth Super Bowl title on late TD catch by Holmes - USATODAY.com

This had to be one of the best Super Bowls in a LOOOOOOOOOONG time. Because no matter who would win both teams had an awesome story. But, one team did become the victor, the 6-time Super Bowl Champions Pittsburgh Steelers!

This game was nail bitting to the last seconds. After the Harrison play at the end of the 2nd Quarter...it was on and poppin'. And, I am so glad I was alone watching this...no distractions with folks talking, walking in front of the TV...just me and my tube. And, I was able to scream without breaking anyone's ear drum. Thank you Steelers and Cardinals for an excellent game played. You both should be proud of what you accomplished. And, now....reality kicks in....no more FOOTBALL!

Oh, yea, there is still the Pro Bowl...YES!!!!

Steelers take sixth Super Bowl title on late TD catch by Holmes - USATODAY.com

2.01.2009

Another Playbook Case Study: FOX Sports on MSN - - Phelps acknowledges photo of him smoking a bong

Okay, 2004 Olympics, he was caught drinking and driving, underage. And, he said then, he would not do such behavior again, because he knows he has people looking up to him. Now, after the 2008 Olympics he says, "I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment," Phelps said in the statement released by one of his agents. "I'm 23 years old and despite the successes I've had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again."

I ask the same question to him, as I have NFL and NBA players, who do you, have on your "out-of-pool" team to make sure such things don't occur? And, where is his common sense?

Full story FOX Sports on MSN - - Phelps acknowledges photo of him smoking a bong

1.30.2009

The Playbook Case Study: Plaxico Dodges a Bullet This Time in Car Lawsuit - Black Voices Blogs

MWPRINCight continues to follow this story that seems to grow legs. It is amazing how shooting yourself in the leg is not enough drama for one to handle...you have to add more legal woes by continuing to act irresponsible. I don't get it! Who is advising him? Why isn't he making sure he crosses all t's and dots all i's? Keep your contractual agreements, don't let friends drive your car, pull over when you hit someone...better yet...stay in the house.

He continues to prove my case. Thank you?

Plaxico Dodges a Bullet This Time in Car Lawsuit - Black Voices Blogs

1.29.2009

News from The Associated Press

Black coaches no longer a curiousity in NFL

Read full piece
News from The Associated Press

1.12.2009

Second Witness Points to Harrison - ESPN The Magazine

I had decided initially not to speak on the Harrison shooting because ESPN had reported last week that no charges would be brought against Harrison. Even though, I could have still highlighted the obvious....the continued negative off-the-field actions of players continue to produce more negative publicity, not only for the individual (s) involved, but also for the NFL.
But, why beat a dead horse?

But, then again, why not? Maybe being a constant thorn in their side will get someone to pay attention. And, now with their season almost over -- two divisional title games taking place Sunday and than the Super Bowl -- this is the best time to continue this one-sided exchange. I am very curious as to how the NFL will use this off season to do some major re-organization to their internal player development department. This thing is beyond broken....no crazy clue can fix it. It needs a new mold.

Lets start over. And, I suggest they begin by allowing new businesses with a fresh perspective, new passion and driven purpose help to develop, enhance and repair the brand of the players and the NFL.

Let OTF-Branding: Professional and Personal Management, LLC (subsidiary of MWPR, Inc. and Visionary Financial Strategies, Inc.) come in the door, have a seat at the table.....shucks get a decision-maker to take their call for goodness sake! If afforded the opportunity, things will be different, trust me. Shameless plug....YOU KNOW IT!

Second Witness Points to Harrison - ESPN The Magazine

1.08.2009