Greg Hardy Has Not Learned His Lesson

Before deciding to provide my two-cents as a PR and #Crisis professional - I paused to process what appears to be the next page/chapter of the Greg Hardy domestic violence ordeal being his recent @ESPN interview. When I saw the teases of what was discussed, I was in awe. My first moment of shock occurred when I saw,, what he had on. I call this the "visual voice". You mean to tell me that the first, real time, you decide to sit down (and, I will give my opinion on the timing of it all shortly) to discuss this serious issue, you believe wearing a skull cap, sweatpants and sneakers is appropriate? Mr. Hardy, I am beyond shocked that your reps, counsel, anyone, did not advise and/or force you to dress appropriately - a suit and tie. Your "visual voice" showed the lack of seriousness you had/have for a situation that has possibly ended your @NFL career.

After getting pass his "visual voice", I actually paid attention to the words coming out of his mouth. Not once in this interview or any previous mentions concerning this situation have I heard or seen sincere remorse. Not once has he, I guess now, without incriminating himself, expressed personal responsibility for how things ended that night with his then-girlfriend, Ms. Holder. Not to my knowledge has he acknowledged that the ordeal has made him take a serious look in the mirror for personal growth and improvement.

It's great that you are about to graduate college. I applaud you and any other professional athlete, who left school early to pursue their professional athletic dreams, that decides to return to complete their college education. However, that doesn't help you to learn/heal/grow from and, even teach from what has you where you are right now. Unemployed.

So, Mr. Hardy, what have you done to take a very serious moment in your life and have it become a teachable one for yourself as well as other men and women? Have you done any volunteer work for a domestic violence organization? Have you apologized to your former-girlfriend for what you did do to her that evening? Have you spoken to young men, those aspiring to become a professional athlete or not about learning from your mistakes? Have you spoken to young girls/women on what behavior they should and should not accept from young boys/men? I have said and continue to say, you don't have to learn a lesson first hand. Pay attention to the mistakes made by others and learn their lesson with them. Allow this situation to provide a platform for you to teach from.

Lastly, the timing of the interview...Hardy has only now sat down to speak, trying to reshape his image after becoming a free agent and with no known bites from any NFL team. All of this speaks volumes.

Hardy ESPN Interview

Managing the Ripples in a Crisis by MWPR, Inc.

Just like when a pebble thrown in a pond creates ripples, within any major crisis there is a ripple affect. There is more than one area of focus and more than one area needing a #strategic plan to address the impact the major #crisis created.

Regardless if the main headline is involving a person, political figure, product, property or performance, more times than not, there are layers to the crisis and they are guaranteed to impact a multitude of areas, associations and affiliations. The ripple affects will also need to be addressed. 

Ok, the crisis hits! The primary target has responded and is managing their story in an effort to lessen the blow and restore trust. 

But, what about the ripples, those who are directly or indirectly impacted by the primary's crisis? Directly or indirectly, each ripple created by the primary (pebble) requires special attention, strategic action, specific answers and subsequent adjustments so they are able to eventual move pass the crisis and prepare for future progress and productivity.

Special Attention:

When the crisis creates the ripples, pay close attention to the initial reports, details and responses given through the media and through the primary target. Listening and learning what has happened and what is being said will help in creating a specific strategic plan directly speaks to your need and position.

Strategic Action:

Based on what has been learned through paying special attention and determining if the primary hit directly or indirectly impacted you, a plan of action must be created that will help draw a distinction between the primary hit and you, the ripple, while also restoring confidence within your immediate and extended touch points (constituents and audiences).

Specific Answers:

Here is where you unpack your story, clear up confusion related to your connection to the primary hit and provide space for questions to be asked and answered, portraying a level of transparency and trust.

Subsequent Adjustments:

Within the management of the ripple affect from another's crisis, due diligence is needed in determining what can be learned by what the primary hit went through. Also, an assessment for areas of weakness, vulnerability, flaws and blind spots that could one day take you from being the ripple to being the primary is needed. 

The best way to prepare for any crisis is to be prepared before the crisis. You don't have to always learn a lesson firsthand. Take the lesson another's mistake creates and adjust accordingly. Go through scenarios identifying possible crises that could occur, or pay attention to your competition, partners, industry leaders, etc. and learn from their past problems. Remember, there is no such thing as a cookie-cutter template crisis plan. So, once you've gathered your research, create an overall crisis plan that speaks to your needs and feel somewhat confident that if/when the time comes you will be ready to stop, drop and roll with the punch.

The bottom-line is no major crisis is a one off. It will create ripples. Having a direct or indirect association with the primary hit calls for you to take the necessary steps to correct and protect your brand, message or business.

#MWPRTips

Research Before Responding

In light of the recent #PaulaDeen brand management fiasco, I thought I would offer some general steps in managing a crisis. I have shared similar steps in the past, however it seems that it continues to be a right on time point to make.

The first priority when faced with a crisis for any business, brand, or person should be obvious - execute the Crisis Plan. IF by chance there isn't one in place prior to the crisis, one should/can be crafted, taking the tactics and best practices used during the crisis you find yourself in as a guide. On any given day, your priorities will be determined by the phase/level the crisis is in. Remain flexible but stay strategic, not defensive.

Best strategies and practices are found in consistent, calm, clear and concise communications. Always stay on point, keep to the agreed plan and make sure each phase has sign-off by all key stakeholders including legal counsel. The reality is there is no cookie-cutter approach to handling a crisis, as each one possesses its own set of unique components. However, there are some staples that can be inserted to ensure the crisis is managed as well as any #crisis can be managed:

• Research before responding to the crisis. 
• Do not allow the crisis to manage you, you must aim to manage it from the start. 
• Just because the media calls, it doesn’t mean you have to take the call. Only respond when you have a clear message to deliver.
• Identify the appropriate spokesperson (s). 
• Acknowledge all, but only own what is yours to own. 
• Pull in partners and supporters if appropriate. 
• Only make realistic promises. 
• Don’t place yourself in a position where you will have to eat your words; this can create a new crisis. Keep messages/responses clear, concise and consistent. 
• Never sound or position your statement from a defensive stance. 
• Utilize more than one means of distributing your responses. 
• Create a strategy in getting your message out, how, where and in the frequency you desire. 
• Strive to control the crisis. 

Monica G. Wood (@MWPRINCight)

Lead Strategist

MWPR, Inc.

Featured Author: PR News' Crisis Management Guidebook, Vol 6 (@PRNews)

When there is a hiccup in your life: Crisis 101

WHEN THERE IS A HICCUP IN YOUR LIFE: Personal Crisis 101

A hiccup (crisis) can come at any time, from anywhere and in any form. The goal when faced with a crisis is to minimize the overall damage. The best way to manage the situation, if it should ever arise, is to not hold your breath until it goes away, but rather:

REFLECT
Reflect, don’t react on what happened. Reflect on the role you played in it. Reflect on how others have reacted to both the situation and to you. Reflect on how you feel. Reflect on how/when/what your response should be.

Honesty, self-reflection push you forward. Lies, misplaced blame and denial push you back.

REMOVE
Remove negative thinking. Remove negative/dysfunctional people. Remove yourself from any and all things that could possibly cause you to repeat your mistake or a similar one in the future.

REPLACE
Replace your negative energy, space and inner circle with all things positive, productive and progressive. Don't dwell on the mistake. Take the lesson, walk over the mistake and move forward.

RENEW
Renew your mind by speaking life into your situation. Positive thoughts, lead to positive words which lead to positive actions. Don't define who you are by just the mistakes you made/make or what others will say about you. You are the total sum of all things reflecting you.

Bottom line: Understand what happened. Embrace what happened. Promote your learned lessons. And, remember that "...in ALL things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to his purpose." Romans 8:28

We all have a purpose in life to fulfill. The good, bad and UGLY are part of fulfilling that purpose.

It is time to live more proactively in this reactive world. Walk out your destiny.

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.

Derrick Rose allegations expose a flawed system -- chicagotribune.com

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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

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

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

Magic Johnson has magic touch in business, too - USATODAY.com

Magic Johnson is the poster child for what Off-The-Field Branding: Professional and Personal Management, LLC, a subsidiary of MWPR, Inc. looks to do to help more athletes create success off the court/field.


By Matt Krantz,
USA TODAY

BEVERLY HILLS — Almost nobody would question Earvin Johnson's skill on the basketball court. But in his second career as an entrepreneur, there were doubters from the start.

Johnson, best known by his nickname "Magic," remains one of the best players to ever don the gold and purple Los Angeles Lakers uniform. Johnson was the star point guard and a key to the Lakers' domination in the 1980s, helping to hand the team five NBA championships. An oversize copy of his No. 32 jersey hangs above the Lakers' home court.

But despite his towering 6-foot-9-inch stature and vise-grip handshake, at first glance, Johnson didn't seem like such a natural in the boardroom.

Executives he pitched on a business idea developed when still a player — opening high-quality movie theaters and restaurants in inner-city neighborhoods — often didn't see what he saw. Instead, "they saw me as just a basketball player," he says from inside his modestly decorated offices in Beverly Hills.
In his recently released book, 32 Ways to be a Champion in Business, Johnson wrote that executives would "hand me a basketball and ask for an autograph, but they did not want to hear my pitch for investing in neighborhoods populated by blacks."

Johnson, 49, isn't your typical buttoned-up executive. He sits comfortably reclined in his chair, speaks casually, and freely flashes his trademark smile. Retired from basketball following his stunning 1991 announcement that he had contracted HIV, Johnson has focused on succeeding in a business world where many former athletes have failed.

But Johnson says he had a dream and a concrete plan. While traversing the urban hearts of cities in team buses to basketball games, he saw boarded-up businesses and a lack of retail outlets. He told himself he'd help revive some of those neighborhoods when he could, he says.

And that's the magic of Magic. While other executives steered clear of urban areas, Johnson saw opportunity. His business plan, his overtime performance after basketball, was to bring established retail brands to the inner cities by tailoring them to the residents.

From experience comes business
It's that niche that has morphed Magic Johnson from a name on the back of a basketball jersey into a brand in its own right. Magic Johnson Enterprises is a private company that owns or helps operate companies ranging from more than a dozen 24 Hour Fitness centers, more than 100 Starbucks locations, food service companies, a T.G.I. Friday's in Los Angeles and other businesses across the country. The company also has a private investment arm, with $1 billion in cash, which Johnson says will help the company expand, especially now that real estate can be bought at low prices.

It's just as Johnson saw it. The inner-city market was a big opportunity for someone with the knowledge to go after it, he says. "I knew that because I lived it. I just turned it into a business."

It's hard to summarize the swath of Johnson's businesses, as they range from food service to job placement and coffee. But the common theme of most is the marriage of his name alongside another well-known brand. Together, Johnson and another company enter urban markets that some have long avoided.

The Magic touch is taking chains with a familiar formula that plays well in the suburbs, and tailoring them so they fit the customers and tastes of the inner city. Rather than having to drive to the suburbs, residents can stay put and frequent Johnson's local twist on a national chain. Completing the circle, Magic Johnson Foundation, Johnson's philanthropic arm, invests in the community by building computer centers and other social services, helping to build goodwill with the residents.

Johnson is scarce on the details on precisely what the things are that he does to make his version of chains different that those in the suburbs, or in his words, "Magicize" it.

But he uses an example to describe how the first Starbucks he opened in Los Angeles is different than others in the sprawling chain. Johnson noticed many regular customers at the Starbucks gathered to play chess. It was a scene reminiscent of the casual chess tournaments that take place in inner-city parks.

So Johnson bent the corporate rules to make the chess players more welcome. After getting approval from Starbucks, he installed several picnic tables outside that not only captured the vibe of the chess tournaments but also let the local residents know they were welcome. Now, the Starbucks draws a loyal following of chess players, who lure friends and other chess players, he says.

Burger King restaurants that Johnson owns are also a little different. Customers hear Magic Johnson's voice on the loudspeaker in the drive-through, instead of a canned anonymous voice.

In plain sight
The fact the inner cities could support mainstream brands may seem evident now, but it was practically revolutionary when Johnson started. Getting investors in the early days of the business was challenging, especially following the riots that tore up Los Angeles following the 1992 Rodney King trial, he says.

Despite the success of his movie theater in Los Angeles, Johnson knew he needed more money to expand to other businesses.

His advisers in 1995 suggested approaching California's massive public pension fund, the California Public Employees' Retirement System (Calpers), for $150 million to develop his first non-theater business, what would be his first Starbucks and T.G.I .Friday's near Los Angeles' South Central neighborhood. He didn't quite get the answer he wanted, though.

Officials at Calpers wanted to know why, if his idea was such a good one, no one else was doing it. That stumped Johnson. "I couldn't answer the question," he says. He'd wondered himself why even the largest U.S. companies were avoiding big potential profits to be made serving urban markets filled with consumers ready to spend but with nowhere to go.

Proof of vision
Eventually, Calpers got on board with $50 million to start. That money helped Johnson finance his dream and show that the concept could work. Another $100 million from Calpers followed shortly after. Johnson's business "has proven to be a successful model," says Calpers spokeswoman Pat Macht.
Johnson is also quick to see opportunities. After several companies called asking for help on ways to tap the inner-city market, he created a consulting and licensing business.

Best Buy, for instance, in February 2008 turned to Johnson for help on operating stores that appeal more to the urban market. "We believe our relationship with Magic Johnson Enterprises will help us learn and apply fresh perspectives, which can strengthen our business and the communities where we have stores — it makes good business sense," the consumer electronics retailer's spokeswoman Dawn Bryant said in an e-mailed response.

Despite the challenging economy, Johnson says some of the best opportunities are ahead. Magic Johnson Enterprises' capital management business, for instance, raised, but didn't deploy, $1 billion last year. "Cash is king," he says, adding that he's constantly approached by real estate investors looking to sell choice properties. Downtown areas are especially ripe for investment, he says.

That's not to say it's nothing but net for Johnson, the businessman. Foot traffic is falling at his Starbucks stores as many consumers, not just in urban markets, cut back, he says. Consumers are seeing Starbucks "as a luxury. (Consumers) may only go once a week or not at all," he says. Starbucks warned on Dec. 4 that sales at stores open a year or more have fallen 9% in the U.S. so far in the quarter started in late September.

Johnson, though, has faced difficulty before, and that hasn't stopped him. Starbucks just needs to reconnect with what it does best, he says, and stop "trying to be everything to everybody."
That's really his key advice to entrepreneurs, and something he follows himself. Pick a niche, something you can be good at, and don't stray. "You need to play to your strengths," he says. "My strength is urban America."

Magic Johnson has magic touch in business, too - USATODAY.com

MWPR News

MWPR │News!

Interview with a Sports Professional: Monica Woodby Janelle Finley
AccessAthletes.com

Find full interview at http://www.accessathletes.com/blog/blogdisplay.cfm?blogid=170

ESPN - New York Giants suspend Plaxico Burress four games after charges

This is just ugly. It is sad. But, it's unfortunately becoming the norm. The facts haven't really changed since the news broke Saturday. However, this situation just continues to have legs and voice. It's a broken record that keeps sounding off prodominently within the NFL. And, now, I am sounding like a broken record....what is the NFL going to do in putting in place a process for long-term practice in order to begin to lessen these blows with other players as they enter in the league? But, let me stop there...I vowed to follow this story through, but probably will not provide too much more commentary. Because there is nothing new to say or suggest.

Just read for yourself....

ESPN - New York Giants suspend Plaxico Burress four games after charges

http://news.google.com/nwshp?tab=wn&ned=us&ncl=1277242740&hl=en&topic=s

MWPRInsight Update: Giants' Burress reports to New York police

This a great case study for The Playbook: Mentoring Initiative. MWPRInsight will follow this one throughout to see how the NFL, the public and others manage the situation with Burress.

Giants' Burress reports to New York police

MWPR Client News

MWPR Client News:


Ex-NFL player back at Woodlawn
At his old high school, former 'hardhead' helps students get their heads straight




By Arin Gencer arin.gencer@baltsun.com
November 30, 2008




For the past several months, former NFL safety Keion Carpenter has been going back to school.Roaming the halls of Woodlawn High School, he slips into classrooms for lessons on federal versus state government powers. He stops to chat with teachers and students between classes.

And when the dismissal bell rings, Carpenter, 31, joins the varsity football players as they practice, exchanging quips with and shouting instructions at the athletes during grueling exercises.For Carpenter, who graduated from Woodlawn in 1995, the time spent with students as a volunteer coach and mentor is a chance to show them life's possibilities - and teach them what's necessary to turn their potential into reality.

"I want my presence, being here, to be an inspiration to them," said Carpenter, who played football and basketball at the Baltimore County school. "Hopefully, they can look at me and say, 'Wow, this guy, he went to school here, he made it. He went on to college, went on to the pros, and now he's giving back.'"Carpenter's path from Woodlawn is one that many of the young Warriors would like to take: full athletic football scholarship to Virginia Tech, then a career in the National Football League as a safety for the Buffalo Bills and the Atlanta Falcons before retiring in 2006.

"He's just one success story of many, but he's the one that's right there on the front line," said Brian W. Scriven, Woodlawn's principal. "He's achieved what so many dream of achieving."Scriven recently took the lead at the newly restructured school, where about 55 percent of seniors have met state test requirements for graduation - and 46 percent of last school year's students received free or reduced-price meals, an indicator of low family income.

Carpenter credits Scriven, who was head football coach when he played for the Warriors, with saving him, acting as the father he didn't have. He wants to support Scriven's mission to turn the school around, Carpenter said.A self-described "hardhead" with a "terrible attitude" as a student, he said he can relate to the more difficult individuals, too."I tell them all the time, 'I sat in the same classrooms that you sat in, I walked the same halls, I ate in the same cafeteria,'" said Carpenter, who splits his time between Maryland and his home in Georgia.

These days, he's in those classrooms and halls regularly - although he has no plans to revisit cafeteria food.One day, Carpenter stood near Woodlawn's front entrance as students spilled out of classrooms. He easily picked out those he knew."What's up, man? Good luck today," he said as he slapped hands with several junior varsity football players, who had a game later.As the halls cleared, he shouted to a student strolling by, "You need to go to class, chump!"

"My teacher's not in there," the student replied."You've still got to go to class," Carpenter shot back."It's more than just to show up on the football field," he said in an interview, explaining his presence in the building. "I want them to know that it's more of an importance to be a better student. … If you don't take your books just as much as you take practice, then you're not going to be able to play football.

"For many of the teens at Woodlawn, the coaches "are their fathers and their role models," said Michael Sye, the school's athletics director.

Having "Coach Keion" around encourages and motivates them, the athletes said.

"He's been there before, so he knows how to get to where we want to go," said senior Delontai Bruton, a running back. "He's giving us something that most of us thought we'd never have."

"What he is doing is really special," said senior Rudy Lee Daniel, a safety. "He could be doing something else instead of coming back, giving back to his community."Gary Servance, a senior and running back, said Carpenter is "giving us a taste of what the future life could be like - if we just stay on track."His involvement also speaks to a "level of commitment and perseverance that we're trying to transfer to our students," Scriven said. "They really need to understand some of the sacrifices … all of those coaches are making to try to have a positive impact on their lives."

For Carpenter, that relationship extends beyond the football field. He is like a big brother to the students - someone they can text with questions about sports and more personal subjects, including their plans for life after Woodlawn. He plans to work with the basketball team, for which many of his students also play.

"He doesn't approach us as, 'I'm a coach, respect me,' but more so, 'I'm somebody you can talk to,'" said David Williams, the quarterback.Carpenter has also made a commitment to helping them through the college application process, talking to them about colleges they're interested in, what they need to do to prepare themselves academically - and offering to call coaches on their behalf.

"He's right there - you can ask him anything," Daniel said, adding that Carpenter is "the easiest person to get to."Williams said Carpenter's presence is "kind of like that edge that you need.""It's just a hope," Williams said. "Somebody can make it that came out of here - why can't I?"

keion carpenter

Age: 31

Education: Woodlawn High, Class of 1995; Virginia Tech, Class of 1999

Career: Played safety for the Buffalo Bills and Atlanta Falcons; retired 2006

Current activities: founder of Carpenter House, a Baltimore-based nonprofit foundation to help single parents and low-income families become homeowners; volunteer football coach, Woodlawn High School; president of for-profit advocacy organization For My Kids (FMK)

Residence: Splits time between Georgia and Maryland

Family: Father of three

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/education/bal-md.co.woodlawn30nov30,0,7011523.story

MWPRInsight: Lawyer to AP: Burress expects plea Monday - Yahoo! News

The Playbook Commentary:

Ok, first and foremost, I am thankful that he did not kill himself. But, are you serious? Can this really be happening? How do you shoot yourself? Unless an intruder has just broken in the house WHY do you have a gun near you? This is definitely a "what was he thinking" situation.

However, thanks to Tiki Barber, after just watching him on Football Night in America, let me give a different perspective. Burress and other players come from an environment where having a gun is the norm in order to protect oneself, something that many of us cannot relate to. And, before we begin to judge, we need to first place ourselves in their shoes.

So, let me twist things right here and point the finger back towards the NFL. Here again, we have a situation where the NFL, the sports agents, etc. in my opinion have fumbled the ball. Although, personal responsibility is necessary, expected and important, those who represent and benefit from the talents/skills of these athletes should be more attentive and deliberate in their management of players that they KNOW need a little more "coaching", either due to their background or personnel/personal history.

Now, Burress probably will say, I am a grown "A" man and I don't need constant supervision or need to tell you if I got a gun. Now, although he is a grown man, he is not his OWN man....not while he represents the NFL and plays for an organization which is currently the NY Giants. As long as he gets the multi-million dollar deals he is currently getting, YOU, Mr. Burress, represent those two brands. And, because of that, have a responsibility to them first and you second. I believe this is where the players are missing the mark. And, where they are being given too much rope....a level of expectations is discussed, but very loosely enforced. And, if enforced, it is not enforced fairly across the board.

Not all situations should be thrown in the same boat....consequences should be based on the actions and the number of incidents...period. Not, based on the person's performance, celebrity status, "hook ups", etc.

I throw that out there, because now I am curious to see how the NFL handles this one. What will happen to Burress because of this? And, will it be fair?

Lawyer to AP: Burress expects plea Monday
By HOWARD FENDRICH, AP Sports Writer







LANDOVER, Md. – Plaxico Burress plans to turn himself in to police Monday morning in New York City and plead not guilty to criminal possession of a weapon, his lawyer said.

Benjamin Brafman wrote in an e-mail to The Associated Press on Sunday that he was advised the New York Giants' star receiver will be charged after accidentally shooting himself in the right thigh.

"I do not expect that Mr. Burress will make a statement," Brafman wrote.

He met with Burress for about an hour Sunday at the player's home in New Jersey.

"I would ask that his fans, the Giants and the media withhold judgment in this matter until all of the facts have been disclosed," Brafman wrote to the AP.

Brafman is a well-known criminal lawyer who has defended mobsters and other high-profile figures, including hip-hop impresario Sean "Diddy" Combs on a bribery and gun possession charge in 2001.
Burress shot himself at a Manhattan nightclub Friday night and was released from a hospital early Saturday, the Giants said.

"As far as we know, he's going to be OK," general manager Jerry Reese said before the Super Bowl champions' game Sunday at the Washington Redskins.

Before the shooting, Burress already had been ruled out of the game because of an unrelated leg injury.

New York police and NFL security are investigating what happened Friday. Giants linebacker Antonio

Pierce was interviewed by NFL security at the team's hotel Saturday, Reese said.

Pierce — who started against Washington — reportedly was present for the latest dramatic turn in a tumultuous season of fines and suspension for Burress.

"Antonio is working on trying to beat the Redskins right now," Reese said before kickoff. "That's where his focus is and where it should be right now."

Neither Reese nor Giants president and CEO John Mara would say what Burress' status with the team might be going forward.

"I want to wait until we find out all the facts and circumstances before we make any determination," Mara said. "I don't know what happened there, and until we find out exactly what happened, I'm not going to make any comment or make any decision about what his future is."

Reese and Mara said they hadn't spoken to Burress, who hurt his hamstring two weeks ago and was going to miss the game against the Redskins because of that injury.

"I reached out to him," Reese said. "I did not get a return phone call."

Mara repeatedly said the Giants would cooperate with the police and the NFL in their investigations.
Asked if he knows what the scope of those inquiries are, Mara said: "I do not know, no. I guess the circumstances of how he got shot, whose gun it was. There are a lot of questions like that that are still unanswered."

Burress caught the go-ahead touchdown pass in the Giants' Super Bowl victory against the New England Patriots in February, following a regular season in which he scored a career-high 12 TDs. He was rewarded with a $35 million, five-year contract, only hours before the current season.

But his consecutive-games streak with at least one catch ended at 115 last week against Arizona, after he aggravated his hamstring injury during the first series and did not return.

Burress has 35 catches for 454 yards and four touchdowns while constantly drawing double coverage this season.

Off the field, he was suspended for a game against Seattle in October and fined $117,500 for missing a team meeting and failing to notify the Giants of his absence. He said he had a family emergency.

Burress also was fined $45,000 by the NFL for his conduct during a game against San Francisco in which he abused an official and tossed a ball into the stands.


Lawyer to AP: Burress expects plea Monday - Yahoo! News