Here in Australia one of the major sports is a game called Rugby League. It’s similar to American football.
At the moment one of the high profile teams are battling a crisis. A couple of weeks ago the “Bulldogs” played a pre-season game in a place called Coffs Harbour. Subsequent to this a woman has alleged that she was sexually assaulted by a group of players.
Since then there have been allegations of group sex, etc, etc.
The club has been in damage control since the allegations were first raised. But when you are dealing with people who would surely be strong candidates for the stupidiest people of the year……..well, it must be difficult for the club.
Example 1: The players were asked to meet the police at the station yesterday. They went in groups of 4. Dressed, if you believe this, mainly in shorts, t-shirts and thongs.
Not really respecting the gravity of the situation.
And then it gets a whole lot better!
Example 2: One of the players, one of the very same players who were walking into the police station for questioning about a gang sexual assualt, actually wore a t-shirt with the slogan “We play dirty” written across it!
Ding, ding! I think we have a winner!
3 things to do.
You have a major sporting team being hammered by the media in light of the gang sexual assault allegations. When a group of players walk into the police station there is going to be a heavy media contingent there.
Try this.
a) Get the players dressed in the club’s formal uniform. A suit would be best. Black shoes.
b) No-one to wear sunglasses.
c) Walk together with head held high and looking solemn.
Not looking like you’ve just come from the beach. And not wearing a t-shirt proclaiming “We play dirty.”
Think about your media and what to do. I’m sure there will be some excuse for the way the players dressed. But a well-thought out media plan is crucial and has to cover contingencies.
Cheers
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