| Fallout from Arenas situation creates public relations disasterTV3 Blog Listing | ||||
|
Recent Blog Topics
|
|||
Save
Email
Print
|
Fallout from Arenas situation creates public relations disaster Mike Giangreco
January 13, 2010
Gilbert Arenas has been essentially erased from every facet of the Washington Wizards organization, in the wake of his indefinite suspension because of a gun incident between Arenas and teammate Javaris Crittenton.
Arenas was suspended by NBA commissioner David Stern last Wednesday after Stern felt Arenas was "not fit to take the court in an NBA game," at this time. Stern had planned on waiting until the legal process had run its course; then came the infamous picture of Arenas using his fingers as guns and shooting his teammates (prior to the 76ers game on January 5th) which was likely the final straw and forced Stern to act.
Prior to Friday's 104-97 win over the Orlando Magic, captain Antawn Jamison addressed the Verizon Center crowd and the "Elephant in the room." Jamison told fans:
"How are you guys doing? On behalf of my teammates, this organization, this coaching staff, we know it's been a trying week. One thing my teammates and I take very seriously is being a positive role model. It's something that we don't take lightly. Now there's been a picture of us that's been shown of us taking this event very lightly. This is a very serious situation. It's something we take to heart. We never meant to make light of the situation, and gonna do everything in our power, as long as I'm your captain and as long as these guys right here are my teammates, to make this one of the most respectable organizations in the league.'' (Crowd applauded).
"In order for that to happen, we need you guys to continue to support us. This thing right here is very embarrassing for my teammates and the coaching staff, but we're going to do everything positive to make this one of the toughest places to play in, to make this an exciting place, but most importantly, a place where you can bring your kids, your families, your buddy, to come and have a good time. So enjoy the game tonight. Thanks a lot.''
After the game, in which Jamison scored a game-high 28 points, he told reporters the speech "came from the heart." However, fans and members of the media had mixed reactions to the speech and some saw it as anything but sincere.
"This is one big PR-move," Alex Parker of 106.7 The Fan's "Parker and Parker" said. "Here's a guy who plays in front of thousands of fans every night and his voice was trembling during that speech because he knew he was throwing his buddy (Arenas) under the bus. It just seems like somebody put him (Jamison) up to it." Parker said.
Callers on 106.7 The Fan poured in with intense scrutiny saying things like: "The organization has no back-bone whatsoever," while others stated "It's just a ploy to save money and the fan base."
"Agent Zero" is still listed as a member of the Wizards; his headshot smiling back at you when you click on the roster at Washingtonwizards.com. But will we see Gil's headshot turn into a mug-shot when the legal process is over? That decision will take time, but what we do know is that the Wizards are dealing with a major public relations crisis.
"It's obviously a tough situation for us as an organization, but we're dealing with it as best we can and trying to move forward," Wizards Senior Director of Communications Scott Hall told me in a phone interview this week.
When asked about the sincerity of the team's public relations moves following the gun incident and Arenas' suspension, Hall cited former team owner and recently deceased Abe Pollin:
"Anybody who knows about the organization understands it emphasizes the character and values which Mr. Pollin stood for; those are the things we continue to do in his honor."
Hall didn't mention specifics, but said the Pollin family (which still retains ownership of the Wizards) has had a major role in attempting to restore the team's image since the incident occurred.
Pollin made the decision to change the team's name from the "Washington Bulletts" to the "Washington Wizards" in 1995 because of the negative connotation the word "Bullets" indicated. Unfortunately for the revered Pollin, the actions of his players have tarnished the positive image he strived to create.
The Washington Wizards have a long way to go if they truly want to show they can embrace their team motto of "Character, Commitment, and Connection."
|
| Post Your Comments |
|
|
