When Sports and Scandal Collide: Inside the Biggest Controversies and Comebacks
In this episode, Molly sits down with Jim Rocco and Thom Weidlich, co-authors of Sports Crisis Communications: Cases and Controversies, to explore how the worlds of sports and crisis PR collide. From Tiger Woods’ redemption arc to Aaron Rodgers’ vaccine controversy and Brett Favre’s legal troubles, this candid conversation dissects how athletes, teams, and brands handle scandal when the spotlight turns harsh.The trio also dives into how social media, fan loyalty, and corporate interests shape the playbook for managing reputation in modern sports. Whether it’s Tom Brady’s conflict of interest, the NFL’s uneasy dance with gambling, or the Dodgers’ Pride Night flip-flop, this episode pulls back the curtain on how power, money, and morality intersect on and off the field.In this episode:Tiger Woods’ image makeover: from scandal to super-dadHow Aaron Rodgers’ “immunized” comment tested State Farm’s crisis strategyBrett Favre, welfare funds, and the price of silence in litigation PRThe NFL’s resilience (and denial) through scandal after scandalWhen betting meets ball: why gambling is the next big PR minefieldThe Dodgers’ Pride Night controversy and the danger of corporate flip-floppingWhat brands can learn from Dick’s Sporting Goods’ values-based standWhy vulnerability (and a good apology) can save an athlete’s reputationTom Brady’s latest “conflict of interest” and the ethics of sports mediaAdvice for rising athletes and a few words of wisdom for Bill BelichickKey takeaway: Reputation is built long before the crisis hits. Whether you’re a star athlete or a CEO, your credibility bank determines how hard you fall, and how fast you recover.Want More Behind the Breakdown? Follow The PR Breakdown with Molly McPherson on Substack for early access to podcast episodes, exclusive member chats, weekly lives, and monthly workshops that go deeper than the mic. It's the insider’s hub for communicators who want strategy with spine—and a little side-eye where it counts.Follow Molly on Substack Subscribe to Molly's Weekly Newsletter Subscribe to Molly's Live Events Calendar. Need a Keynote Speaker? Drawing from real-world PR battles, Molly delivers the same engaging stories and hard-won crisis insights from the podcast to your live audience. Click here to book Molly for your next meeting. This podcast is supported by Muck Rack, the PR management platform I use to monitor media coverage, track journalist activity, and inform high-stakes strategy with real-time data. Click here to try Muck Rack for yourself. Follow & Connect with Molly: https://www.youtube.com/mollymcpherson https://mollymc...
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