"I'm Just Here So I Won't Get Fined"

Sports and Reputation Management/Public Relations

     It seems as though reputation, or even well-being, is something that is focused on in the sports world right now. Marshawn Lynch responded to every question at press day for the Super Bowl with "I'm just here so I won't get fined." It is true that he doesn't have to answer questions and let the media make him out to be something he is not, but it is also important that he does answer questions accordingly, so that he isn't seen as egotistical, so that his fans that pay him can see him as more of a person than a ball-carrying robot.

     Ray Rice ruined his reputation, and almost the reputation of the NFL, by hitting Janay Palmer, his wife, then fiancee, in an elevator. Adrian Peterson has had a few bouts with the media because of how he disciplines his child. The NFL didn't do much as a result of the Rice incident until the media got a hold of the videos. Rice was only given a two-game suspension, while Adrian Peterson was dropped completely. It wasn't until the tapes came out that Rice was dropped from the Ravens. Roger Goodell was also put under the microscope thereafter. The NFL needs to focus more on proper public relations practices, especially those in time of a crisis.

     Though Lynch wasn't in the media for the reasons Rice, Peterson and Smith were, he was still being talked about because of his refusal to speak. His reputation could be greatly affected because of the way his fans would soon begin to see him, if they took offense. Here is more about Lynch in comparison to the Rice scandal.

Sports and the Law

     Aldon Smith is now in the limelight for his DUIs and an altercation with Colin Kaepernick. Michael Vick was thrown in jail for dog fighting. Plaxico Burress did time for shooting himself. For some reason, it seems that athletes cannot stay away from the law, especially NFL Players. Adrian Peterson, in particular, is one name everyone should know. The young man was recently sentenced to life in prison for first-degree murder. A lot of times it seems as though these men get placed on pedestals, women also, because they somehow end up back on a team or as a hero. It's as though they are more of a hero than someone that fights for the country. There is definitely bias, but it is unknown how to fix it. Those that play sports professionally should be held to the same standard as someone "normal" in society.