When Sports and Scandals Collide: The Ethics of Crisis PR
Can Sports Teams Be Crisis PR Fixers?
When you think of crisis PR in sports, your mind might jump to player controversies, ownership disputes, or league-wide scandals. But what happens when a professional sports team steps in to manage a public relations crisis outside of their own organization? That’s exactly what we’re diving into on the next episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast!
Recent reports revealed that the New Orleans Saints and Pelicans were involved in crafting PR strategies for the local archdiocese amid a clergy abuse scandal. This raises an important question: Should sports organizations take on the role of crisis PR consultants for external entities, or should they stay focused on their own brand reputation?
Crisis Communications in Sports: A Slippery Slope
Sports franchises hold massive influence—not just in the game, but in their communities. Their involvement in external crisis management can blur ethical lines, especially when dealing with sensitive issues. While organizations often support social causes and philanthropic efforts, actively shaping crisis messaging for an external entity sparks concerns about transparency and accountability.
The PR Risks of Getting Involved
Aligning with a crisis outside of their control can bring unintended consequences. Sports teams risk alienating fans, sponsors, and stakeholders if their involvement appears as damage control rather than genuine support. History has shown that when brands fail to approach crisis communications with authenticity and clear ethics, public backlash can be swift and unforgiving.
Lessons in Crisis PR from the Pros
On this episode of The Brandinc PR Podcast, we’ll break down:
✅ How sports organizations should navigate crisis PR ethically
✅ The risks and rewards of stepping into external PR crises
✅ Best practices for high-profile brands managing public perception
If you’re a PR professional, brand strategist, or just a fan of sports and media, this episode is a must-listen. Join the conversation and learn how top brands handle crisis communications while protecting their reputation.
Don’t Miss This Episode!
🎙️ Episode Title: When Sports and Scandals Collide: The Ethics of Crisis PR
📅 Release Date: February 20th
🎧 Available On: Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and all major streaming platforms
Subscribe now and be the first to tune in! Have thoughts on this topic? Drop a comment below or join the discussion on social media using #CrisisPR #SportsBusiness #BrandincPR.