Crisis Communications in Sports
25 episodes - English - Latest episode: about 2 months ago -Crisis Communications in Sports breaks down the latest news and crises in sports communications. Sports marketing veteran and crisis communications strategist Jim Rocco offers his insight on dealing with sensitive situations and how to rectify problematic actions; whether it is dealing with the media, tone-deaf public statements, or complicated internal affairs. Episodes feature interviews with figures across the sports landscape, and discussions on bold strategies for winning in the court of public opinion.
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Episodes
Breaking Down the Communication Breakdowns in the World of Sports
February 28, 2024 21:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBEvery so often, there's more communication breakdowns in the world of sports than a person can keep up with! So on this episode of Crisis Communications in Sports, hosts Jim Rocco and Cris Bruce examine six separate hot-button crisis topics that are currently trending in the world of sports, and offer their unique takes on where things went wrong, and what can be done going forward. With a hard five minutes devoted to each topic, the action begins with a revealing discussion about player dis...
Legendary NFL Sideline Reporter Michele Tafoya on the Charissa Thompson Admission About Making Up Reports
November 30, 2023 18:00 - 36 minutes - 25.3 MBQuestions and opinions about journalistic integrity began flying when NFL personality Charissa Thompson very casually mentioned in an interview that she had sometimes made up reports early in her career as a sideline reporter. We spoke to Michele Tafoya, one of the most respected NFL sideline reporters of the past 25 years, to help us break down the fallout. Michele explained why it rankled so many people both inside and outside of the television industry and also discussed the curious fact ...
USA Today Investigative Reporter Kenny Jacoby on the Unfolding Mel Tucker - Michigan State Controversy
October 11, 2023 20:00 - 37 minutes - 26.1 MBThe massive contract extension former Michigan State football coach Mel Tucker signed in November of 2021 made headlines, both because it established Tucker one of the highest paid coaches in the sport, and because it was a fully guaranteed deal. The feel-good story, however, came to an abrupt halt less than 2 years into the deal when Tucker was accused by Brenda Tracy, a prominent rape survivor and activist, of engaging in a sex act without her consent. On this episode of Crisis Communicati...
Sports Commentator and Writer Sean Keeley on the Suspension of Baltimore Orioles Broadcaster Kevin Brown
August 16, 2023 14:00 - 35 minutes - 24.1 MBWhen the reason why the Baltimore Orioles play-by-play man had been suspended went viral, fans and fellow broadcasters coast-to-coast began chanting, "Free Kevin Brown!" On this episode of Crisis Communications in Sports, we speak with Awful Announcing's Sean Keeley about the ill-advised move by the team's hypersensitive owners and how it backfired spectacularly (10:00). Hosts Jim Rocco and Cris Bruce get things started with a discussion about a developing controversy involving one of baseba...
Attorney Rusty Webb on the Bob Huggins Resignation Dispute
July 21, 2023 15:00 - 27 minutes - 18.8 MBBob Huggins' startling claim that he never resigned as the men's basketball coach of West Virginia University, nearly a month after it had been widely reported that he had, is one of the more bizarre sports stories so far this year. On this episode of Crisis Communications in Sports, we speak with attorney Rusty Webb, a West Virginian who is a graduate of the university's law school, to discuss the perplexing communication claims and tactics that led to the drama that has unfolded (06:45). H...
Sports sociologist Daniel Sailofsky on player and public reactions to the controversy that followed the conclusion of the NCAA Women's Basketball National Championship
April 12, 2023 20:00 - 40 minutes - 27.9 MBIn this edition of Crisis Communications in Sports we examine the controversy that erupted at the conclusion of the NCAA Women's Basketball Championship game and how the public responses from the players involved, LSU's Angel Reese and Iowa's Caitlin Clark, were perceived. Sports sociologist Daniel Sailofsky joins us for a frank discussion about how race, gender, social media, and even a suggestion from the White House, played a role in the statements, strategy and posturing that occurred (0...
NFL Insider Andrew Brandt on the Unfolding Communications Crisis Surrounding Daniel Synder's Ownership of the Washington Commanders
November 07, 2022 16:00 - 36 minutes - 25.4 MBThe latest developments in the on-going saga of Daniel Snyder's tenure as owner of the Washington Commanders have yielded some fascinating case studies in crisis communication. On this episode of Crisis Communications in Sports, we speak with esteemed NFL insider and Washington, D.C. native Andrew Brandt to help us break down the X's and O's of all the statements and strategies utilized by the team, the league and by other owners (10:17). Hosts Jim Rocco and Cris Bruce kick off the show with...
Russia and Ukraine Commentator Kimberly St. Julian-Varnon on the Brittney Griner Detainment
June 20, 2022 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBThe Russian detainment of American basketball star Brittney Griner has been making headlines over the last three months. On this episode of Crisis Communications in Sports, we discuss the often complex and critically important media tactics being utilized by Griner's supporters, with Kimberly St. Julian-Varnon whose work focuses on the African American experience in the Soviet Union, Ukraine and Russia. St. Julian-Varnon speaks about how she advised the WNBA Players Association and the shift...
Russia and Ukraine Commentator Kimberly St. Julian-Varnon on the Brittney Griner Detainment
June 20, 2022 17:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBThe Russian detainment of American basketball star Brittney Griner has been making headlines over the last three months. On this episode of Crisis Communications in Sports, we discuss the often complex and critically important media tactics being utilized by Griner's supporters, with Kimberly St. Julian-Varnon whose work focuses on the African American experience in the Soviet Union, Ukraine and Russia. St. Julian-Varnon speaks about how she advised the WNBA Players Association and the shift...
Sports PR Vet Denise L. White on Athletes Navigating Reputational Damage
March 07, 2022 18:00 - 35 minutes - 24.5 MBIn this edition of Crisis Communications in Sports, EAG Sports Management CEO and Founder Denise L. White discusses the short and long term reputational damage professional athletes face when they are embroiled in a PR nightmare, such as the one golfer Phil Mickelson is currently traversing. Denise utilizes more than two decades of experience to offer her assessment of the situation and advice on how to mitigate the fallout (08:22). Hosts Jim Rocco and Cris Bruce kick off the show by examini...
Sports Law Professor Gabe Feldman on Name, Image, and Likeness in College Sports
February 08, 2022 20:00 - 39 minutes - 27.4 MBCrisis Communications in Sports returns with an all-new episode that delves into the complex and hotly-debated topic of college athlete compensation and the chaotic start to the Name, Image and Likeness era in college sports. Gabe Feldman, one of the country's foremost authorities on NIL, speaks with hosts Jim Rocco and Cris Bruce about the complexities involved, the seemingly ever-changing framework and what he believes the future holds (08:01). Jim and Cris open the show with an interesti...
Former CMO of Team USA Rick Burton on Brands Navigating Tokyo Olympics
July 07, 2021 17:00 - 35 minutes - 24.7 MBCrisis Communications in Sports is back with a brand new episode that features an in-depth interview with the former Chief Marketing Officer of the United States Olympic Committee, Rick Burton (10:01). Rick speaks with hosts Jim Rocco and Isaac Benjamin about his experience handling the marketing responsibilities for previous olympics and the daunting challenges his predecessor faces with this year’s games. Jim and Isaac open the show dissecting the controversy with new Portland Trail Blazer...
Marketing Professor Derek Rucker on Super Bowl Advertising in 2021
February 04, 2021 13:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBThis week's episode of Crisis Communications in Sports features a fascinating interview with Derek Rucker, a marketing professor at the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University (7:25). Hosts Jim Rocco and Isaac Benjamin talk to Derek about the challenges of advertising during this year's Super Bowl, brands that dropped the ball in years past, and how they recovered. Jim and Isaac open the show discussing a report that the Japanese government has privately conceded that this ye...
Former Mets PR Director Jay Horwitz on His New Book, Mr. Met
December 16, 2020 17:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBThis year's final episode of Crisis Communications in Sports features an interview with a New York-area public relations legend (7:08). Jay Horwitz was the Mets venerable PR chief for nearly four decades and currently serves as their head of alumni relations. Jay sits down with hosts Jim Rocco and Isaac Benjamin to discuss his time devising public relations strategies for the team's front office and players, especially during the team's glory years in the 1980's. Jay also talks about his rec...
NFL Insider Peter King on the Dismissal of Houston Texans' PR Chief
November 24, 2020 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBThis special Thanksgiving-week episode of Crisis Communications in Sports features a conversation with renowned NFL journalist Peter King (7:08). Hosts Isaac Benjamin and Jim Rocco asked Peter to weigh-in on the very public crisis that's unfolding within the Houston Texans' organization and the baffling personnel moves that have ensued, including the firing of the highly-regarded ex-VP of Communications Amy Palcic. The Texans chalked it up to Palcic no longer being 'a cultural fit' with the ...
NFL Insider Peter King on the Dismissal of Houston Texans' PR Chief
November 24, 2020 18:00 - 37 minutes - 25.6 MBThis special Thanksgiving-week episode of Crisis Communications in Sports features a conversation with renowned NFL journalist Peter King (7:08). Hosts Isaac Benjamin and Jim Rocco asked Peter to weigh-in on the very public crisis that's unfolding within the Houston Texans' organization and the baffling personnel moves that have ensued, including the firing of the highly-regarded ex-VP of Communications Amy Palcic. The Texans chalked it up to Palcic no longer being 'a cultural fit' with the ...
Howard University AD Kery Davis on Achievements, Aspirations for Athletics Program
November 12, 2020 04:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBThe newest edition of Crisis Communications in Sports features Kery Davis, Athletic Director of Howard University (12:04). Davis speaks to hosts Jim Rocco and Isaac Benjamin about some of the remarkable achievements on the sports front that have transpired during his time at "The Mecca". From NBA great Steph Curry pledging his financial support to start a new D1 golf program at Howard University to the unlikely and historically significant commitment of 5-star basketball recruit Makur Maker,...
Former Agent, Sports Executive Graham Boone on Player Representation and the Media
October 28, 2020 20:00 - 45 minutes - 31.5 MBThis week's episode of Crisis Communications in Sports features an interview with former NBA agent and sports & entertainment executive Graham Boone (11:14). Graham speaks with hosts Jim Rocco and Isaac Benjamin about his experiences handling crises and media relations through the lens of player representation. The interview begins with a fascinating conversation about Graham's time representing Jeremy Lin during the height of 'Linsanity', and the free agency period following his meteoric ri...
James Kennedy of Major League Rugby on Growing the Sport Stateside
October 15, 2020 18:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBThis week's episode of Crisis Communications in Sports begins with a conversation between hosts Jim Rocco and Isaac Benjamin about the initial fallout from the tragic injury to Cowboys QB Dak Prescott (0:42), and how owner Jerry Jones and the Dallas Cowboys organization have responded publicly, particularly in light of last season's contentious contract negotiations. Following that conversation, James Kennedy of Rugby United New York and Major League Rugby joins the show to talk about his ef...
Renowned Sportscaster and Journalist Mary Carillo on Tennis During COVID-19, Social Justice in the Sport
October 01, 2020 16:00 - 49 minutes - 34.3 MBThursday's edition of Crisis Communications in Sports features an insightful interview with sports broadcasting legend Mary Carillo. Over the past 40 years, Mary has seen it all, but as she explains, there has been nothing quite like covering Grand Slam tournaments during a pandemic. In her discussion with hosts Jim and Isaac, Mary talks about her experience calling the US Open on-site but without fans, the Djokovic line-judge drama, and social activism in her beloved sport. But before the i...
Sports Marketing Executive and Professor Darcy Raymond on Team Name Changes, Marketing Sports Post-COVID
August 27, 2020 19:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBThis week's featured interview of Crisis Communications in Sports is with Darcy Raymond, who helped the Tampa Bay Rays go through a name change as a former marketing executive with the team. Darcy speaks about his time with the Rays while outlining the challenges facing the Washington Football Team as they go through a similar process. In the Sports Crisis Wire, hosts Jim and Isaac run through noteworthy public relations issues in sports, including the string of broadcasters being suspended ...
Sports Marketing Executive and Professor Darcy Raymond on Team Name Changes, Marketing Sports Post-COVID
August 27, 2020 19:00 - 47 minutes - 32.6 MBThis week's featured interview of Crisis Communications in Sports is with Darcy Raymond, who helped the Tampa Bay Rays go through a name change as a former marketing executive with the team. Darcy speaks about his time with the Rays while outlining the challenges facing the Washington Football Team as they go through a similar process. In the Sports Crisis Wire, hosts Jim and Isaac run through noteworthy public relations issues in sports, including the string of broadcasters being suspended ...
Professional Sports Memorabilia Authenticator Kevin Keating on His New Book, the State of MLB
August 13, 2020 17:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBThis week's episode of Crisis Communications in Sports features an interview with Kevin Keating, who is a professional sports memorabilia authenticator, author, and baseball historian. The conversation touches on Kevin's love for the game, how he got into authenticating, and his advice for MLB as it grapples with declining viewership. Hosts Jim and Isaac open the show with their Sports Crisis Wire segment, giving a rundown of developing stories with an eye for potential crises or public rela...
USA Today Writer Jeff Zillgitt on the NBA Bubble
July 30, 2020 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.2 MBIn Thursday's episode of Crisis Communications in Sports, hosts Jim Rocco and Isaac Benjamin speak with USA Today writer Jeff Zillgitt on potential problems at the NBA Bubble in Orlando, and his concerns and expectations a few weeks out from reporting to the camp himself. Jim and Isaac start Episode 2 discussing the Washington Football Team's difficulty handling a myriad of crises all transpiring within the last month. The show ends with Jim and Isaac's bold strategies for NCAA President Mar...
Debut! Aryeh Schwartz of Winsidr Talks WNBA Issues
July 16, 2020 18:00 - 28 minutes - 19.8 MBThis week's episode of Crisis Communications in Sports introduces its hosts, sports marketing veteran Jim Rocco and crisis communications strategist Isaac Benjamin, who will delve into the latest news and crises in sports communications. The inaugural episode features an interview with Aryeh Schwartz, the founder of Winsidr, the largest outlet devoted entirely to covering the WNBA. The conversation begins with the latest developments regarding U.S. Senator Kelly Loeffler's comments on player...