THINKing

Phelps’ Bad PR “Shot”

Human fish Michael Phelps has two strikes against him and – although I hope I’m wrong – I predict he will strike out.

As you have heard by now, Phelps was photographed taking a marijuana bong shot. He jeopardized his multi-million dollar endorsement deals with this latest in what some call youthful indiscretions.

From a PR perspective, he has done the right things. He quickly apologized to his sponsors and to the public at-large for his “regrettable” behavior. Now, I’m not sure if he was apologizing for the bong hit or for having his photo taken while taking the bong hit. My guess is the latter. He has always been fawned on as being special. I don’t think anyone is giving him solid guidance on how to be gold medal winner, Michael Phelps.

This is not the first for Phelps in the youthful indiscretion category. You might remember his drunk driving arrest in 2004. There’s a pattern here folks.

Michael, a word from an admirer of your athletic ability: if you are going to make a living off being a role model, you have to be a good role model.

I’m not moralizing here. After all, I’m a Baby Boomer. We pretty much invented marijuana. I’m just saying that if you have a squeaky clean reputation, it needs to remain so if you are going to trade off it.

Now, a word for companies who use celebrity endorsers. Stop it. OK, that was two words. I’ve always thought the risks too great and the benefits too slim to justify this activity.

What do you think?

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