Comments on: Basketball Is Not A Sport Of Political Correctness

By: @BGleas

@BGleas — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 21:22:53 +0000

My point isn't really that the suspension wasn't merited, just more that from a PR point of view was it smart of Prime? To my knowledge, the only reason this received national attention was because of the suspension.

More generally, I'm asking, if a broadcaster or company spokesperson makes offensive comments, but it garners little attention, should the organization take that into account when handing out a punishment? It's an interesting question, offensive comments are awful and deserve punishment, but from the PR side, why get increased negative attention for your company if you can avoid it, right?

By: @trdunsworth

@trdunsworth — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:45:33 +0000

I think that the suspension is merited, but I also believe the apology should be given. The comments were unwise and there are a lot of heads rolling in the end. However, I do agree the suspension shouldn't have been publicized at all. That is Prime trying to drum up readers.

By: Steve Armendariz

Steve Armendariz — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 15:26:18 +0000

It did not start out that bad and they could have left it alone but for some reason kept piling on the comments. Where was the producer during this whole time? The producer should have whispered into their ear to drop the topic. They sounded like two small minded individuals towards the end. Shame.

By: @BGleas

@BGleas — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:40:34 +0000

I had a different take on my blog regarding the exchange. I'm looking at this more from the PR side. Yes, the comments were bad, but would we have even heard about this had Fox Prime Ticket not suspended them? My point is that from a PR perspective, they brought way more attention to this with the suspension.

Seems they should have arranged an in-person apology at the next home game to the offended fan, and maybe a quick mention on the air. The season ticket holder that logged the complaint would have been happy, any viewers at home would have an apology, but the situation would not have become national news.

By: Sonny Gill

Sonny Gill — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 14:40:03 +0000

Totally agree with you. Whether they meant anything racially/culturally by their comments, they still stated them during a basketball game, which last I checked isn't the Jay Leno show. Sure commentators joke around and poke fun sometimes, but it's all within respect and admiration for the players – not the way Smith and Lawler conducted themselves.