I have read Coach Tressel's book The Winner's Manual as a sophomore in college, which I thoroughly enjoyed and found extremely inspirational. Last month, Coach Tressel spoke at the Central Ohio Public Relations Society of America Luncheon. Coach Tressel spoke about the five Rs in public relations. He was captivating, and even though he isn't a public relations practitioner, I believed that he possessed a good grasp of the practice.
However, I can't help but be a little disappointed...
1. I don't think Tressel and the OSU camp have handled this crisis extremely well.
2. If the accusations are indeed true, and Coach Tressel knew of these NCAA violations, this hurts the credibility that Tressel has established over his years of coaching and mentoring.
USA Today columnist Christine Brennan had no problem addressing Tressel's hypocrisy. Brennan was quick to point out that the football coach recently released "his latest book, Life Promises for Success: promises from God on achieving your best, is a collection of 'inspiring readings and Bible promises designed to encourage those seeking to success in every area of life.'"
Tressel has built strong relationships with his internal and external publics based on his "firm belief" on the importance of honor and integrity, something that as a PR guy, I have always applauded. However, this week's events aren't watering the beautiful garden that Tressel has tended to for several years now.
My approach on this situation is not quite as extreme as Brennan's. However, OSU needs to step it UP!! They have possession of the ball, but could lose this game if they throw the ball away. Tressel is a public relations practitioner's dream, because of the relationships he has formed and nurtured. It would be unfortunate if that all goes to waste.
It's interesting to think back to a few of those R's Coach Tressel highlighted last week...Respect, Relationships, Real. Seems like they are all going down the drain at this point. As good as his message was, it's hard to take away from his speech when he can't seem to adhere to his own beliefs. Looks like someone needs to revisit their R's...
ReplyDeleteYou know, as much as I love Coach Tressel, I cant help but to think that he is losing control of the team. I said to my parents at the start of the season, really at the end of the last few years, "I feel like Tressel is losing control of his team." At the time, my parents didn't quite understand what I was talking about, but now I feel like everything I was thinking, has come true. He has lost control of the team. The Jim Tressel that Buckeye fans fell in love with was the 2001-2005 Tressel. Once he had to start living up to all that hype and all the pundits talking about how OSU is overrated and can't win the big game, he and his message to his players, got a little clouded.
ReplyDeleteTo regain control of his team is the true challenge that now faces Tressel. I truly believe that once this happens, the rest of the problems will fall into place and will seem so small, that they will virtually disappear. If he can take control again and make it "Jim Tressel's Ohio State Buckeyes" instead of "The Ohio State Buckeyes coach by the Vest," then all will be well again in Buckeye-land.