The case presented is complex and needs thorough analysis before a decision is arrived at as to whether I take the case or not. There are several issues that require reviewing. Benefits which may accrue after the athlete is exonerated are quite enticing, a fat pay check and an elevated status are two things any professional wouldn’t mind having and considering this is an area of my expertise. The information provided highly influences my decision in the sense that, it is the basis on which the client seeks my help. The client’s willingness to tell the truth makes it easier for me to handle the case. Moreover, the client doesn’t require me to do anything that goes against my code of conduct as public relations professional.
Ethics
There are several ethics of the prevailing situation that are in play. There is the need for transparency and free flow of precise and truthful information between myself and the client, informed course of action through open communication regarding any new developments in the clients life, protecting the clients’ private and confidential information since if leaked, this would further damage his image and career, contrary to the objective at hand, and avoiding conflict of interest between parties involved (Marina, Mike, S., Mike, V. & Stephanie, 2013).
Advice
The success of this case highly depends on the actions the baseball player will take. The eventual victory for the baseball player will require him to accept responsibility for his actions and apologizing from the bottom of his heart in timely way, preferably through the media (Ashley, 2011). He should then vow to stay free from similar situations and keep his personal life relatively amicable until the case subsides, this basically mean indulging in activities that would go a long way in revealing his good side (Marina, Mike, Mike, & Stephanie, 2013). He should not keep the press a bay but rather he should speak openly and honestly about recent happenings. This will save him from unnecessary negative publicity that would adversely taint his image, incase crucial information that relates to the ongoing case had not been disclosed. Lastly, in so as to in the end effectively reinstate his public image, he must deliver on the promises made through his actions as time goes by (Ashley, 2011).
An Example of a Doping Case
Quite a number of players in the history of Major League Baseball have faced doping allegations in where some are found to be guilty and others are not. Melky Cabrera, an outfielder for the San Francisco Giants got a suspension on 15th August 2012 after he tested positive for testosterone. The New York Daily reported that the suspended baseball player had hired a fake website and a half baked cover story so as to elude the consequences that were in the offing. Despite this, Cabrera later went on to give a statement to the baseball league union expressing his regret for using performance enhancing drugs. He accepted the results of the test and the suspension that was awarded to him by the Joint Drug Program and promised to move on with his life. Lastly, he apologized to his teammates, the San Francisco Giants organization and to his fans for his actions. Melky served his suspension and was recently reinstated by Major League Baseball but didn’t feature in the Giants playoffs line up.
My Proposition
Taking into consideration the nature of this case, and the previous similar cases that have been tackled, yours is no different. The consequences due are inevitable since the results are already known. The best I can do for you is to dust off your image such that in the event that you are suspended, you will have a place in your fans hearts, thus remain relevant in a positive way. I would, however, recommend taking up the contract, as I have had experience with such an issue before. The choice to do so will be up to you.
References
Ashley, J. (2011). Rebuilding a Professional Athlete’s Reputation after a Scandal: Refining Public Relation Techniques. CalPoly. Retrieved from http://digitalcommons.calpoly.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1025&context=joursp.pdf
Marina, T., Mike, S., Mike, V. and Stephanie, S. (2013). Redesigning the Professional Athlete after a Scandal: A Case Study on the Reemergence of Tiger Woods. Slattmfadt. Retrieved from http://slattmfadt.files.wordpress.com/2013/02/redesigning-the-professional-athlete-after-scandal.pdf
