A Look At Mike Vick's Non-Existent Media Plan

Tuesday, August 11, 2009


Every time a player is released back into the wild (the Sports Media World), it's always interesting to see what approach they take with their interviews. As I mentioned earlier today, Donte Stallworth has chosen ESPN's E:60 as his first outlet, and while there's nothing wrong with the choice, it's an interesting one at that (Why not Sports Center? Why not PTI?). Well even more interesting than that choice, is the fact that Mike Vick hasn't even made a statement since being released from prison.

Everyone, from First Take to Oprah, was interested in talking with the quarterback, but Vick has given his rights to CBS via 60 Minutes, and has chosen to lobby through his agent and more confusingly, Tony Dungy. Darren Rovell, decided to look at the reasons why Vick has taken this angle, and like me, he couldn't figure it out either....

The best strategy for Vick is to speak with and appease all his critics and to show them that he is really genuine. By shutting off access, and directing everyone to Sunday’s broadcast, he is actually creating more work for him and the team that might sign him.

The only thing I can think of is that his handlers think it's best if Vick's story could first come out in a nice little package with a bow on top so as to take some pressure off him when he has to do his first press conference. But anyone in the business knows that if an athlete has trouble talking about his past, and isn't genuine, its going to look ugly no matter what forum it's said in. Just look at A-Rod.

Vick was released from prison 82 days ago. That’s 82 wasted days. If he had the right strategy and got himself out there, I truly believe that there’s a possibility he could be with a team right now.

But no matter what Tony Dungy tells insiders about Vick, no team can sign him until they gauge the reaction from the first time he opens his mouth. In the end, Vick’s crime might not be his greatest enemy. His greatest enemy might be his own media plan.
In an era of PEDs, and shocking player arrests, I think people are more forgiving than ever. Either that, or they are just so jaded that they don't even care. To wait 82 days, without a comment, seems like a bad plan to me. I think if Vick had made a statement months ago, it would have already started the healing process, and he probably would already be in a camp by now. It'll certainly be interesting to see how this plays out after the piece on Sunday evening.

Michael Vick’s Next Mistake: His Media Plan (Sports Biz)

Posted by Awful Announcing at 12:36 PM

6 Comments:

Hopefully, for Vick's sake, his appearance turns out better than A-Rod's.

GMoney said...
Aug 11, 2009, 1:23:00 PM  

Perhaps Mike Wallace, after inking a contract with the Steelers, can convince Mr. Rooney to give Vick a shot.

Brad James said...
Aug 11, 2009, 1:56:00 PM  

Perhaps he/his media team realize he has nothing to say!

Steve Smith said...
Aug 11, 2009, 2:07:00 PM  

If you're a PR person, you pretty much suck!

JubJub said...
Aug 11, 2009, 2:08:00 PM  

What an idiot Rovell is. Why would they expose Michael Vick to dumb questions about dog fighting? They're being smart...they shaping the conversation and allowing Vick to make the impression he wants.

If he holds one press conference, PETA comes out of the woodwork. He does too many interviews, a journalist trying to make a name asks horrible questions trying to get Vick to snap. Vick is in a no-win situation and he's doing a good job.

I guarantee you...Vick will be the feel-good story of the NFL in 2011. America loves a comeback!!

Sean OLeary said...
Aug 11, 2009, 4:40:00 PM  

Who is sitting around the TV thinking to themselves, "hey, I wonder what Mike Vick (Ron Mexico) has to say today"?

What intelligent team is sitting out there thinking, "hey, I wonder if there is a QB out there who just spent a couple years in the hole, that many Americans are disgusted with, and who hasn't managed to find consistency after 6years in the league, cuz we sure need that guy right now!"

He needs to lay real low, and take at least a year off after his stay with Nasty Nate and the Squirrelmaster.

Secor314 said...
Aug 11, 2009, 5:53:00 PM  

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