Responsibility of the company and Phelps
ByAs a religious Foxnews.com reader, I was immediately informed last week with the news that Michael Phelps, one of the best Olympians of all time, was accused of using marijuana at a college party in South Carolina. Not only is there a picture of Phelps doing so, but he also has not attested the statement and gave an official apology for his “immature” actions. His apology is listed below:
“I engaged in behavior which was regrettable and demonstrated bad judgment,” Phelps said. “I’m 23 years old and despite the successes I’ve had in the pool, I acted in a youthful and inappropriate way, not in a manner people have come to expect from me. For this, I am sorry. I promise my fans and the public it will not happen again.”
I immediately was disappointed in Phelps. As a young athlete, he needs to realize that he is a role model to so many. I think he was given a second chance after receiving a DWI, but I guess he hasn’t learned yet what it takes to be a role model. Being so famous and successful, it is clear to see why so many companies endorse Phelps and use him to promote their product in advertisements. While his contract with Rosetta Stone ended in 2008, the company made a statement that “we do not condone his activities and are disappointed in his recent judgment.” On the other hand, two of his sponsors, Omega and Speedo called the news a “non-issue”. As a young athlete who is seen as a “role model” by so many people and especially YOUNG children, I would be shocked if this recent drug use didn’t lessen the number of companies interested in endorsing him. Phelps has been extremely successful not only in the pool but in receiving endorsement, I think that companies will now look twice before using him in ads or endorsing him again. I think most socially responsible companies will not want their company in any way correlated to drug use even if Phelps is a highly worshipped athlete for America. While the company might have to make a sacrifice by not using him, I think that they will benefit from focusing on the values of character and responsibility.
To view a couple of advertisements with Phelps:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mY1Qn1g6V8g (speedo)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CJ5W3zWGQK8 (visa)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=K5oUJg-J5tw (visa mobile)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rcPhzCXewLo (guitar hero)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=axkCrMJBFfM (at&T)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KNri467qHDI (olympics)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OV9E8O_NyYg (power bar)
3 Comments
February 4th, 2009 at 10:56 am
I saw this news as well and had the exact same reaction. I am appalled that his sponsors do not see this as something more serous. So many young people look up to him, and if young children see their role models using pot and drinking and still being featured in advertisements, then they are going to assume that what he is doing is not that bad. I think that he should be reprimanded and punished in a public manor to send the message to kids that that kind of behavior is not acceptable.
February 6th, 2009 at 7:41 pm
Celebrities offer instant visibiity for product attributes, but are also human. Character is generally engendered in olympic athletes, but you can never tell what people will do. Strong brands are less susceptible to these lapses in judgement as they have their own images (Kelloggs). However, it is still nice to see them live up to the image they have cultivated over time. When young people see their heroes facing consequences for bad choices it reinforces good choice.
It seems most poor decisions lack any real consequences (Bill Clinton with Monica Lewinsky, and George Bush with Katrina). Sometimes they even say I admit mistake, but there never seems to be any reprecussions.
Hooray for advertisers that take a stand!
March 4th, 2009 at 11:29 pm
I’m shocked that Speedo and Omega didn’t pull him from his sponsorship. This act of Phelps’ puts a negative connotation on these two brands for me along with several other people.
I’m also ashamed that someone such as Phelps, with such high exposure and loyalty in America, would do something like this. Not to mention the fact that he is an athlete and this is definitely bad for you! I’m intrigued to see what happens with potential new sponsorships; I’m really hoping he doesn’t get more endorsements at least not for a long while!