Sorry about the previous post andy, couldn't resist it.
It was funny. I'll try to respond with my opinion on each point.
btw, I am on the side of waiting for a few days until the facts come out and not react blindly. But then, I would not like to stretch it for weeks.
Here are a few thoughts on why and how this could be handled either by Mr. Kraft or the Pats FO.
- Any claim that casts one's integrity into doubt has to be dealt with. Especially by the owner of such a popular and successful franchise, who has already been smeared in the past.
But how would he do that? The NFL hasn't even implied wrongdoing.
I can't imagine going on an internet crusade against the media would be wise.
- I read somewhere that saying nothing may be noble but fatal in public relations. Can't agree more in this case given that even the national media are reporting it as if we just committed murder.
Of course he shouldn't say nothing, but I don't know what he could say that would be meaningful TODAY. Again, I think its hard to respond when the league hasn't even spoken.
- in this age of internet and instant communication, why not give out the facts to clear public misconception and then a simple rebuttal (I know, it is not our duty, but it is our name that is being sullient by ignorant morons in the media)?
I think in due time that will happen. I think giving out facts only adds to the rhetoric. Whatever he says will create a different conspiracy theory to discuss. Speaking before the league will probably lead to "Kraft paid them off" cries.
So, what can Mr. Kraft do?
- as some suggested, have a PR person (But NOT the guys who worked on camera-gate in 2007!) issue a pointed rebuttal.
There is nothing to rebut. He hasn't been accused of anything. You have to wait until the league says something is wrong before you rebut. I don't think its a good idea to go and rebut articles, tweets and sports talk rumors.
- Call Goodell and demand that he address the issue right away instead of allowing it to snowball and disract everyone next week.
I posted somewhere else a long list of the potential things that have to be done to investigate. It hasn't even been 48 hours. I don't think it is taking too long, considering the league has been accused of rushing to judgment before.
- leak the above to the press.
That may be what happened with Curran.
- if BB is confident that there is nothing to be questioned in the team's process/methods with respect to this issue, have - or HIRE - a savy media footbal person to hold a PC and address the questions. Humor and a positive presentation will go a long way in muting this nonsense and hopefully put us back on a positive limelight. (this will not work for the Pats because BB and Brady are the face of this franchie; maybe have Brady do the PC with his usual charm?)
What questions? They have not been accused of anything. At this point the league is investigating a football that the Colts say may have been under inflated. Why would you jump in front of a camera to say you didn't do it, before anyone (of import) says you did.
If above does not work, just win the SB a few more times baby.
Nothing succeeds like success.
Love it!!!!
GO PATS!![/QUOTE]
I think that all of these things would be great ideas if the league had actually made any comments that suggest the Patriots have done anything wrong. But that has not happened. I see no value in holding a press conference to tell people you didn't do something that you aren't accused of by anyone with facts on the matter. Imagine Bob Kraft getting asked questions about ball procedures, and details that he couldn't possibly know the answer to. His lack of knowledge would make it look like he is covering things up. I could think of half a dozen questions to ask that Kraft would have no way of knowing the answer to, and the media will be trying to make him look bad.
In a couple of days this will all be over, and the league will say nothing happened.
No need to feed the circus.
