Comments on: Could Keith Olbermann be a PR Problem for Roger Goodell and the NFL?

By: Josh Gould

Josh Gould — Tue, 26 Apr 2011 03:37:24 +0000

My thoughts are why do political figures/commentators need to be involved in the NFL? Why can’t politics be politics and sports be sports? I understand there being some politics littered through all aspects of life (job, sports…..and politics) but why take the key aspect of sports (enjoyment…at least for me) and have it ruined by more political shenanigans? I want to enjoy my sports as sports and my politics as politics! I also believe Goodell opened the door….we’ll see who else decides to step in and create some PR nightmares next.

By: Brian Gleason

Brian Gleason — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 18:54:09 +0000

Hi Matt,

Thanks for commenting, much appreciated. Very interesting point, I guess his wife hasn’t brought it up, or else Olbermann would probably be off

By: matthew s harrison

matthew s harrison — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 15:19:28 +0000

I just have to wonder if Roger’s wife, and my old friend Jane Skinner is asking him every night when they both get home from work, why the hell he has olberwoman on an NFL show????

By: Brian Gleason

Brian Gleason — Fri, 22 Jan 2010 01:25:35 +0000

Thanks Brent, appreciate you taking a look and leaving your thoughts. While Goodell doesn’t have direct control over who hosts Football Night, or even who calls games on the other networks, there’s no doubt he can have a considerable amount of influence. But you’re right, it would also take viewer complaints and public pressure as well.

But, the real point is that, while at the time a response to Rush criticism seemed warranted, it really painted him into a corner for situations as the one with Olbermann. In the end, I think you’re right, this will probably just blow over without any real pressure put on Goodell.

By: Brent Rinehart

Brent Rinehart — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 21:52:16 +0000

Great post! Goodell’s reaction to Rush makes this a legitimate question. However, how much control does the Commish have over Olbermann being on Football Night in America since it’s an NBC-thing. I’m sure he could apply some pressure. But, NBC is a liberal network and I’m sure they have no problem with Olbermann’s view. It would take viewer complaints, and a lot of them. Politics aside, I had less of a problem with a political personality being a part-owner than I do with one providing commentary on my sports. Just my opinion. Also, to me, the reuniting of Dan Patrick and Keith Olbermann hasn’t rekindled the Sportscenter magic I’m sure NBC intended.

I think this whole thing should be a big story, but unfortunately (and sadly) I don’t think it will be noticed.

By: Brian Gleason

Brian Gleason — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 17:02:18 +0000

Hi Bobby,

Thanks for checking out the blog, much appreciated! I think Goodell definitely has a bit of problem here, although he may or may not be questioned on it. Diving so strongly into the Limbaugh issue has opened him up to having to answer about all the different people you mentioned. It will be interesting to see if this becomes an issue or not.

Thanks,
Brian

By: bobbygee

bobbygee — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 14:25:26 +0000

Obermouth is blow hard. When he is on we turn NBC off. My wife and I watch the game. This is it. I flip over to ESPN. You can’t have it both ways. Roger Goodell is a hypocrite. He doesn’t want devisive comments. How about the minority owners of the Miami Dolphins. The Who performing at halftime of the Super Bowl. Peter Townsend of the Who- Child porn King. The list never ends. The NFL is going to kill itself. The NFL forgot its roots.http://bobbygee.wordpress.com/

By: brian

brian — Thu, 21 Jan 2010 13:44:47 +0000

Apparently in the middle of Brown’s acceptance speech Olberman chimed in with an “apology” for what he said. He repeated exactly what he said previously and said that he “was sorry he left out the word sexist”. This in the middle of the acceptance speech