Author: Brian Lee

Those lying coaches

Posted on by Brian Lee

I really thought Urban Meyer, who today was announced as the new head coach of the Ohio State football team, was a classy guy. No more. Not since he lied about being offered the job.

On Wednesday, Nov. 24, the AP wrote a story that Urban denied being offered a job: “I have not been offered any job nor is there a deal in place.”

However, in the stories that followed his press conference on Monday, Nov. 28, it was reported the Ohio State AD Gene Smith talked with Meyer over the phone on Nov. 20 and in-person on Nov. 23 about the position.

I’ve worked in sports PR for many years, so I know no secret is safe–there’s ALWAYS a leak somewhere. I also know that unfortunately, winning will be the cure for a morally weak coach. Look at Alabama’s Nick Saban, for example. He blatantly lied about being offered the job with the Crimson Tide a few years back, and all was forgiven after his team won the national championship.

But can we ever trust the likes of Saban and Meyer again? It doesn’t matter to athletic departments or fans, apparently. I would have recommended to Meyer to answer the media’s inquiries with a statement such as “So far, the media have only used unnamed sources as the basis for their stories. Thus, I will not comment on any speculation.” That’s much better than lying.

Then again, Ohio State fired its previous coach, Jim Tressel for lying. I guess the school didn’t learn its lesson.

The Iain MacFarlane Show

Posted on by Brian Lee

My interview with business radio host Iain MacFarlane of 1670 WTDY aired on Saturday, Nov. 19. The premise of his show is to have business owners share their insights as to what has helped them succeed.

I enjoyed the interview. We recorded early morning on a Friday in September. I remember walking in to the Mid-West Family Broadcasting studio and hearing live music. It turns out they were having a party at 7 a.m. Lots of people were rocking out and enjoying Alaskan Beer. I was asked to join, but I (reluctantly) declined.

Amongst the advice I provided on air, here’s one I’ll repeat for people thinking of starting a business. I believe people can be classified into one of two categories, in two scenarios. First, there are those who lead and there are those who are led. Second, there are those who seek out their own opportunities, and there are those who go day by day and hope something happens to them.

If you think the former in both scenarios describes yourself, then you have the personality type to start a business.

To listen to the interview, click on this link. Once the Listen Live window opens, click on “On Demand” and choose “Iain MacFarlane.”

Weighing in on the NBA lockout

Posted on by Brian Lee

Didn’t the NBA learn anything from the NHL? The cancellation of the 2004-05 season of the latter did a lot of damage to the league and its players. For example, ESPN replaced its missing programming with college basketball and got a ratings boost; NHL games are now seen on Versus. In addition, the league had to change the rules to make the game more exciting in an effort to win back fans.

In that case, the players played hardball and lost an entire season, then caved. Now it looks like NBA players are going to make the same mistake. Yes, I am blaming the players. If my employer said, “We are losing money, and you’re going to have to take a pay cut or the company will fold,” I of course would be disappointed but I wouldn’t fight it.

NBA owners are essentially saying that they will lose less money by canceling a season than by having one at the current salary structure. How does this appear to NBA fans (and even non-fans)? It looks like players are extraordinarily greedy and stupid.

Meanwhile, there are many people across the country who are unemployed. Do you think they sympathize with the players? The public perception of the NBA as a whole will be negative for a long, long time.

The players should just accept the 50-5o split of basketball-related income and get on with the season. At this point, it’s not only their best option financially, it’s also their only chance to keep on good terms with their fans, who really matter the most here.

For more insight, read these great articles: