It is always interesting to see where high profile celebrities–whether they are in entertainment, athletics, or other industries– go to to get their messages across to their audiences. It is especially interesting to see this during a reputation or crisis situation for these individuals. One recent example was Marion Jones, who conducted her first post-prison interview on Oprah this past week. Jones spent six months in prison for lying to prosecutors about the BALCO scandal.
What was my impression? Well, I don’t watch talk shows, but I have been reading about what it in various articles. Jones wanted to go to an outlet to get her message across, and on a show that does get high ratings. But was effective? Well, I think that no matter what Jones says and who she talks to– it’s really not going to help. And from the reaction from people, they still view her negatively. Another thing that is interesting about Jones’ appearance on Oprah is that she mentioned that her memory of the Olympics will be “tarnished.” Well– of course! But I believe that she should have thought about the reputational consequences of her actions when she was thinking about using performance enhancing drugs.
Jones in my point of view has done not only reputaitonal damage to herself, but to the sport of track and field. She was the poster child of the sport for the 2000 Olympics, and was a role model to millions of youth athletes. Then there were the steroid accusations, lawsuits, and shadiness that seemed to cloud her personal brand and reputation. Jones tried to deny any involvement in the BALCO scandal, but the trail of doubt followed her to the running blocks at every competition she entered.
Finally, Jones admitted that she did indeed use steroids and lied to prosecutors in the grand jury for the BALCO case. As a result, Jones had to serve hard time in prison. So what is the benefit of Jones appearing now on Oprah? It’s an attempt to redeem herself, but the reputational damage has already been done. People are not going to remember Jones as a great athlete– but instead a person that decided to take various short cuts to fame and glory, and lie about her true identity to the athletic community, her fans, and to the public. Instead of being associated as a great athlete, talented, and charismatic, Jones will be remembered as an athlete that got some “help” and one that bent the truth to the extreme.
Athletics, especially track and field, do not need athletes like Jones in the sport– it will only damage the image and reputation of the sport.
Hope you all are having a great day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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