For more than a week, there have been widespread media reports that the CFL may well have a new commissioner soon.
If this were to occur, it would appear there would have been a number of reasons for this decision, but our interest in this issue is straightforward.
We work with clients to ensure that they - to the best of their ability - understand the world they must operate within off the playing field (or ice, court, etc.)
In no small measure, that includes a willingness to develop an understanding of how the media operates, and the importance of building positive relationships with those whose business it is to "cover" professional sports.
While some observers long for the days when the relationship between reporters and athletes - or coaches - was generally (though not always) far more laid back, it has been clear for many, many years that things have changed.
Where once upon a time the indiscretions of an athlete may have been known to a reporter - but not reported. That is far less likely to happen now in a world of 24 hour-a-day news and sports channels on both television and radio, not to mention the presence of the Internet.
In the "olden" days, players or coaches may have said something in anger to a reporter, or just to blow off steam, but indicated their comments were "off the record". (Sometimes the words "off the record" did not even have to be mentioned. It was just an assumed part of the sometimes-cozy interdependent relationship between media member and sports personality.) In some quarters it would have been considered untrustworthy to break that informal, unstated "agreement". While sometimes garnering a great story, or an angle no one else had, the reporter may have been seen as having broken a trust with the athlete or coach in question.
In any event, that was then and, of course, this is now.
The still, as of now, current CFL commissioner reportedly made comments to a Toronto Star reporter that brought a quick and evidently angry response from a CFL owner.
Reports since that time in various news outlets indicate the commissioner thought his comments to the reporter were to be "off the record". That is, that they would not be reported publicly.
While such circumstances often lead to a "he said-she said" type of scenario, this much is clear: While candor and being "up front" and not simply mouthing boring clichés to the press can certainly be a positive attribute - and quite refreshing, to be sure - even experienced individuals in the corporate - and sports sector - need always to be aware that anything they say to a reporter is something they should be able to live comfortably with when they pick up the newspaper the next day.
