The Voice of Lee Schwartz, father of two former NFL studs, Geoffrey and Mitchell Schwartz, author of Raising Giants and member of Concussion & CTE Foundation’s West Coast Advisory Board . . .
PUBLIC PRESSURE DOES WORK
In the last couple of weeks two incidents occurred that were outrageous and prompted public outcry. I for one was appalled by both and addressed one in my blog, “Innocence . . . or Simply Just Out to Lunch.”
I have found public condemnation does not typically lead to changes or apologies, but in these two instances they have.
Cam Skattebo, New York Giants running back, filmed a commercial sponsored by State Farm Insurance. Cam has had a rocky relationship with CTE (Chronic Traumatic Encephalopathy), claiming it to be “fake.” After receiving backlash for that commentary, he “apologized.” But his apology rang hallow when in that later commercial Skattebo is seen banging his head into a wall, bashing his head into the back panel of a truck to reposition it on the curb and head-butting a restaurant worker. All of these actions are possible contributors to the onset of CTE.
The CEO of the Concussion & CTE Foundation took to TikTok in a playful, tongue-in-cheek manner to criticize both State Farm and Skattebo for their insensitivity. Others responded similarly via social media. So imagine my reaction when, a couple of weeks after the ad first appeared, I see what seemed to be the commercial being repeated. But as I watched, it became obvious that the outcry had caused decision-makers to reevaluate.
In the revised ad Skattebo doesn’t smash his head into the wall. He uses his shoulder to reposition the truck. And the restaurant worker reverses course and runs away when he sees Skattebo approach. The public outcry worked!!
Future Hall of Fame offensive tackle Lane Johnson of the Philadelphia Eagles recently announced his retirement, citing his mental health and the need to focus on his family. There was a time not too long ago when a professional athlete would never admit to mental health struggles. But, fortunately, times have changed. More and more athletes are disclosing their challenges. I give him, and all other others suffering, an enormous amount of credit for their courage.
In an illustration of complete insensitivity, ESPN’s Stephen A. Smith questioned Johnson’s retirement announcement on ESPN’s First Take. My mouth dropped when listening to Smith’s drivel. He dared to suggest that Lane used mental health as an excuse to retire because of the Eagles’ on-field struggles, offering that if Philly was 4-0, rather than at .500, he wouldn’t have hung up his cleats.
The backlash was instantaneous. His cohosts. Prominent names in media and broadcasting. Everyday people via social media. His take was unconscionable. (As was his attack on Geoffrey that I described in my book, Raising Giants.)
The night of the broadcast Smith backtracked by posting a clarification, saying his words were misconstrued. Trust me, there was nothing to be confused about. Finally, the day after the telecast, Smith issued a full, formal apology, admitting he was wrong.
Again, public outcry made a difference.
Thank goodness that there are those willing to voice their dissatisfaction to right obvious wrongs. But I struggle with this: Why are these actions/commentary happening in the first place? I don’t have any tangible answers, but I do believe that social media bears some responsibility. Some are looking for clicks and perhaps that ownership of one’s behavior is not as important as it once was.
Never trust an acupuncturist. They’ll stab you in the back.