Some people spend their lifetimes trying to get rich. Persons who are wealthy and wise spend their time thinking about how to protect what they’ve amassed. For this reason, what good is wealth without wisdom?
That’s why I was dumbfounded by the crisis involving Shannon Sharpe. People at Sharpe’s level need to spend more time – at the front end – thinking about the impact of their actions. They should consider how their actions will impact their brand and reputation, which are the currency for wealth. Getting embroiled in a public relations crisis pertaining to a relationship with a 19-year-old teen will help no one.
As such, were I on Sharpe’s team, I would have advised against:
Getting romantically involved with an alleged 19-year-old teen.
I cannot fathom why a 55-year-old man would want a romantic relationship with a 19-year-old girl. A lot of people will see this girl and think of the young ladies in their own lives; the matter will be repulsive to healthy women and men.
Releasing private texts.
When the matter involving Sharpe was uncovered, his team allegedly released private text messages. The texts give the public entirely too much information about Sharpe as well as his accuser. While his team may have thought the messages would suggest a consensual relationship, they sour Sharpe’s reputation. If anyone gets a black eye from the racy messages it will be Sharpe; he has more to lose.
Publicly naming Sharpe’s accuser.
Although the accuser filed as a Jane Doe, Sharpe’s team named her publicly. This felt retaliatory and mean-spirited. Now that her name has been publicized, she could face intimidation, harassment, and threats.
Labeling this situation ‘a shakedown.’
We are all ensnared by our own devices. No one works harder at a person’s downfall than an unhealed or unwell person themselves. To invest so heavily into building an enterprise and not spend commensurate time protecting oneself is foolish. Regardless of how he tries to spin this, much of the blame can be placed directly at Sharpe’s feet.
Sharing too much information about one’s after-hours activities.
The public knows entirely too much about Sharpe’s personal proclivities. That is entirely because of what he has disclosed on his podcasts, Club Shay Shay and Night Cap. The wonderful thing about having a large platform as you can reach a lot of people. The downside of having a large platform – and being on camera – is that you have a massive digital footprint. And Shannon Sharpe has this huge online record of saying terrible things and disclosing too much information about his personal life. Instead of immediately believing he was innocent, the public will consider all the things he has said about women. This will not bode well for him over the long term.
Failing to accept responsibility.
I know this last point will rattle some attorneys. However, I think it’s important we accept some responsibility for our actions. Rather than acknowledging some level of responsibility, Sharpe appeared to place the blame on others. The public can forgive, but only once you accept responsibility. Sharpe appeared to go after attorney Tony Buzbee, his accuser’s lawyer. He also seemed to blame the accuser. I don’t know her or Buzbee’s intentions, but Sharpe made himself an easy target. There has to be some level of acknowledgement of his own mistakes. It’s only then when the public will entertain others who should be held to account.
Jennifer R. Farmer is an author, lecturer and strategic communications advisor. Check out our blog posts and subscribe for updates.