Mike Paul's Blog

For Yankees’ third baseman Alex Rodriguez, a cover story and eye-opening photo shoot for Details magazine could hardly have come at a less opportune time. He agreed to the project in late December, when it may have seemed like a good way to raise his fashion profile. Instead, he sat for the interview on Feb. 5, the day he found out that his positive test of steroids in 2003 would soon be publicly disclosed.

“You look at the pictures and you have to wonder what he is thinking,” said Alex Bhattacharji, an articles editor for Details magazine. “He was totally at ease."

"It led us to believe he was either relieved it was coming out or he didn’t realize it would come out so soon," Bhattacharji, in reference to the steroid revelations. "We either lucked into or fell into the time period that adds a head-scratching element to the whole question of who Alex is.”

The article, written by Jason Gay, describes Rodriguez as relaxed during his interview with Details, even though Sports Illustrated reporter Selena Roberts had approached him that same day to ask about his positive drug test. He was taking no frantic phone calls and did not hint at any turmoil, Gay wrote, adding that Rodriguez drank shots of tequila during the photo shoot and posed without complaint.

The photographer, Steven Klein and creative director, Rockwell Harwood chose the setting for the pictures, a bare-bones gym in Tampa, Fla., and they suggested the poses, including the one in which Rodriguez kisses his own reflection. Bhattacharji said Rodriguez could have declined any of the shots.

Mike Paul, a public relations executive who is the founder of the New York-based MGP & Associates PR, wondered why Rodriguez's representatives did not object to the images. "Even before the steroids scandal, he already had a reputation in crisis that was ongoing because of his personal life," he said.

The day after the interview, Gay wrote, Rodriguez tried repeatedly to contact him. He asked Gay not to write what he said was his favorite Madonna song, fearful that it would be played before every at-bat on the road.

Rodriguez may have been posing for a magazine aimed at fashion-conscious men, but Gay described him as unhip, writing, "Stylewise, he's a little Fred Rogers, a little Jerry Seinfeld."

Remember, do the right thing when your reputation is in crisis and seek the counsel of an experienced reputation management expert. It will be a major challenge, but ultimately the rewards of repairing your reputation will be great. Why? Because Your Reputation Is Everything!™

Mike Paul is editor of The Reputation Doctor blog. The Reputation Doctor is a nickname given to him by various clients. Mike's blog is located at www.ReputationDoctor.com. He appears regularly on CNN, MSNBC, Fox News Channel, TruTV (formerly Court TV), ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, BBC, and others as a weekly contributor and expert in the global news regarding corporations, CEOs, celebrities, athletes, politicians and other public organizations and public individuals with reputations in crisis. Mr. Paul is also president and senior counselor of MGP & Associates PR (www.mgppr.com), a leading strategic public relations and reputation management firm based in New York. For interview requests, keynote speeches, senior counseling or other business opportunities with Mr. Paul, call 212-595-8500 or email info@mgppr.com.

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Comments:

Comment from: Karen [Visitor]

I agree - I think celebrity representatives should help them avoid mistakes like this.

Apr 14, 2009, 5:35 am

Comment from: Wyndell C. Watkins, Sr. [Visitor] · http://youvestigate.com

Hello Mike,
Joe Akers of NOBLE recommended you to me. I am a retired Chief of Detectives from the Metropolitan Police Department in Washington, D.C., In addition I recently published a book titled, "YouVestigate, Don't Speculate-See What You Have Been Missing... I am a court certified expert witness, licensed private investigator, certified business continuity professional (CBCP) and certified master taser instructor. My book focuses on: Problem Solving, Decision Making, Conducting All Types of Investigations and Confronting: Liars, Schemers and Deceivers. I also host my own talk radio show: Decision Time and Real Cops-Real Talk on Blog Talk Radio. Located at: www.blogtalkradio.com/youvestigate. Joe thought that our philosophies were similar and could compliment each other. I would like to send you a complimentary copy of my book and meet with you in the future. I live in the D.C. area. My cellphone number is: (202) 679-4411. For more information regarding my book please go to www.outskirtspress.com/youvestigate.

I wish you continued success and I have signed up for your newsletter and blogs. You also have an open invitation to come on my radio show when your schedule permits.

Dell

May 29, 2009, 12:17 pm

Comment from: Ares Vista [Visitor] · http://www.ares.net

Baseball has become another black eye on the face of America. It's a shame, and everyone involved should be embarrassed and resign.

Jun 9, 2009, 11:29 am

Comment from: Gill [Visitor] · http://www.health-free-tips.com/legal-steroids.htm

We shouldn't worry about Alex's reputation, he is building a new one as we speak, apparently admitting using steroids brought him a great deal of publicity. People write articles about him, even some steroids are named after him...

Jun 9, 2009, 3:46 pm

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