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July 8, 2008
Stripper Puts Alex Rodriguez's Marriage and Reputation in Deeper Crisis!
PHOTO: Alex Rodriguez and Stripper
A former stripper from Boston named Candice Houlihan has come out and stated that she was in bed with New York Yankees star Alex Rodriguez in 2004 and supports his wife in their divorce.
Houlihan, who is now a hairdresser in Reading, MA, told the Boston Herald that she is in full support of A-Rod’s wife in their divorce battle.
She told the Boston Herald, “I think she’s (Cynthia Rodriguez) doing the smart thing, and she’ll probably get tons of cash.”
Houlihan apparently met A-Rod back in 2004 at Fenway Park, home of the Boston Red Sox.
She stated she was with friends at a game, giving A-Rod a hard time when he walked over and asked her out for drinks later.
They met, and after that she stated they want back to a hotel room, and needless to say, they both went all the way around the bases.
She stated that “I felt bad afterward. I know how it feels to be cheated on, it sucks. But a couple of drinks later, I didn’t notice all that much.”
They reportedly got together one more night when the Yankees were in Boston for the American League Championship Series.
This comes out one day after Cynthia Rodriguez filed for divorce from the Yankees star in Miami Dade Court.
This comes after rumors have been flying that A-Rod was having an affair with the pop star Madonna, who is married to Guy Ritchie.
PHOTO: A-Rod and Madonna
Comments and Advice from The Reputation Doctor
Ironically, I ran into A-Rod at the Delano Hotel in South Beach, Miami this past winter. We said a quick hello to each other (we've met and hung out several times before in NYC) as he walked by the pool with a male friend and they both admired the lovely ladies sunning themselves in the South Beach sun. He lives only only minutes away in Coral Gables, Florida, but it seemed he liked to hang around the pool, beach and the ladies at the Delano Hotel. A friend also staying at the hotel whispered, "Isn't A-Rod married with kids?" I quickly said yes and to not jump to any conclusions because he was hanging at the Delano. I know how quickly people are to judge, especially a star athlete, but the trouble Alex Rodriguez is in now will make tabloid fodder for months to come. Sadly, he has a reputation in crisis.
If A-Rod was my client, this would be my first few steps of advice to him:
1. Your attorney is an expert in the court of law and NOT an expert in the court of public opinion or in reputation management. That is my expertise and this distinction will be crucial for both your short term and long term reputation.
I won't work with a client that doesn't clearly understand this distinction. In fact, it is written into every contract I sign with a client. Look no further than the case of Roger Clemens to see what happens when an attorney leads in the court of law and the court of public opinion. It is no different than allowing me to lead in the court of law because I watched a few episodes of Law and Order! You can't guess your way through reputation management and crisis PR. It is a profession for a reason. There is a reason why top crisis PR and reputation management counselors have hourly rates equal to the best attorneys in the world. We both are top professionals in our given courts and both courts are EQUALLY important. I try to work closely with law firms as we both counsel our client, but when we disagree, it is my job to best represent our client in the court of public opinion. Many law firms have called my firm back to work with other clients after seeing how we help our clients for both the short and long term. The relationship usually starts with the law firm jealous of our role, fighting us with every point and not understanding how important a client's reputation is in the process. Thank God, times are changing and law firms are beginning to eat some humble pie and learn they don't lead on all communications, especially those external to the courtroom.
2. Do you truly want to get divorced from your wife or does the situation just seem out of control?
I'd tell A-Rod if he truly believes in God, there is still a way to save his marriage. He could still reach out to his wife in a loving way and say that he doesn't want a divorce and that he wants to work it out, not only for the love his still has for her, but for their kids and for his faith and the oath he took for better or worse. He must first focus on how he has hurt his wife and his family, if he so desires, and work hard to reconcile. A marriage counselor from his church or a private practice would be highly recommended. A divorce attorney who really cares about you and what is best for you and not just billing hours towards a divorce would also echo my advice.
3. Do the right thing regarding your kids and your ex-wife.
The next thing I would tell A-Rod is if he has to get a divorce, he MUST think of his kids FIRST. Focusing on his kids and not his own ego, the comments from his wife or the legal counsel of others he will seek, will cut through the emotional fighting and frustration going on with his wife and allow him to truly focus on what is best in the long run. His attorney may disagree with this strategy, but in the court of public opinion, it is what's best not only for his reputation, but his family's reputation in the short term and long term. I will remind him that his kids will one day be old enough to read, listen and watch all the twists and turns in the divorce fight in the media. Will he be able to look them in the eye one day and tell them he did the right thing? How will he explain that money is more important than their lives and well-being?
4. Your family MUST come before your career, sponsors and making money.
A-Rod has to understand that he did not put his family first. As a result, whether he saves his marriage or gets divorced, he MUST put his family first now and in the future. That doesn't mean he has to quit playing baseball. But it does mean changing his old habits and priorities. He needs to focus on putting his kids to bed instead of heading to the bar or nightclub. He needed to focus on spending much more time with his wife instead of meeting other women in private places, including strippers and Madonna. He needs to truly understand how precious his kids are instead of thinking it's his wife's job to raise their kids. A-Rod has to look at himself in the mirror and ask if he is truly happy with himself or is he running away from his problems and hurting those who love him the most.
True reputation management is not about press releases, but about counseling our clients away from bad decision and bad behavior. Not about being a YES man or woman, but about saying what others don't say, but should say. It is about overcoming fear and doing the right thing. It is also about standing up for the ultimate definitions of truth, honesty, humility, accountability, transparency and consistency. These ladies and gentlemen are the building blocks of an excellent long term reputation. Combined they help build the character and integrity we all desire.
A-Rod, you know I care about you man. If I can help, you know the number. Just pick up the phone. I will also be praying for you and your family. God bless you!
PHOTO: The Media and the Court of Public Opinion Matters
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!™
About Mike Paul
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, Fox News Channel, MSNBC, Court TV (now TruTV), ABC News, ESPN, CBS News, CNBC, 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, speeches, senior counseling or other business opportunities with Mr. Paul, call 212-595-8500 or email info@mgppr.com.
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