Mac Engel

A cynic’s view on how sports teams have chosen to handle issues of systemic racism

In the wake of the nationwide protesting as a result of the killing of George Floyd, sports teams and sports franchises are issuing press releases.
In the wake of the nationwide protesting as a result of the killing of George Floyd, sports teams and sports franchises are issuing press releases. Fort Worth Star-Telegram

We here at Better Act Deliberately Public Relations (BAD PR) are sensitive to your needs to address issues that you’d rather avoid but society guilts you into acknowledging.

Rather then craft a heartfelt statement on the issue of the day in your own words, for $1,530 our template fits all of your specific social media crisis needs.

It’s so simple that any member of your team of unpaid interns can make a few modifications to the master template and your franchise, or team, will be socially conscious and “an active part” of the solution in minutes. It will also exist forever as a testament that your team/franchise endorses/denounces whatever the tide is.

While people likely disregard your employment history, you’ll always have the statement to point to that you are aware and want to fix the problem.

In our social media age you must be current to what is current, and step up to offer not only a statement, but streaming visual proof of your commitment. We also provide follow-up blast emails to members of the media with the subject line, “Local team releases statement on caring and commitment; interviews available.”

For an additional $499.99, BAD PR offers videos complete with a soft soundtrack, images of the American flag, and white and black Americans hugging.

We know there is a good chance of all this happening again, so rather than wait to react, just reference this attachment.

We here at BAD PR have taken the liberty of opening said attachment containing the release.

(YOUR SPORTS TEAM HERE) DENOUNCES HATE ACT; CALLS FOR UNITY AND CHANGE

It is time. We must be better. We must act now. Enough.

Racism is bad. Racism is not good.

Looting is bad. Rioting is not good.

We were appalled and deeply saddened by the tragic death of Malice Wayne Green. And James Byrd. And Atatiana Jefferson. And Trayvon Martin. And Tamir Rice. And Ahmaud Arbery. And Breonna Taylor. And Amadou Diallo. And Eric Garner. And George Floyd.

We see you. We hear you. We care.

Just saying, “We don’t see color” is simply no longer enough.

What makes America the greatest nation on earth is our diversity. We respect, love and cherish our African American friends and what they provide to our nation.

They are vitally important to the success of the franchise. They score our points.

Some of our best friends are African American. And the police, too.

It’s important that we take all take a step back and look at ourselves.

Then we must take action. To come together. To heal as a nation.

Words are not enough.

The world is watching.

We need to listen. We need to be better.

We will be forming an action committee comprised of leaders from our organization, and members of the African American community, with local law enforcement officials. We will then build a power point presentation that will provide a path to make us a better nation for current, and future, generations. Our children deserve better.

We will soon announce the time and date of an open town hall meeting at the arena where we can share stories, with our season ticket holders, to learn who we are. And who you are. The concessions stand will be open.

We will have members of our team at local events. If you are unable to attend, we will provide to the local media B-roll video footage, and photographs as well.

Lastly, we will make a donation of whatever specified amount our CPA tells us we can write off for a full tax deduction, to a cause that will allow us to put a sticker on selected team-related material, and merchandise. The press release will be attached.

One of the great aspects of sports is how it can be a bridge to all communities, white, black, Hispanic, police, beer companies and our corporate brothers and sisters.

When the time is right, we should all take the opportunity to come together and attend a game at our next home date.

The ticket office is open, as is the team store from 9 to 5:30 on weekdays, and from 1 to 6 on Sundays so we can all go to church and pray to our spiritual presence to provide us guidance and strength through these troubled times.

We are ready to listen, so we can heal and learn. So we can be a better America. A compassionate America that understands.

The time has come to put this sad period behind us, and move forward together.

Racism is bad.

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Mac Engel
Fort Worth Star-Telegram
Mac Engel is an award-winning columnist who has covered sports since the dawn of man; Cowboys, TCU, Stars, Rangers, Mavericks, etc. Olympics. Movies. Concerts. Books. He combines dry wit with 1st-person reporting to complement an annoying personality. Support my work with a digital subscription
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