Silence is Not Always Golden

Source: Chicago Tribune

One of the big rules in public relations is to “get in front of the story.”  Don’t let the narrative get written with you sitting silently in the background - or on the bench.  Someone close to Chicago Bears quarterback Jay Cutler should probably share this advice with him.

It seems everyone is either on one side or the other of the Jay Cutler “issue.”  You either support him as a tough competitor that suffered a very legitimate injury during the most important game of his career or you feel he gave up on his team and the many great Bears fans.  

Strong arguments exist for both positions, but from a public relations perspective, it’s clear why the story has completely gotten away from the franchise QB.

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Aside from one postgame locker room interview, Cutler has been silent.  During his lone interview, it has been reported he got somewhat emotional when told that players from around the league where criticizing him for leaving the game.  But, this raw and much needed emotion from Cutler has been overshadowed by the constant noise from sports talk shows, bloggers, and everyday fans. 

Sure, Bears’ management and players have solidly defended him and the coaches have taken responsibility for pulling him in the 3rd quarter.  Yet, where is Jay to defend himself, to explain his perspective, to manage his reputation? 

Oh, wait, here he is: in Hollywood walking around on his injured knee with his celebrity girlfriend…silent.