2300: Blabbing Boozer

While reading the Sports section in The Salt Lake Tribune today, I happened across the headline, “Boozer backs off courtship of Bulls.” This brought all the instances of Boozer’s previous PR failures to the forefront of my mind. Boozer’s problems started with his injury last season. He was out for more than half of the games, and when he played, he was not performing as he had in previous seasons. Additionally, it was the last year of his contract before he had the option to “opt out.” This means he could go to another team if they wanted him, or bargain for more money with the Jazz organization.

When asked about opting out in the middle of the season, Boozer said something to the effect that he would opt out regardless in order to get more money. He said he had to do what was best for his family in this tough economic time. At a later date, late Jazz owner Larry H. Miller said Boozer’s comment was, “one of the top ten stupidest things I have ever heard an NBA player say.” Fans were very upset and many of them quickly lost faith and loyalty in Boozer. The saga continued into the summer, when everyone was speculating and some hoping, that he would be traded. That brings me to the article that was published in the Tribune, citing his interest to play for the Bulls. However, the Bulls are not going to make a trade for him, or offer him a contract so he will play the final year of his contract in Utah. This makes for an interesting PR situation. He is repeatedly quoted saying that he has no problem playing in Utah, yet he also said that he would welcome playing in Chicago, calling it a “great organization…top to bottom.” What are fans supposed to think? He continually makes comments about opting out and being traded after a mediocre season in Utah. Many want to believe that he still has some commitment and loyalty to the Jazz, but it is difficult to believe with the evidence of what he has said.

I think what he really needs is a good PR person to help him when he addresses the media. Although I am disgusted with the situation, I don’t think he’s a bad guy. I do think that if he had good PR people who could advise him and help him, it would help significantly. But maybe he already has PR people who are advising him, and if I was in their position, I would look closely at the ROPE model. After reading the article today, I don’t think their plan has been fully effective yet.