Lawrence Gee | Marketing, Internet, Creativity, Strategy

Vick Will Be Hocking Shoes and Video Games Again

Michael Vick has decided to plead guilty and face prison in his federal dog fighting case.  This does not mean his NFL playing days are over nor does not mean you will not see another Air Vick shoe. 

In our society today, we give plenty of second chances and time seems to heal many wounds.  Look at all the many fallen sports stars who have made it back to see more glory days.  Do we really think twice about buying a new Kobe 24 jersey or remember that pro-bowl linebacker Ray Lewis was charged with double murder?

Vick will serve his 12-18 months in jail and be forgotten.  The media attention and outrage on dog fighting will subside.  His agent and PR person will apologize profusely to the public and then its back to work again - training to get into shape, signing and proving himself all over again, winning over fans after scoring his first comeback TD, and the riches of endorsements will be there waiting. 

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Monkey See, Monkey Do

There was recently an article about a study which concluded that obesity is contagious.  If you had obese friends, you yourself had a greater chance of being obese.  The opposite was also true — if you had very fit friends, you would be more likely to be fit yourself. 

This makes sense as behavior is learned and is definitely influenced by your environment.  These conclusions can also be translated to other areas.  Look at celebrities who are in the news today — Michael Vick had a higher chance of getting into his current legal troubles due to the company he kept; Lindsay Lohan is wrapped up in drinking and drug issues because of the party culture she hangs out in. 

This is why word of mouth and viral marketing works.  The things you do and products you buy are definitely influenced by your friends and the environment you live in.  Monkey see, monkey do. 

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Air Zoom Vick V Grounded

It’s about time we stop turning a blind eye towards the extra-curricular activities of our star athletes.  I commend Nike for immediately stopping the release of its newest Michael Vick shoe after Vick’s recent federal indictment for dog fighting.

I don’t understand with all the millions of dollars these athletes make why they can’t hire someone to ensure that every decision they make is a smart one.  It’s quite simple, for every questionable, unsure, or possibly shady decision that could arise, they should ask their paid advisor on what to do.  This advisor should be unbiased, unrelated, and definitely not a friend of a friend from the old hood.  Heck, hire me…I’ll let you know if you’re being dumb.

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