Page 9 of Playing with Temptation

Nate bristled at the mention of Stephanie’s name. “If they were going to leak the video, I just wish they’d shown everything.”

“Fortunately, someone leaked the full video. Probably the person who actually recorded it. At the press conference, we’ll play the missing part where you skewer your own mistakes, too. Then you’ll make a statement. We’ll go from the emotional angle of the disappointment you were feeling—with yourself and the rest of the team. Any sports fan can sympathize with that. Explain that while the critique was your honest assessment of what led to the loss, you regret the harsh words you used to express it.”

Nate’s lips puckered like he was sucking on a lemon. He nearly drained his coffee mug. “Fine. Anything else?”

“Be honest. Tell them your team is your family, and like most family disputes, this one will be resolved behind closed doors, not in the public arena.”

“Won’t they want to ask questions?”

“Doesn’t mean you have to answer them.” She shrugged. “We’ll establish from the outset that you won’t be entertaining questions.”

“That’s an idea I can get behind,” he mumbled. “What’s the second strategy?”

“We have to change the narrative out there about you on our terms. We’ll cherry-pick media outlets that are trustworthy, but we’ll lay the ground rules about which topics are off-limits.”

“If I’m not talking about the tape—which is what they’re all going to want to talk about—what am I there to discuss?”

“At this time of year, there are a million opportunities to discuss the play-off games—on radio, television, newspapers and blogs. You can offer your razor-sharp game analysis there. Plus, you’ll set yourself up for a career as an analyst once you retire.”

Nate shrugged. “I could do that, I guess.”

“And you’ll be phenomenal at it.” Kendra smiled, encouraged that Nate had taken well to at least part of the plan. “You’ll also need to talk about your philanthropy.”

He frowned, his eyebrows forming angry slashes over his dark eyes. “The Johnston Family Foundation isn’t some cheap publicity stunt. I’m not looking to blow my own horn.”

“I know, which makes the work you do all the more admirable.” She held up a hand, holding off the next wave of protest. “But just think how much more good you could do if you publicized the work you’re doing with wounded veterans and high-risk children from low-income families.”

Nate stood and paced the floor. “Our clients have been through enough. They need someone to give them a hand, not someone else who only sees them as a means to their own end. No.” He shook his head. “I won’t do it.”

Kendra inhaled deeply, then took a different approach. One Nate might better understand.

“You don’t want to take advantage of your clients. I admire that. But if we can’t repair your reputation, you won’t be in a position to help them as much as you’d like.”

He didn’t respond, but stopped pacing and rested his chin on his closed fist.

“Besides, if more companies—including your current sponsors—were aware of the programs your foundation offers and the difference you’re making in people’s lives, they’d want to contribute. That means you’ll be able to help even more people. Isn’t that what you want?”

“You know I do, but I won’t betray their trust.”

“I’d never ask you to do that.” Kendra softened her voice. “All I’m asking is that you give them the opportunity to help themselves and others. I’m sure a lot of the families your foundation has helped would be eager to participate in a goodwill campaign to spread the word and increase funding.”

Nate dropped into his seat, as if he were exhausted from a fight. “Fine. I’ll agree to some media coverage for the foundation programs, but I need final approval on anything we put out there.”

“Absolutely.” She hoped he didn’t see how relieved she was. “Any other concerns?”

“Yeah. What if the interviewers aren’t willing to stick to the script?”

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