After beating the Baltimore Orioles in Game 3 of the American League Championship, putting Kansas City on the brink of the World Series, Royals pitcher Jeremy Guthrie created a firestorm of protest without saying a word.
Playing off Chris Brown’s rap song “Loyal,” Mr. Guthrie wore a T-shirt to the post-game press conference that read “These O’s Ain’t Royal.” Not only did the shirt infuriate the opposing team—the vulgar nature of its reference offended many fans as well.
Guthrie wearing his controversial undershirt (courtesy of USA TODAY)
Making the situation even trickier for Mr. Guthrie is that he spent five seasons with the Orioles from 2007-11. It is not always what you say, but how you say it that can leave others speechless.
With the proper media training in communication skills, Mr. Guthrie would have learned that press conferences, on-camera interviews and even Youtube are visual mediums and branded or slogan T-shirts act as billboards of advertising. It’s why companies invest so much in branding athletes with their logos!
Mr. Guthrie, who is noted for his distinctive T-shirts, said he would be more careful in choosing his apparel in the future. In an attempt to douse the flames caused by his racy attire, Mr. Guthrie stated “I’ve already apologized to a number of people because there was no intention to offend. ”
Whether it’s a casual conversation or a Major League interview—avoid starting a fire with your attire.