Russell Wilson made a comment a controversy

This week, New York Giants backup quarterback Russell Wilson jumped into NFL headlines for the wrong reasons.

One of his former coaches commented on the Giants’ starting quarterback, which Wilson took personally. Then he went off on social media.

Whether you’re a public figure or attract attention through public relations, you’ve got to have a thick skin. If you’re not defamed, let it roll off your shoulders. Laugh or let it go.

Instead of doing either, Wilson hoisted a dimmed spotlight and directed it toward himself. The gist of it: Denver Broncos coach Sean Payton made postgame comments that could have been taken a few ways. So if you’re Wilson, why blast off online because you assume something?

You can’t be so easily triggered, especially if you play one of the most visible sports on the planet. By hitting SEND, Wilson created a story that didn’t really exist. All because he couldn’t let a bitter player-coach split die peacefully.

In the world’s scheme of things, it’s not earth-shattering, but it does serve as a PR reminder. We have to think before we respond publicly or privately. In PR — or in kindergarten — we talk about not becoming the center of attention when bickering is the background. This is Exhibit A.

Like my dad told me a million times when I “debated” my mom: Let. It. Go.

Even holding a proverbial clipboard as backup QBs do, your media presence can be productive and rewarding. Don’t let it be long-distance griping like Russ.

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🏀 NBA media 💭 – The NBA and its broadcast partners reportedly want a more positive vibe this season. And I want peace on earth (really, I do✌🏼). But when you’ve got bloviators blasting people in the sport, algorithms and fans fixate on manufactured controversy. I hate it, but outrage generates clicks. It’s exhausting.

The NBA never lost what’s great about pro basketball — except the narrative. The league let the loudest voices take over its space.

For you or anyone who commands a camera, remember: not everything’s a crisis, no matter what an analyst or two says. Mute the noise, focus on the education and storytelling NBA fans crave, and you’ll have a party every week — once you find games on the leagu'e’s 1,500 broadcast platforms, anyway.

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🎃 For next week’s SIDEbar, I’m looking for media trends that truly scare 😱you. I’ll provide the side dish about how PR can use its power to right the ship.

It’s piggybacking on the Halloween hayride but media anxiety in 2025 is real from the journalist and consumer side. Hit REPLY to this email or send what scares you about media to [email protected].

© 2025 Gail Sideman, gpublicity.com, SIDEbar

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