Franco Harris stands by his old coach, and loses his new job

[SteelerEmpire]

:doh:

Article:

If you're hiring a spokesman for your business in greater Pittsburgh, it's hard to go wrong with Franco Harris: Super Bowl MVP, Hall of Famer, businessman and all-around ambassador for the city. At least, that's what the Meadows Racetrack and Casino was betting on...

LINK: http://rivals.yahoo.com/ncaa/football/blog/dr_saturday/post/Franco-Harris-stands-by-his-old-coach-and-loses?urn=ncaaf-wp9995

http://l.yimg.com/a/p/sp/editorial_image/88/88b784d8db60e4864fd7539fb63acd62/franco_harris_stands_by_his_old_coach_and_loses_hi s_new_job.jpg

[BlastFurnace]

It's no different for Franco than it is for any one of us when dealing with a company that he/we represent. If we say or do anything that would bring bad publicity to the company, either discipline or termination usually follows. They have a business to run. They don't care that Franco is a Pittsburgh legend or has 4 Super Bowl rings if they deem that his comments would/could paint the company in a bad light.

Franco's a smart guy. He should know that by making comments that are highly controversial or seem to defend someone in a case like this, there was a risk that the companies that he represents would distance themselves from him. I'd be surprised if he was surprised by the companies decision.

If I were to post something on my Facebook page that were highly controversial and the people in power at my company heard about it, you better believe there would be ramifications for my words.

[7willBheaven]

This is just dumb.

[zulater]

While I completely disagree with the opinion Franco expressed in regards to Paterno's firing. Given his history with Joe Pa, and the program I can understand the basis of his continued loyalty to them. I even admire him for expressing an obviously unpopular opinion when it would be easier for him to say nothing.

I really think the casino was wrong to terminate Franco for exercising his right to free speech. I find it hard to believe the people of western Pennsylvania would confuse Franco's loyalty to someone he obviously greatly respects with some sort of tactic approval of Sandusky's alleged crimes.

[BlastFurnace]

While I completely disagree with the opinion Franco expressed in regards to Paterno's firing. Given his history with Joe Pa, and the program I can understand the basis of his continued loyalty to them. I even admire him for expressing an obviously unpopular opinion when it would be easier for him to say nothing.

I really think the casino was wrong to terminate Franco for exercising his right to free speech. I find it hard to believe the people of western Pennsylvania would confuse Franco's loyalty to someone he obviously greatly respects with some sort of tactic approval of Sandusky's alleged crimes.

Free speech or not, sometimes you can't say things you think without suffering the ramifications of your employer or others that a person answers to.

It's the world we live in. You can't write or say anything freely any longer under the guise of free speech. Once you write it or say it...and someone records it one way or another, it's very hard, if not impossible, not to make it a permanant record in one way or another.

[zulater]

Free speech or not, sometimes you can't say things you think without suffering the ramifications of your employer or others that a person answers to.

It's the world we live in. You can't write or say anything freely any longer under the guise of free speech. Once you write it or say it...and someone records it one way or another, it's very hard, if not impossible, not to make it a permanant record in one way or another.

I'm not saying the casino didn't have the right to terminate Franco. I just don't think it was a great business decision. I don't think very many people in Western Pa. will see Franco's actions as anything more than misplaced loyalty. I think they stand to lose more business over their harsh treatment of Franco, than they would have lost over those that are outraged by Franco's stance.

[oneforthetoe]

I'm not saying the casino didn't have the right to terminate Franco. I just don't think it was a great business decision. I don't think very many people in Western Pa. will see Franco's actions as anything more than misplaced loyalty. I think they stand to lose more business over their harsh treatment of Franco, than they would have lost over those that are outraged by Franco's stance.

Agreed ... everyone is rightfully sickened by the allegations in this case. However, I think this might be a case of organizations and people falling over themselves to show they are more outraged than the "next guy" over child abuse. It is sickening what allegedly happened. Any decent person should believe that. While a private business has the right to fire Franco, it does seem an overreaction.