Clipped: A Mini-Series Spotlight on Crisis Management Failures

The new TV mini-series "Clipped" dramatizes the downfall of Donald Sterling, the former owner of the Los Angeles Clippers, amid the team’s quest for a championship under coach Doc Rivers's leadership. This gripping narrative not only captivates viewers with its behind-the-scenes look at professional sports but also serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of authentic, transparent, and honest crisis management.

In 2014, the sports world was rocked by the release of a recorded conversation in which Sterling made a series of racist remarks. The fallout was swift and severe, with widespread condemnation from the public, players, and the NBA. As the scandal unfolded, the Clippers’ communication team found themselves in the eye of the storm. Their response—or lack thereof—provides a textbook example of how not to handle a crisis.

Authentic crisis management starts with acknowledging the problem. In Sterling’s case, the initial response was marked by a troubling silence and evasiveness. This allowed the narrative to spiral out of control, leading to a media frenzy and further damaging his and the team's reputation. Transparency and honesty are paramount in such situations. When a crisis occurs, stakeholders demand clarity and accountability. Trying to downplay or hide the issue only exacerbates the problem

"Clipped" illustrates how Sterling's refusal to address the situation head-on, coupled with the communications team’s ineffective handling, turned a bad situation into a full-blown disaster. Authenticity in crisis management means being genuine in your response. It requires acknowledging mistakes, apologizing sincerely, and outlining clear steps to rectify the issue. Anything less is perceived as disingenuous and can further erode trust.

Transparency is crucial in maintaining public trust during a crisis. In the case of the Clippers, the lack of a transparent communication strategy left fans, players, and the media in the dark. This vacuum was filled with speculation and misinformation, further damaging the organization's image. A transparent approach involves regular updates, clear communication of facts, and a willingness to engage with stakeholders openly.

Honesty, on the other hand, involves not just what is communicated but how it is communicated. It means admitting fault where necessary and avoiding the temptation to spin or obscure the truth. In Sterling's case, attempts to downplay the severity of his comments or shift blame only fueled public outrage. An honest approach, while painful in the short term, helps in rebuilding credibility and trust in the long term.

Breakdown of Mistakes in Sterling’s Crisis Response

1. Initial Silence and Evasion
2. Lack of Transparency and Honesty
3. Failure to Engage Stakeholders Proactively

"Clipped" serves as a compelling case study on the importance of crisis management. The downfall of Donald Sterling and the mismanagement by the Clippers' communication team highlight the necessity of authentic, transparent, and honest responses during a crisis. Silence and evasion only worsen the perception and prolong the crisis. For organizations facing similar challenges, the lessons from "Clipped" are clear: confront issues head-on, communicate openly and honestly, and take decisive action to address the problem. Only through these measures can trust and credibility be restored.

About Dr. T : Dr. Contrecia Tharpe, affectionately known as Dr. T, is a MarCommBrand professional with over 14 years of experience and the founder of FayeVaughn Creative, a marketing and communications agency. She has worked with various brands and businesses across multiple sectors and is committed to advocating for small and medium business success. Dr. T is also the co-founder of The DREAM Initiative, dedicated to reentry and equity. She serves in multiple leadership roles and is currently writing her second book, "Getting to Done: From Overthinker to Doer," set for release in Summer 2024.