The NFL has a domestic violence problem, and the Brands™ are concerned. Maybe not as concerned as the dumb apologizing pizza, but they want you, Brand™ consumer, to know that they care. The latest Brand™ and NFL sponsor to join the parade of concern is Pepsi, whose CEO Indra Nooyi released a statement tonight. The 13th most powerful woman in the world and her Brand™ aren't actually going to, you know, do anything about their concern, but boy are they concerned! The statement contained the usual gallimaufry of bullshit.
Pandering
I am a mother, a wife, and a passionate football fan.
Boilerplate statement of values
The behaviors are disgusting, absolutely unacceptable, and completely fly in the face of the values we at PepsiCo believe in and cherish.
Pandering bordering on lying
I know Roger Goodell. We have worked together for many years. I know him to be a man of integrity
Over the past several days, it is increasing apparent that the NFL is starting to treat these issues with the seriousness they deserve.
Unearned confidence
I am confident that he will do the right thing for the league in light of the serious issues it is facing.
Pie in the sky dreaming
The reality for Commissioner Goodell and the NFL is that they now have an opportunity to effect positive change with the situation presented to them.
Exaggerating the importance of the NFL
How they handle these cases going forward can help shape how we, as a nation, as a society, and as individuals treat domestic violence and child abuse.
The full statement can be found below.
I am a mother, a wife, and a passionate football fan. I am deeply disturbed that the repugnant behavior of a few players and the NFL's acknowledged mishandling of these issues, is casting a cloud over the integrity of the league and the reputations of the majority of players who've dedicated their lives to a career they love. When it comes to child abuse and domestic violence, there is no middle ground. The behaviors are disgusting, absolutely unacceptable, and completely fly in the face of the values we at PepsiCo believe in and cherish.
Given PepsiCo's long-standing partnership with the NFL, I know Roger Goodell. We have worked together for many years. I know him to be a man of integrity, and I am confident that he will do the right thing for the league in light of the serious issues it is facing.
Over the past several days, it is increasing apparent that the NFL is starting to treat these issues with the seriousness they deserve. Hiring former FBI Director Robert Mueller to conduct a thorough investigation is a positive step, as is hiring three prominent women with significant, relevant expertise and assigning another, who is an NFL official, to help shape its domestic violence policies. These individuals must now be given the necessary time to review all relevant facts so that corrective actions can be taken, and well-tailored and effective policies against domestic violence and child abuse can be implemented immediately.
The reality for Commissioner Goodell and the NFL is that they now have an opportunity to effect positive change with the situation presented to them. I urge them to seize this moment. How they handle these cases going forward can help shape how we, as a nation, as a society, and as individuals treat domestic violence and child abuse.
[Fortune]
Photo via Manish Swarup/AP