How to get these guys to understand

Covering an NHRA race and know a lot of the drivers from my previous career. When seeking quotes, more than one of them said "Heck, I'm in a hurry. You know what I want to say. You can say things better than I can anyway" or something to that extent. I used to do PR for these guys and was very comfortable making up their quotes for them. Now that I am at a paper this is no longer an option. As I told them I couldn't do that anymore, they would be off to the pits to get ready for the next round (they only have a certain amount of time between runs). I just went without quotes from some of the key drivers, and the story wasn't very good. Does anyone else have this happen with a coach or athlete, and how do you handle it?

 

never ask, "Hey, do you have a second?"

just ask a question

if they say they're in a hurry, just ask a question

don't give 'em a chance to say they're in a hurry

 

It used to happen to me a lot. I worked in Oklahoma, and I had a coach who'd give me a mishmash of crap and then say, "Clean that up for me so I don't sound like the hick we all know I am."

You have to just go without their stuff until they get the message. If their PR guy is on top of things, he'll get them on board.

 

Well, I would first try to catch them at another time, when they aren't rushed, and politely explain WHY you need this when you do. Chances are, they have no concept of deadlines and wonder "Why can't this guy wait until I'm done?"

If they continue to give you garbage quotes, run it once. Not the nicest thing, I know, but it will get them to think twice about what they say.

Finally, if they persist in not wanting to talk and the PR guy has no luck with them, either, well, life goes on. There are athletes in every sport who are that way. Sure, it makes reporters' jobs more difficult. You eventually find someone who IS a good quote.

Good luck.

 

Carlton, if you used to do PR for these guys you should never be allowed to cover them for a newspaper.

 

ESPN, maybe . . .

 

"If I were you, I'd just make up the quotes."
- Jayson Blair.

 

Why the sarcasm font?

 

That's actually some great advice for a lot of situations apart from this one. Write that one down.

 

Sure he should. To say no implies that someone can't take one hat off and put another on.

 

Sometimes an interesting question, something they haven't been asked before, is a great way to get people to make time for you.

 

There it is, in black-and-white -- the reason reporters should never use canned quotes if they can possibly help it.

Not to mention, the reason why I would probably never be able to work in PR.