Seahawks QB Russell Wilson on Thursday said his comments to Rolling Stone about how Reliant Recovery Water helped him recoup from a concussion during the NFC Championship game were "perceived wrong," according to Bob Condotta of the SEATTLE TIMES. Wilson said, "I did not have a concussion. I was saying that I had consistently been drinking the water for about a month, month and a half, you know, five to seven times a day and maybe this stuff is helping me out.” He added, "I didn’t have any head injuries, but I was trying to say I think it helped prevent it. I think your brain consists of like 75 to 80 percent water, so I think that just being hydrated and drinking the Recovery Water really does help." Wilson has an endorsement contract with Recovery Water, and he said of the product, "It’s one of those things that I truly do believe it helps with recovery, it’s one of those things that the science behind it, all that help that they’re trying to do" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/28). Radio host Dan Patrick wondered if this is a "placebo effect," saying, "If you think it’s helping you out, it could help you out.” But he noted it "feels like a marketing ploy here,” and it becomes a “slippery slope if you’re promoting the healing powers of this water” (“The Dan Patrick Show,” 8/28).
GOING DOWN A DANGEROUS PATH: In Seattle, Larry Stone writes as a "marketing ploy, Wilson’s remarks are working beautifully." A product "never heard of before Wednesday is now getting national (and probably worldwide) publicity." But in the "aftermath of his claims, Wilson is getting a strong backlash." It is "simply not wise to trivialize something as serious as head injuries." Stone: "It may help with recovery from exercise -- my physical therapist swears that Recovery Water did for him -- but to say that it helped prevent a head injury is treading in dangerous territory" (SEATTLE TIMES, 8/28). BLEACHER REPORT's Mike Freeman writes Wilson's story "became dangerous" after his latest comments. Part of his initial explanation "would have been chalked up to an overeager pitchman who isn't always the most sincere person to begin with," but Wilson "doubled down" after sending a tweet Wednesday reiterating his claims and then with his clarification Thursday. There is "no proof" that Wilson's claims to Rolling Stone are substantiated, and it "says something that even Wilson's agent was trying to get him to slow down and admitted there is no proof bubble water cures concussions." This has turned out to be a "PR disaster for Wilson," as he is "one of the most popular players in the sport using his fame to sell false hope." Freeman: "There is a charlatan aspect to all of this, unbecoming of Wilson's character" (BLEACHERREPORT.com, 8/28). In DC, Adam Kilgore wrote Wilson's assertion about Recovery Water is "not only blatantly foolish," but also "reckless and craven, an attempt to profit with a ridiculous claim that could lead to impressionable players misdiagnosing their own concussion." Athletes over the years have "grown expert at hawking products directly to fans through social media," and Wilson "plays that game in a more fervent and prolific manner than most." It is "cloying but harmless" in most cases," but Wilson in this instance "crossed a line" (WASHINGTONPOST.com, 8/27).
KEEPING THINGS IN PERSPECTIVE: In Tacoma, Gregg Bell writes Wilson has become a "pop-culture cover boy ... a frequent White House visitor, boyfriend to music star Ciara and a cameo star in movies." Seahawks coach Pete Carroll said that he "talks often with Wilson about managing all that and keeping him grounded at team headquarters with his main task of leading the Seahawks." Carroll said that Wilson is "able to compartmentalize it all." Wilson was asked if he feared he may be overexposed or “bigger” than he was. He said that his priorities "remain in order and intact" (Tacoma NEWS TRIBUNE, 8/28).
TOO GOOD TO BE TRUE? ESPN's Jemele Hill said there is "something that’s very programmed" about Wilson, and that "came across in his (Rolling Stone) piece." Hill: "I’m not surprised that he would say NanoBubbles was the reason why he never suffered a concussion.” ESPN’s Michael Smith said to Hill, “It sounds like what you’re saying is he comes off as a bit of a goody two-shoes.” Hill: “I don’t want to make it seem like there’s something wrong with somebody who wants to live their life the right way. ... He’s going straight from the Derek Jeter playbook; that’s his role model. Beyond the romantic life of Derek Jeter, we don’t know much about that cat, either.” Smith: “We want our athletes to be role models and to be upstanding citizens, but not too perfect. We need to be able to relate to them; we need some warts.” Smith said it is “almost like you think he’s fake … because nobody can be that nice” (“His & Hers,” ESPN2, 8/27).
