Will major Indy Colts sponsor face repercussions for racially insensitive Facebook post?
We saw Donald Sterling cost the Clippers sponsorships (and eventually lose his team) due to racially 
offensive comments, but will that precedent apply to Lucas Oil co-founder Charlotte Lucas as well?
Lucas landed herself in the midst of controversy following a Facebook post starting with the declaration that she is “sick and tired of minorities running our country”, and continuing on to rant about how she believes minority groups are telling the majority what they can and cannot do. While she eventually issued the below apology, it took several days, and no doubt the urging of her PR team, to do so.
I apologize to everyone for the insensitive comments posted on my Facebook account. My comments did not reflect my personal views about any individual or minority group, only my frustration that our government system sometimes seems out of balance. We live in a great country, but the agenda for our elected officials is too often dictated by special interest groups. My comments did not reflect my true feelings, and I am sorry for anyone who may have been offended.
Considering that this apology is utterly lacking in compassion, as well as credibility, we’re doubting it had much impact on stakeholders, leaving us asking – will Lucas Oil’s name remain splashed across the stadium where the NFL’s Indianapolis Colts play?
A large part of Sterling’s problem (besides his racist attitude of course) was the media frenzy surrounding his situation, and despite some seriously half-assed crisis management it appears Lucas has avoided that, leading us to believe they just may skip free on this one. It will be important to remember, however, that stakeholders will have their eye on that crack, and if such a slip occurs again the implications will be much greater.
The BCM Blogging Team
https://www.bernsteincrisismanagement.com