An Examination of Image Repair Discourse in College Football Controversies

In recent years, there has been widespread media coverage of controversies involving college football players at major universities. This thesis examines college football controversies at the University of Southern California, Ohio State University, and Florida State University through the lens of Benoit’s Image Repair Theory. Investigating these three cases, this work considers how the responses of administrators, coaches, and players function rhetorically in efforts to maintain positive public perceptions in the face of attacks to organizational legitimacy. This thesis contributes to the body of image repair literature by examining how unique factors of Division I football programs influence image repair campaigns. This project identifies the significant role that fan loyalty plays in highly successful football programs moving beyond the controversial actions of players and coaches.

Grantor dc:publisher

Wake Forest University

Year dc:date.issued

2016

Author dc:creator

• White, Michael

• College Football

Language dc:language.iso

en

Handle dc:identifier.uri

http://hdl.handle.net/10339/59284

OAI identifier oai:identifier

oai:wakespace.lib.wfu.edu:10339/59284