Derek Jeter can fix reputation fast, Barry Bonds can't, Mike Paul says

By Adam Nichols
Daily News Staff Writer
November 17,2007

Derek Jeter's problems could be fixed with a little humility - and a lot of apologizing, said New York's "Reputation Doctor."

On the other hand, home run king Barry Bonds has a lot more work to do if he wants to emerge from his doping scandal with any respect.

"Bonds is in a lot of trouble, not just with the feds but with the people who looked up to him," said Mike Paul, the go-to man for celebs in crisis. "I'm worried the only way for him to change is to hit rock bottom, to lose everything."

The first rule of Paul's company, MGP & Associates, is: Your reputation can't be rescued if you're not truly sorry.

"You need truth, honesty, humility, transparency, accountability and consistency," he said. "I call them building bricks. With them, you can build a reputation that won't blow away.

"Barry Bonds is in a state of absolute denial. By denying it over and over again, he's doing his reputation a lot of damage."

The Yankees shortstop was accused of cheating New York out of millions in taxes by claiming he lived in Florida while he was staying in Manhattan, state officials said this week.

"People see this as a money situation, which some people consider a white lie, but they'll still be disappointed in him," Paul said. "He needs to speak openly about it and do it quickly.

"If he takes responsibility, is truly sorry and offers to make amends, I think he could put this behind him.

"He needs to act fast. The longer he waits, the longer the damage takes to repair," Paul said.

Jeter and Bonds are just the latest in a string of pro athletes who could do with help to repair reputations, Paul said.

Disgraced NFL quarterback Michael Vick, who pleaded guilty in August to bankrolling a dogfighting operation, needs serious assistance, he said. "He's said he's sorry, but he needs to say, 'I'm struggling in trying to understand why I did this in the first place,'" Paul said.

"He needs to be scared straight."