Think Before You Speak: How Impulsive Sports Tirades Can Cost You Your Job

Rob Connolly, the co-founder and CEO of Finlete, recently discussed how fans can get involved with promising athletes by investing in their future earnings on ‘The Claman Countdown.’

In today’s digital age, actions taken by employees—especially in public—can lead to serious consequences at work. Misty Marris, a trial attorney from Gordon Rees Scully Mansukhani LLP, shared that behavior outside of work can easily come back to haunt someone professionally.

We’ve seen this happen repeatedly, including among sports enthusiasts. Just this week, a Philadelphia Eagles fan lost his job after a viral incident during an NFC wild-card game in Philadelphia. Ryan Caldwell was filmed verbally attacking a female fan of the Green Bay Packers, using offensive language and gestures while her fiancé recorded the confrontation.

According to Marris, the rise of camera phones and social media has blurred the lines between personal and professional conduct. She emphasized that whether an employee can be fired for off-the-clock actions depends on specific circumstances. Factors like the nature of the conduct and local laws play a significant role here. Private employers are not restricted by First Amendment rights, meaning that what employees say or do in public can impact their jobs.

Interestingly, it doesn’t always take serious misconduct for someone to lose their job. Marris noted that laws vary from state to state. Most states operate under “at-will” employment, which means an employer can terminate an employee for any reason, except for discrimination against a protected class. This doesn’t apply to government employees, union members, or those under specific contracts. Their agreements define the rules for termination.

Some companies also have protective policies regarding lawful activities outside the workplace, even for at-will employees. This could prevent disciplinary measures for things that occur after hours.

Jonathan Alpert, a Manhattan psychotherapist, advises employees to manage their emotions better and maintain good mental health. He suggests that people should recognize what triggers them and think before acting. Simple techniques like deep breathing or taking a step back can help avoid impulsive reactions.

For those seeking therapy, Alpert emphasizes the importance of practical strategies for real change. “Learning to take responsibility and manage your behavior not only protects your reputation but also commands respect,” he said.

In a world where personal and professional lives are increasingly intertwined, staying mindful of one’s actions—especially in public—is crucial for maintaining job security and personal integrity.

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