2026-09-21T12:33:02Zhttps://wakespace.lib.wfu.edu/server/oai/request

oai:null:10339/592842026-09-02T11:30:49Zcom_10339_14934col_10339_38132

White, Michael 2016-05-21T08:35:40Z 2016-05-21T08:35:40Z 2016 https://wakespace.lib.wfu.edu/handle/10339/59284 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. en Wake Forest University College Football Controversies Football Image Repair Sports An Examination of Image Repair Discourse in College Football Controversies Thesis Llewellyn, John T Von Burg, Ronald L McFall, Todd A Communication open.access