MLB has done pretty well after the many debacles they have endured over the last 10-15 years. The NHL, while not at the same level, seems to have recovered nicely after the lockout. The NBA hardly stuttered after the referee incident.
This episode with the Pats* may be a different caliber, but I have all the faith in the world that the public, no matter how badly tarnished the league may be after this, will forgive and forget faster that you can say "F$%! the Cheatriots."