Members of the media attending games, as well as practices of professional sports teams is nothing out of the ordinary. It’s something that has been done for decades. Those same reporters gaining access to the player locker rooms is even more commonplace. If you want an interview with any of the athletes, whether it be to comment on their performance or the game that has just ended, the locker room is the place to do that.
But, recently, there has been a dramatic increase in female reporters crowding the sidelines during games, especially in football. Most of these ladies are there because the networks that broadcast the sports match-ups are merely trying to cater to the male faction of their audience. Let’s face it, men would much rather look at attractive women down on the field chatting up the athletes than some overweight, washed up, former pro … no offense to Tony Siragusa. While that’s all well and good, I have a problem with those ladies trotting into the locker rooms after the game to interview the players. This very issue is what has had the New York Jets – as well as loud-mouthed athletes like the Washington Redskins’ Clinton Portis – in hot water lately.
Ines Sainz, a former beauty queen who now serves as a reporter for TV Azteca, a Mexican network, was on the sidelines at the new Meadowlands during a team practice, where she was reportedly harassed by some of the players. Not deterred by the behavior, Sainz was on the sidelines again during the Jets’ showdown with the Baltimore Ravens last Monday night. Following the game, the bosomy blond made her way into the Jets’ locker room to interview quarterback Mark Sanchez. Once again, she was harassed by some of the athletes, receiving cat calls and whistles.
First of all, a female has no business going into a men’s locker room, plain and simple. Granted, every person should have equal opportunity when it comes to employment, I think this freedom of equality should be rescinded. Male reporters are not allowed into women’s locker rooms, so why should female reporters have access to a male team locker room? As for the behavior of some of the members of the Jets squad, it’s sophomoric and should definitely not be tolerated.
However, when you look at the attire of Sainz, one would quickly come to the conclusion that that kind of behavior is to be expected. Don’t get me wrong, I’m not condoning sexual harassment, but, as a professional news reporter, Sainz leaves a lot to be desired in the dress code area. There’s no way that anyone would deem her practically painted on pants and short dresses as appropriate for her profession. A true professional would likely be fired for wearing the kind of clothing she does while she’s working. I had a boss threaten to fire me for wearing flip-flops to work, for crying out loud. Sure, there are people out there who say she had it coming, but that’s not really a fair assumption to make. Regardless, she should have known better than to wear what she did.
Jennie Oemig
Editor
Arcadia News-Leader
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