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The treatment of Mexican TV reporter Ines Sainz by the New York Jets at practice last weekend "should have been better," NFL commissioner Roger Goodell said on Friday, but the league won't be taking any action against players or coaches. "It is our responsibility to provide a professional setting for members of the news media and other business associates that work with our teams and the league," Goodell said in statement. "We appreciate (Jets owner) Woody Johnson stepping up promptly to properly manage the situation at his team."
As part of the nearly week-long investigation where 17 people were interviewed, the NFL has determined there's a need for all 32 teams to undergo a training program on how to interact with reporters. The programs, the NFL said, "will supplement the league's current media policy and improve the ability of clubs to maintain a professional environment in the workplace."
The inquiry into the treatment of Sainz, a reporter with TV Azteca, determined there was "unprofessional conduct" on behalf of the Jets, including targeting her during drills last Saturday. In a letter to the Jets, Goodell wrote "there seems little doubt that passes were thrown in Sainz's direction," although no player "bumped, touched (or) brushed against" Sainz.
In the locker room, Sainz told investigators that she didn't hear any catcalls or sexually offensive comments, and didn't witness any inappropriate gestures. She did, however, note that that locker room environment "could have been better."
"We've learned from what happened last Saturday, and have reaffirmed our commitment to treat all members of the media with professionalism and respect," Johnson said in a statement. "The commissioner has developed a constructive approach that emphasizes education and awareness. I believe what emerges will improve the working relationship between all media and the NFL."
Other reporters described the locker room atmosphere as "juvenile, immature, high school," but "not over the top." The reporters also said that "Sainz did not appear concerned, disturbed or troubled by what was going on around her."
A message left with TV Azteca was not immediately returned. Sainz told FanHouse she'd support any outcome of the investigation.
"I think they have a good vision of what took place there," she said. "They are going to make their own judgments. I think whatever they decide to do will be the correct choice."
The Jets have agreed to fund an education program that will be given to NFL rookies starting next year, aimed at educating the first-year players on how to deal with the media professionally. The program will be developed in with the assistance of the Association of Women in Sports Media (AWSM).
"We are pleased with the resolution of this matter," AWSM said in a statement. "The NFL performed its due diligence, completing a thorough investigation and determining what occurred. ... The creation of the league-wide training program is a fantastic opportunity for AWSM to share its message of respectful and professional treatment for all women in sports media. We have advocated for this since our inception."
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