Do You People Mind?

So the latest flare up for the NFL is a situation with a female "reporter" getting harassed at practice and in the locker room for the NY Jets.

Look, this woman is from TV Azteca in Mexico. She's not an everyday beat writer/columnist/editor. And she's gonna milk this for all it's worth.

But the larger issue — the one I'm going to focus on — is locker room access. I've been lucky enough to cover a handful of Ohio State games. The coach comes out of the locker room after the game and meets with the media as a group. At home, it's at a nice table with the school logo. On the road (my experience was at Penn State), it's in a little office. Key players are also brought out.

Listening to this topic being discussed on WGR, they noted that NHL locker rooms have an area for dressing (closed to the media). and another area for interviews. That is the right idea.

Look, the whole issue about locker room access is because of television (and now the Internet). Everybody is so all-fired hyper about beating everybody else. You know what? It's not a Senate investigation, it's a game.

These guys have just battled for 60 minutes (or 48 minutes (NBA), or nine innings). The stories are largely written by the time the games end. Let 'em have 20 minutes to take a breath, get out of uniform, and trade a few thoughts with teammates. Then have them come to a separate area for interviews. If they choose to come out there shirtless or with just a towel, that's THEIR call.

I'll be back with the football picks....SPEAKING FRANKLY