The NFL is looking into the harassment of Inés Sainz, a reporter for TV Azetca in Mexico, during the New York Jets practice on Saturday.
A complaint by the Association for Women in Sports Media was filed on the behalf of Sainz, who was at the New Jersey practice facility to interview starting quarterback Mark Sanchez.
Sainz, a former Miss Universe contestant, said she was bombarded with catcalls by the players. Sainz tweeted in Spanish that “I’m dying of embarrassment!” and that she wanted to cover her ears.
In addition, players and defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman were intentionally overthrowing passes in her direction and blocked her path as she attempted to walk away.
In an interview with TV Azetca, Sainz said she didn’t realize what happened at practice would turn into such a big deal.
“To be quite honest, it didn’t bother me … I took it as a joke, and none of the footballs actually hit me, Sainz said. “I was surprised to wake up on Sunday and have a call from the NFL, saying that they wanted to talk to me about what had happened at the Jets; and I asked… what happened?” she continued. “And they said well there is a pretty powerful accusation of harassment and then it was at that point I realized the magnitude of what had happened.”
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ordered an investigation and the New York Jets released a statement regarding the incident:
“The New York Jets believe that reporters have a job to do and it is our obligation to provide them with proper and professional access. [Owner] Woody Johnson spoke with Ines Sainz of TV Azteca today to discuss the time she spent covering the team yesterday. He stressed to Ines that he expects all members of the Jets organization to conduct themselves in a professional manner at all times. We will continue to work with the league to gather the facts and take any appropriate steps necessary to maintain a respectful environment for the media.”