As evidenced by the HBO reality documentary series, Hard Knocks, the New York Jets walk a fine line between arrogance and confidence when it comes to assessing their chances of representing the AFC in the Super Bowl this season.
But if there is any veracity whatsoever to a stinging report about the team, then there can be absolutely no question that the boldness and brashness with which head coach Rex Ryan and company carry themselves inexcusably transformed grown men into dumb, immature jocks.
According to ESPN.com, the NFL is investigating a complaint made by the Association for Women in Sports Media against the Jets after a television reporter was subjected to footballs being thrown in her direction at practice and, later, players' catcalls inside the locker room.
The complaint was made on the behalf of Inés Sainz, a reporter for Mexico’s TV Azteca, who attended the team’s practice Saturday as a working member of the media. However, it appears that Sainz, a contestant in the 1997 Miss Universe Pageant, became victim to a hostile and unprofessional working environment as she attempted to carry out her duties.
In accounts provided by the New York Post, Jets defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman purposely overthrew footballs to players during a drill for defensive backs so that the passes would land near Sainz on the sideline.
This was followed by defensive lineman Jason Taylor, a husband and father of three children, volunteering to take part in the drills even though he isn't part of Thurman’s unit.
Jets head coach Rex Ryan, a husband and father of two sons himself, also got involved when he had Thurman run a pattern near the sideline and intentionally overthrew him in Sainz's direction.
If this wasn’t enough, Sainz was greeted by catcalls and hooting in the Jets locker room at the conclusion of practice to which defensive tackle Kris Jenkins declared “This is our locker room!” when Sainz was asked if she was OK.
"I die of embarrassment!", Sainz wrote in Spanish on her Twitter account. "I am in the locker room of the Jets waiting for Mark Sanchez while trying not to look to anywhere!"
Statements released by the Association of Women in Sports Media and the New York Jets indicated their clear intention to work closely with the NFL as this matter is investigated further.
Unfortunately, this general sense of entitlement on the part of today’s male professional athlete is a significant contributing factor in players like Jets cornerback Antonio Cromartie fathering eight children with six different women and the divorce rate for NFL players averaging between 60 and 80 percent, which is higher than that of the general population.
What’s even more disappointing is that Rex Ryan and Dennis Thurman, the head coach and an assistant coach respectively, initiated and encouraged the aforementioned sophomoric behavior from the players they’re supposed to be leading both on and off the field.
If the allegations are true in this matter, a refreshing gesture on the part of Ryan, Thurman, Kris Jenkins, Jason Taylor and anyone else involved would be to own up to their hormone-induced lapse in judgment and individually apologize to Sainz for their unprofessional conduct.
But it’s more likely that arrogance and pride on the part of Gang Green won’t result in the adult and mature responses demanded because, as is always the case in professional sports, success on the field takes precedence over social responsibility.
Comments
What a piece of crap article. Why use this incident as an excuse to rag on Cromartie who had no part in this incident. Almost as dumb is your reference to the divorce rate in football. Very dumb and baseless to say that divorce rate is related to this incident. Sloppy, sloppy article
I didn't as you call it "rag on Cromartie". I was making a statement about the general sense of entitlement among male professional athletes when it comes to doing what they want with no regard to the consequences, which leads to extramarital affairs and/or having multiple children with different women.
Antonio Cromartie was just a salient example because he's a member of the Jets. But he's as guilty as say Shawn Kemp and Travis Henry.
It seems pretty obvious that you do not like the Jets..it is one thing to report another to portray your anger towards the team
My problem isn't with the team, it's with the behavior; especially when it's condoned by coaches on the team. And it's mostly a by-product of the culture that's been created by Rex Ryan.
From an on-the-field standpoint though, I like the Jets.
First of all, I believe women do not belong in a men's locker room. With all things being equal, how come men are not allowed in women's locker rooms. I also, even though I do not know her, challenge her credentials as a bonafied reporter.
How can you challenge her credentials as a bonafide reporter when, admittedly, you don't know her. That doesn't make any sense.
And why do you believe women don't belong in men's locker rooms? I don't see the players crying about it.
You didn't address why Men aren't allowed in Women Locker rooms did you?
Indeed. There is a double standard. And the equitable solution would be to ban all media, male and female, from men's locker rooms and women's locker rooms until the players are finished showering and shaving.
It's definitely true that men don't have same access to women's locker rooms as women have to men's locker rooms. Does this mean that female reporters have more access to women's locker rooms than male reporters? Honestly, I'm not exactly sure.
I'll have to contact the WNBA to get a more definitive answer. Fair enough?
Females don't belong in male locker rooms. Nuff said!
This isn't about women's rights. It's about common sense.
Then common sense should dictate that all media should be banned from locker rooms, n'est pas?
Should a homosexual male reporter be allowed the same media access to a male locker room as a heterosexual male reporter?
Should a homosexual male reporter be allowed the same media access to a female locker room as a heterosexual female reporter?
Should a homosexual female reporter be allowed the same media access to a male locker room as a heterosexual male reporter?
Should a homosexual female reporter be allowed the same media access to a female locker room as a heterosexual female reporter?
Where do you want to draw the line when it comes to this issue?
Whats the big deal? There's no form of any physical abuse. They threw balls towrds her and made inaapropriate comments. OK, so now what, somebody wants a little pocket change on the side. Just move on, this is so ridiculous.
The big deal is everyone, male and female, has the right to a working environment where they're treated with dignity and respect. And when those conditions aren't met then some sort of action must be taken to address the issue and ensure the working environment is changed for the better.
You say there was no physical abuse but they made inappropriate comments so it's all good. Come on, man.
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