NFL at Jets’ facility to talk to players, coaches about reporter flap

NFL talking with Jets about reporter flap

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. — The NFL was still trying to determine exactly what went on at New York Jets camp involving a TV Azteca reporter, and rebuked Clinton Portis for comments about the woman Tuesday, saying they were offensive and inappropriate.

Ines Sainz, who works for the Mexican network, said she was uncomfortable Saturday in the Jets’ locker room, where a few players let loose with some catcalls as she waited with two male co-workers to interview quarterback Mark Sanchez, who is of Mexican descent.

An assistant coach also seemed to deliberately throw to players near where Sainz was standing on the sideline during practice.

“They’re here investigating, and we’re open,” Jets coach Rex Ryan said. “Whoever the NFL wants to talk to, I’m not sure who it is, but we’ll let that play out. We’re here to cooperate.”

Ryan said league representatives were speaking with specific players, and the coach also volunteered to talk to the NFL.

Meantime, Portis, the outspoken running back for the Washington Redskins, said in his weekly appearance on 106.7 The Fan: “I think you put women reporters in the locker room in position to see guys walking around naked, and you sit in the locker room with 53 guys, and all of the sudden you see a nice woman in the locker room. I think men are going to tend to turn and look and want to say something to that woman.”

The NFL swiftly chastised Portis.

“The comments are clearly inappropriate, offensive, and have no place in the NFL,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said in an e-mail.

Then the Redskins issued a statement by Portis, who said he was “wrong to make the comments” and that he respects the job reporters do.

The Redskins said they “will take the necessary steps” to remind players about acting in a professional manner.

The Association for Women in Sports Media said it was in contact with the NFL about Portis’ remarks and appreciated the league’s swift response.

“AWSM continues to monitor issues regarding locker-room access and is committed to helping create and maintain a work environment that is free of harassment and hostility,” the statement said.

AP Sports Writer Joseph White in Washington and Associated Press Writer Eduardo Castillo in Mexico City contributed to this report.