Members of the media and the NFL community appear to be at odds over a new policy recommendation from the Players Association that would limit reporters from interviewing players in locker rooms during weekdays.
Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras, NFLPA player representative, recently endorsed a new program that encourages players to conduct interviews outside the locker room.
Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras watches before a game against the Washington Commanders on September 23 at Peiko Stadium in Cincinnati. (Cooper Neal/Getty Images)
He said on Thursday that the idea behind the change was first discussed after the coronavirus pandemic, but recent incidents of players being “seen naked on camera” prompted calls for immediate action. .
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“I think what brought this issue to light this year was some players getting naked in front of the cameras. I know that's happened several times in the history of the league. But I don't think this will affect game day. We're going to do it.'' Good solution to make the week as smooth as possible, give everyone the time they need, and protect the sanctity of the locker room again. Come up with a plan,” Karas said.
The NFLPA issued a statement Friday calling on the league to change its “outdated” media policies to ones that promote “a more respectful and safe workplace.”
“For the past three years, the NFLPA has been working with the NFL and the Pro Football Writers of America to try to move media interviews out of the locker room, but there has been little appetite to collaborate on new solutions.” says the statement.
New England Patriots center Nick Leverett speaks to the media before practice. (John Turmacchi/Boston Globe via Getty Images)
NFLPA announces new program restricting locker room interviews after some players were shown 'naked on camera'
“Players feel that locker room interviews violate their privacy and are offensive. This is not about restricting media access, but about respecting players' privacy and dignity. It is.”
“The NFL's current media policy is outdated, and we at the NFLPA Executive Committee urge the NFL to make immediate changes to promote a more respectful and safer workplace for all players. In the meantime, we encourage each player to seek interviews outside of their lockers and in their rooms during weekdays. ”
While this change is not expected to change game day operations, media members and the NFL community appear to be divided on the issue.
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Karas explained the basics of the program, adding that it was not intended to be an “accusation” against members of the media. Teams and players do not have to follow the new program.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin (center) poses with center Ted Karras (left) and wide receiver Tee during a game against the New England Patriots on December 24, 2022 in Foxborough, Massachusetts. – Celebrating the touchdown with Higgins. (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The program is intended to cancel locker room interviews during weekdays, but not on game days. Kalas said players were free to do what they wanted, but asked media members to “respect” the new process for interviewing players.
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