If you watch ESPN, or any news network for that matter this past summer, I'm sure you heard a little bit about Ines Sainz and the New York Jets. In case you didn't, or you need a refresher, here's some background information.
Ines Sainz Gallo de Perez is a journalist for TV Azteca/Azteca America, and hosts the sports interview program "DxTips." She and her husband own the production company that developed the show. Sainz has never been what you would describe as "modest." Photos of her in a swimsuit were featured on TV Azteca's website and in their "Bad Girls" section. She has appeared on the covers of Maxim and Esquire, and was chosen by FHM as the fifth sexiest sports reporter in the world in 2009.
Controversy is nothing new in the world of Ines Sainz. Her site hosts plenty of suggestive photographs (check link at bottom of story for her Myspace page), she's a former Miss Universe candidate, and she lost her contract as a spokesperson for a Mexican bank after the media incident with the Jets. Now for the big guns.
One Saturday late in 2010, Sainz went to the Jets camp to get an interview with quarterback Mark Sanchez. To make a long story short, Sainz claims the players used passing drills as opportunities to flirt with her, used cat calls, and was "sexually harassed" while she waited for Sanchez in the locker room. The Jets were pursued, complaints were made, and Sainz seemed very upset. But by just the next Sunday, her story had changed. She was less upset than she ahd claimed to be the previous day, and mentioned that she thought the players were just joking around and playing games. If she thought it was all fun and games, then why pursue the organization for harassment? Sainz also claimed to be modestly dressed in a white blouse and jeans. (See photo). I don't know who would consider that modest, but I sure don't. That description should be altered to say skin-tight jeans and a small white blouse.
These are the situations in which women hold themselves back in the sports industry. Does she know most of her success comes from the way she look and not her sports knowledge? Probably. Does she use it to get ahead in her career? Most likely. Was she aware of the attention she would receive for the outfit, and was it done on purpose? I believe so. Does she know how to create controversy? Absolutely. It's incidents like this that give honest, hardworking people a bad name. These things aren't easily forgotten. The response from the event, however, angered me more than the incident itself, and this is where I must come to her rescue.
As a woman, in relation to the industry or not, your attire is no license to commit sexual harassment. The U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission points out that sexual harassment is essentially blind, no matter how seductive someone appears. It solely focuses on the content and harshness of the harassment. The people who seem to find nothing wrong in this situation clearly aren't living by the principle that harassment is blind.
There were men all across the internet, and men I spoke to in person that said she knew what she was doing, and if she didn't want to be hit on she shouldn't have worn that outfit. Even worse, I heard that if she didn't want to be hit on, she shouldn't be in the sports industry which is teeming with men. I cannot believe that in 2010 and in 2011, people are forewarning women when it comes to career choices because of things men do. "It's boys being boys" they say. There is no such thing as "she asked for it." There is nothing that gives a warrant for men to be pigs. Period.
One former Pittsburgh Steeler, in an interview, made a statement that she's in a locker room and should expect to be hit on. In addition, she's a woman in a locker room with men walking around with their penises out so she's bound to be attracted to someone. ...what? Not only does her being in a locker room give men the right to harass her, she now is automatically attracted to any naked male when she sees his genitalia. Try again.
The entire story is fishy, but whether created for controversy or not, the issue still remains that it is not OK for any woman, no matter what she chooses to wear, to be the subject of sexual harassment; on the street, in the office, or on the sideline. I'd definitely like to hear your take on the story!
For updates on what Ms. Sainz has been up to:
Ines Sainz has spoken out to say that she doesn't want to be in locker rooms again: http://www.sportingnews.com/nfl/feed/2010-09/jets-reporter/story/ines-sainz-says-she-wants-out-of-nfl-locker-rooms
Ines Sainz grabs attention at the Super Bowl XLV Media Day: http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2011/02/01/ines-sainz-media-day-super-bowl_n_817265.html
Myspace page: http://www.myspace.com/inessainz
i completely agree with you. what she wears should not get her harassed. with that said, she knew what she was doing. she's trying to be the story instead of telling the story which is exactly what's wrong with media coverage today, especially in sports whether it be a man or woman. the way sainz is becoming the story is by what she wears and i absolutely believe she was doing it intentionally to spark controversy.
ReplyDeleteYeah I personally think Sainz has definitely knowingly used her body and looks to advance her career.
ReplyDeleteHowever, the Jets players needed to realize who they were dealing with: a journalist. What you say and do around her is going to get out there — that's her job.
I'll argue that some questionable decisions were made by both parties.
I agree with Sam and that both parties are at fault. The players need to realize that they were speaking to a journalist and what her job entails. On the other hand, I think a journalist should dress in a "professional" manner.
ReplyDeleteWell, seems my comments have already been stated by everyone here. It's too bad some "bad apples" have to go and ruin it for everyone (in terms of what Garrett said about being the story as opposed to covering a story)
ReplyDeleteYeah, totally agree with you. Very interesting post, I had never researched Sainz before.
ReplyDeleteWell, I mean, if you got it, flaunt it.
ReplyDeleteKind of. I mean, you know. More like connections as opposed to using your body.
It's one thing to try to get an "advantage" as a journalist, but that usually entails doing research about your subject before talking.
Dress professionally. All the time!
You're right, the whole situation seems fishy. But when it comes to matters of sexual harassment, allegations must be taken seriously. That being said, I think that the way in which an individual dresses and presents themselves should be in accord with the way they expect to be treated. As Gin says, dress professionally. I realize that the sports world isn't a conventional working environment, but that doesn't mean you have free reign to conduct yourself in an inappropriate manner.
ReplyDelete