“The goal is not to get quotes from half-naked athletes”- Conflicting locker room access claims by NFL Players and Writers sparks WILD reactions on social media

NFLPA wants a change in NFL's media accessibility inside of locker rooms because players feel that locker room interviews invade their privacy.

“The goal is not to get quotes from half-naked athletes”- Conflicting locker room access claims by NFL Players and Writers sparks WILD reactions on social media

Joe Burrow and Tee Higgins getting interviewed after a Bengals game (Image via IMAGO)

The NFLPA (NFL Players Association) wants to limit media accessibility to the players’ locker room. Their goal is to protect the players from increased meddling of reporters in their private space.

Players have constantly complained about media personnel barging in right after a game for comments with zero regard for their mental and physical state. While it’s a great chance for the reporters to get one-on-one interviews for a detailed scoop, it also becomes a hindrance for players to recollect their thoughts before the actual press conference.

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Over the past three years, the NFLPA has tried to work with the NFL and Pro Football Writers of America to move media interviews out of locker rooms. However, there has been little willingness to collaborate on a new solution. Players feel that locker room interviews invade their privacy [and are uncomfortable]. This isn’t about limiting media access but about respecting players’ privacy and dignity,.

NFLPA‘s statement read
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While an experienced reporter would argue that they can get raw reactions from players right after the final whistle, the players themselves prefer to be left alone, especially after a defeat. Even if it’s a win, the first course of action is to celebrate the victory rather than sitting down for an interview.

The goal is not to get quotes from half-naked athletes- Conflicting locker room access claims by NFL Players and Writers sparks WILD reactions on social media
Tyreek Hill at Pro Bowl games (Image via IMAGO)

These are the mild versions of it. However, San Francisco 49ers fullback Kyle Juszcyk pointed out the obvious reason the players want to keep reporters out of the locker rooms.

There’s also the other side of the coin. Familiar media faces such as PJ Green and Nick Harris argued the locker room is the best place to build a bond with players.

According to the Pro Football Writers of America, the media personnel are allowed to enter the home and visiting team’s locker rooms 10-15 minutes after an NFL game. However, the NFLPA wants a change in the rule.

The NFL’s current media policy is outdated. We, the NFLPA executive committee, urge the NFL to make immediate changes to foster a more respectful and safer workplace [for all players]. In the meantime, we encourage each player to ask for interviews outside the locker room during the week.

the NFLPA wrote

49ers writer Donte Atkinson provided a smart solution that the PFWA can adopt. Atkinson suggested that teams should allow a 30-minute extended presser at a designated area just before the players depart for their homes.

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It’s not a bad solution. The only matter that now remains is whether both the NFLPA and the PFWA can stand on the same page.