It is the NFL’s policy to allow all credentialed members of the media access to both locker rooms after a game. However, following the Colts’ 16-13 win over the Jaguars on Sunday, a staff member at Lucas Oil Stadium apparently disregarded that policy by not allowing entry for three female media members.
Graham Watson of Yahoo Sports, Joey Chandler of the Tuscaloosa News and Katie McInerney of the Tulsa World all said someone working at the stadium kept them out of a locker room after the game. They were detained for a few minutes before a Jaguars staffer let them in.
Both Watson and Chandler tweeted about the incident as it was happening.
I was just blocked from a locker room by an old, out-of-touch geezer who wasn't sure women were allowed because "you know how guys are."
— Graham Watson-Ringo (@Graham_W_Ringo) October 4, 2015
When getting ready to enter Jags locker room with other APSE female fellows, old man tried to deny us entry. It's still 2015, right?
— Joey Chandler (@ByJoeyChandler) October 4, 2015
This guy was an usher and apparently not aware that women cover sports. I about lost it. @Colts @Jaguars
— Graham Watson-Ringo (@Graham_W_Ringo) October 4, 2015
I do want to note that we did eventually get in and we were able to do our job after the man asked several males if it was OK if we got in.
— Graham Watson-Ringo (@Graham_W_Ringo) October 4, 2015
A spokesperson for the Colts said the team was still investigating the matter. Watson later indicated on Twitter that she received an apology from the public relations departments of both teams.
Ironically, the women were at the game as part of an APSE fellowship weekend for diversity.
[via Pro Football Talk]
