Women and men have more in common than they do apart.

It's ironic, that stripped (an appropriate word) of the

rancor or sexual harassment, the reporter and athletes --

protagonist(s) and antagonist(s) whose roles have yet to be

assigned -- of the Incident have more in common than they do

apart. Both parties appear to be (or have been) victims for

by their recent comments in the media, they are uncomfortable

with the present locker room arrangements. Together, they

should insist upon being the parties to their own remedies.

 

This common discomfort which is surfacing is intriguing.

Why haven't the uncomfortable people gone for a cup of

coffee, put their feelings on the table, and formulated a

workable arrangement before the Incident?

 

To the extent that the combined power of 28 NFL teams --

approximately 1260 male athletes -- and approximately 500

female sports reporters have not challenged the responsible

powers (i.e., the court, the League, owners, coaches and

media management) it is to be wondered why some have been

victims for so long.  Are they unwilling victims, or willing

victims?  Are there other subtle sources of intimidation

indicating to their respective sides, "Tough it out... you

knew what you were in for when you became a professional?"

 

What is "toughing it out" about? Taking a hit is expected of

football players; accepting a "clip," or "face mask," is not.

Clearly, League rules limit the amount of "toughing it out"

that players must endure. So, how does "toughing it out" fit

in getting or giving an interview? Surely, there are U.S.

court rules. The question is, "Who is doing the refereeing?"

 

Without doubt, the Patriots (and players on other teams) have

been and are sexually harassed, if they are unable to enjoy

their Constitutional rights to privacy, however defined.

Access to private areas by male reporters automatically

enables the presence of females. It's all or none.

 

Without doubt, female reporters entering into a male locker

room are sexually harassed, if by merely entering they

encounter undesired nudity resulting from poor privacy

shields, affronting confrontations by nude men who go beyond

the privacy barriers, and unwanted remarks of a sexual or

degrading nature.

 

Without doubt, the real culprits of the sexual harassment are

those parties which through commission or omission allow the

dignity of either gender to be assaulted. The law and legal

precedent is clear and constantly expanding.

 

Finally, there must be silent victims of the parties involved

as well, the spouses and children... especially the children

among their peers. The Law of Averages is always at work.

And school yard cruelty always exists.