Members of the media and NFL Community appear divided over the players’ union’s new policy recommendation that would limit reporters from conducting interviews with players in locker rooms during the week.
Cincinnati Bengals Center Ted Karras, who represents NFLPA players, recently confirmed the new program that would encourage players to conduct interviews outside the locker room.
Cincinnati Bengals center Ted Karras looks on before the game against the Washington Commanders at Paycor Stadium in Cincinnati on September 23. (Cooper Neill/Getty Images)
He said Thursday that while the idea behind the change was first discussed following the COVID pandemic, recent incidents in which players were filmed “naked on camera” prompted a immediate call to action.
CLICK HERE FOR MORE SPORTS COVERAGE ON FOXNEWS.COM
“I think what brought it to light was a few guys naked on camera this year. I know it’s happened several times throughout the history of the league. But it won’t affect on game day, I don’t think we’re going to find a good solution to make the week as smooth as possible, give everyone the time they need and, again, protect the sanctity of the locker room,” said. Karras.
The NFLPA released a statement Friday calling on the league to change its “outdated” media policy to one that promotes “a more respectful and safer workplace.”
“For the past three years, the NFLPA has attempted to work with the NFL and Pro Football Writers of America to move media interviews out of the locker room. However, there has been little willingness to collaborate on a new solution,” indicates the press release.
New England Patriots center Nick Leverett speaks to the media before practice. (John Tumacki/The Boston Globe via Getty Images)
NFLPA to announce new program limiting locker room interviews after some players seen ‘naked on camera’
“Players feel that locker room interviews invade their privacy and are uncomfortable. This is not about limiting media access but about respecting the privacy and dignity of players.
“The NFL’s current media policy is outdated.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 every player to request interviews outside the locker room on weekdays.
The change is not expected to alter game day operations, but members of the media and the NFL community appear divided on the issue.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
Karras explained the basics of the program and added that it was not an “indictment” against members of the media. Teams or players are not required to follow the new program.
Cincinnati Bengals wide receiver Trenton Irwin, center, celebrates a touchdown with center Ted Karras, left, and wide receiver Tee Higgins during the game against the New England Patriots in Foxborough, Massachusetts on December 24, 2022 . (AP Photo/Charles Krupa)
The program aims to stop locker room interviews on weekdays but not on game day. Karras said that while players are free to do whatever they want, he asked members of the media to “respect” the new player interview process.
Follow Fox News Digital sports coverage onand subscribe to the Fox News Sports Huddle newsletter.
