While Erin Andrews is likely used to getting undue attention, the ESPN sideline reporter could not have expected the firestorm that has come her way during the past week.
Under the headline “Blonde bombshell can’t distract red-hot Cubs“, Gatehouse News Service writer Mike Nadel criticized Andrews for her wardrobe and actions at last Wednesday’s Cubs/Brewers game. Nadel described Andrews as wearing a short dress that attracted attention from several members of the Cubs, including manager Lou Piniella, and making inappropriate interactions with Cubs players. Near the end of the piece, he posed question “Did she really feel playing the sexpot was necessary to practice journalism?”
Andrews responded to the piece in an interview with the Minneapolis Star Tribune, telling Michael Rand, “I think my overall reaction is that it?s really sad that in 2008 ? I have people watching every single move I make … When there?s a big game between the Cubs and Brewers going on, it?s sad that that?s what their focus is on.” In response to allegations of players taking note of her looks: “These players are not into me like that … If anything, I think these guys look at me like a little sister or one of the guys. … That?s the last thing on my mind when I?m in the clubhouse ? worrying about players checking me out.”
According to Nadel, Andrews acted flirtatiously towards players, including calling Aramis Ramirez by the nickname “Rammie” and “[placing] her hand suggestively on [Alfonso] Soriano’s left bicep.” While Andrews denied both accusations, separate accounts seem to back Nadel up somewhat. OnMilwaukee.com writer Drew Olson says “the scene that Nadel described in the Cubs clubhouse pretty closely mirrored what I saw on the Brewers’ side … As for her “flitting” and “flirting,” … Andrews came on the field while the Brewers were stretching and hugged centerfielder Mike Cameron, who I assumed is one of the few Milwaukee players she has met before, and spoke to a few other players while gathering information for the broadcast.” FSN Wisconsin reporter Trenni Kusnierek told the same website, “Even some Brewers players said that although she’s great to look at, the dress wasn’t appropriate for the ballpark.“
The piece has led to a seemingly endless stream of opinions regarding Andrews, her professionalism, and the place of women in sports journalism.
Some have accused Nadel of being simply jealous of Andrews’ attention. For his part, Nadel told Deadspin, “I get plenty of interviews, as do most of my male cohorts. I never once have said: “Player X won’t talk to me. If only I were a gorgeous blonde, I’d get some quotes.”
On Andrews’ wardrobe, Deadspin wondered “is the outfit she wore to last night’s game that revealing? … Now, maybe it’s not appropriate for “60 Minutes” but, honestly, it’s still a regular season baseball game.” In a piece titled “Leave Erin Andrews Alone“, Chicago Sun-Times writer and ESPN personality Jay Mariotti says “When I examined a photo of [Andrews] from that night at Miller Park, I wasn’t offended. Maybe she wasn’t dressed like Katie Couric at the network anchor desk, but then, anchoring the news isn’t her job.” The Sports Business Daily has fellow Sun-Times writer Joe Cowley asking “Seriously, what is becoming of this profession when a girl can’t wear a summer skirt to a baseball game without offending someone?”
Others say Andrews crossed the line. The Big Lead writes “Erin, here?s a bit of a newsflash: If you want to be perceived as a professional, you dress professionally.” Angie Wiatrowski at the Chicago Sports Review says, “You?re not there as a piece of meat, Erin. … Honestly, I understand you can become close with the players but to start giving them cutsie nicknames and shrinking your clothes is not only disrespectful to yourself, but to other female journalists and possibly the players. … So thanks Erin Andrews, I really appreciate you making it even harder for females in the club house to be respected.” FSN’s Kusnierick: “When the talk of the day is not the game, but how high a hemline is, that is a problem. I realize that part of our job as female reporters is to look good. I’m not an idiot and I know our gender is part of the reason we’re employed. With that said, we should never become the story of the day.” Nadel, on other female journalists and broadcasters: “Many have been leered at by athletes, just as Andrews was Wednesday. But these women have worked hard to overcome the stereotypes. They never would pander to athletes. They never would get touchy-feely. Being considered professional is paramount to them. I believe they would have been mortified to see that scene Wednesday: a reporter who LIVED the stereotype and profited from it.”
On Andrews bearing the brunt of the criticism, as opposed to someone like Lou Piniella (who asked Andrews if she was “doing a baseball game today or a modeling assignment?”), The Sporting Blog‘s Spencer Hall writes, “It’s Erin Andrews’ fault for wearing a sundress when it’s blazing hot outside, since they just can’t help themselves! … For fairness, we wish someone would follow Peter Gammons around and take pictures of his rump in tight trousers and of him eating hot dogs suggestively, and not because we’re into the jockey-type, but because it would be hilarious to watch a guy put under the same scrutiny.”
For its part, ESPN released a statement saying “Erin is a tremendous reporter. She’s a prepared and a hard-working journalist, who is well respected and asks excellent questions. We’re proud to have her as an important part of our coverage team. Beyond that, we feel it’s unnecessary to even respond to any of the specifics outlined.”
