Dell Throws her Career One Heck of a Curveball

While twitter images surface confirming speculations that Jenny Dell, NESN Boston Red Sox sideline reporter, and Will Middlebrooks, third baseman for the Boston Red Sox, are an item, opinions chiming ‘conflict of interest’ are heard loud and clear.

As American population increasingly grows more liberal, it seems counterproductive that the journalist world is taking such a despondent approach to a seemingly happy relationship. Let those that live, love. Right? Wrong! Although the two may have won the genetic lottery, the numbers will never fall in their favor due to the code of ethics for anyone in the field of journalism.

ESPN spokesperson stated when Samantha Steele was accused of dating NFL quarterback Christian Ponder, “We do not comment on, or confirm, personal aspects of employees’ lives. Regarding any policies, we expect any commentator to raise any relationship that could be a conflict with the sport they cover.” Fortunately for Steele, she was covering college football, which left Ponder wide open to drop down on one knee. Unfortunately, the Dell-Middlebrooks relationship is not so lucky

As Dell stated in an interview with Boston Magazine, “Whether I’m doing an end-game report or having a drink with a friend, I need to make sure that I’m smart about every decision I make.” Well Dell, it may be time to glance over those principles one more time.

While I cannot help to venture whether this would be an issue if it were a male reporter dating a female athlete, this is simply not the case. The popularity of the WNBA does not come close to the men’s league. And while the lingerie football game will draw a significant amount of television ratings, it is the much-anticipated Super Bowl game that deems something as silly as the ‘half-time’ flush. 

The apparent popularity of men’s sports over women’s is no secret, much like the lack of respect and existence of sexism for ladies within the world of sports journalism. Dell, admittedly aware of the double standards, should have been the first to realize that relationships in this workforce don’t come with the option of three strikes.

Difficulties in the respect category for women in this industry are just a quick Google search away. You will find the ‘hottest’ gals of sports journalism on the top of your feed, or even how sexy Erin Andrews looks while eating a pork sandwich. Ridiculous. Though I cannot fault either of the two for developing feelings for one another; I mean, look at them. Still, Dell should have realized this is one line that simply cannot be crossed.

“The important thing is for people to take me seriously as a journalistic reporter, because that’s my job,” said Dell. And as advised by her old producer, Russ Kenn, Dell told Boston Magazine, “You want to make sure people are talking about the content coming out of your mouth and not about what you’re wearing or how you look that day.” Although he probably assumed it went without mentioning, Kenn apparently should have included, who you’re dating that day.