Jets aren't fined by Goodell for Sainz incident

FLORHAM PARK, N.J. - NFL commissioner Roger Goodell ruled Friday that the Jets will not be penalized with suspensions or fines in the Ines Sainz harassment case, but the team must fund training programs for all 32 teams on "proper conduct in the workplace" in light of the incident.

Sainz, a reporter for TV Azteca, a Mexican television network, was at the Jets' practice facility last Saturday to interview quarterback Mark Sanchez, who is of Mexican descent. While standing on the sideline during the portion of practice open to the media, Jets defensive backs coach Dennis Thurman intentionally threw footballs toward players, in Sainz's direction. Some players also hollered and made cat-calls at Sainz in the Jets' locker room. When a female reporter approached Sainz to ask if she was all right, Jets nose tackle Kris Jenkins yelled, "This is our locker room."

According to the news release issued by NFL spokesman Greg Aiello, Goodell determined that although there was "unprofessional conduct," Jets chairman and CEO Woody Johnson and his staff "acted promptly to correct the situation," by personally apologizing to Ms. Sainz and arranging a professional education session for the Jets on workplace conduct.

"I believe this is the most constructive approach," Goodell said. "There is no debate about the longstanding equal access rule of our media policy. The issue for us, like all organizations, is proper conduct in the workplace, whether it is dealing with the media, co-workers, fans or others. It is our responsibility to provide a professional setting for members of the news media and other business associates that work with our teams and the league. We appreciate Woody Johnson stepping up promptly to properly manage the situation at his team and agreeing to underwrite this new initiative for all clubs."

Johnson agreed to pay for the training program, which also will be given to NFL rookies next year to help educate incoming players on how to deal professionally with news media and others in the workplace. The training program and related practices will be developed by the NFL, in consultation with the Association for Women in Sports Media (AWSM), and will supplement the league's current media policy.

"We are pleased with the resolution of this matter," AWSM said in a statement. "The NFL performed its due diligence, completing a thorough investigation and determining what occurred. Now, it has reaffirmed its locker-room access policy."

Johnson said in a statement: "We've learned from what happened last Saturday, and have reaffirmed our commitment to treat all members of the media with professionalism and respect. The commissioner has developed a constructive approach that emphasizes education and awareness."

In a letter to Johnson, Goodell said: "The conduct of the Jets clearly should have been better last Saturday, but your prompt action in calling Ines Sainz and Mike Tannenbaum's subsequent discussions with Joanne Gerstner of AWSM have made clear the club's commitment - and your personal commitment - to ensure a respectful and professional environment for all members of the media."

Revis Island open. Darrelle Revis will be listed as "probable" on the injury report for Sunday's game against New England, but it's "definite he'll play," coach Rex Ryan said. The cornerback was limited in practice for the second straight day with tightness in his left hamstring, but Ryan said Revis "looked pretty good" and the coach expects him "to go and play great." Revis wasn't made available to the media.