Chad Finn in the Boston Globe reports on a move that needed to be made:
(Jenny Dell) is in a weird sort of limbo. When asked if Dell would be part of Red Sox broadcasts this season, NESN spokesman Gary Roy confirmed with a statement that her role has changed:
“Jenny Dell, a multi-talented on-air personality, is anchoring NESN Sports Today and handling other assignments for NESN.”
That seems to confirm what an industry source told me Wednesday morning: that she was informed recently by NESN vice president of programming and production Joseph Maar that she would not be part of the Red Sox broadcast team this season.
Later Finn adds:
While a sideline reporter isn’t necessarily a journalist, the effect that fraternizing with the players has on genuine female journalists who have fought for access and credibility is palpable.
While it’s very hard to believe that their relationship was breaking news to NESN management, it certainly appears as though Dell’s status has been affected by either the backlash to that or perhaps her desire to work elsewhere. There was mutual interest between Dell and Fox Sports 1, though that appears to be in a holding pattern.
Indeed, if you are a journalist, male or female, you shouldn’t be mixing business with pleasure.
She shouldn’t be coving the Red Sox as long as she is going out with a player. This is as it should be.
Erin Andrews and Samantha Ponder set the trend. Whether they cover that sport or not, no sideline reporter should be dating an athlete if they want to remain credible. Especially this current crop who are making young girls want to get into the business solely because they see it as a means to dating athletes.