NFL players demand 'immediate changes' to protect privacy in locker rooms

The NFL Players Association have called for 'immediate changes' to be made to locker room access after a number of players were reportedly 'exposed' while naked on camera

NFLstars are urging the sport's bosses to safeguard their privacy in the locker room after a player revealed some athletes have been caught on camera without their clothes on.

On Friday, the NFL Players Association demanded tighter controls on media access to locker rooms, describing the current setup as an invasion of players' personal space. The organisation encouraged reporters to conduct interviews outside the locker room during the week instead.

In the NFL, it's common for journalists to mingle with players in the locker room on match days and training days, allowing the media close proximity to athletes due to rules the players' association branded "outdated". The NFLPA statement read: "Players feel that locker room interviews invade their privacy and are uncomfortable. This isn't about limiting media access but about respecting players' privacy and dignity."

"We, the NFLPA Executive Committee, urge the NFL to make immediate changes to foster a more respectful and safer workplace for all players."

Earlier this week, Bengals player Ted Karras - who represents his teammates on union matters - spoke out about the need to limit locker room access. He revealed several players had been caught on camera without their clothes on, prompting complaints that led to the NFLPA statement

"As you've heard from a couple of teams now and the NFLPA is going to come out with a statement, in an effort to protect the sanctity of the locker room and the comfort of the players, each team is going to figure out a program to where we conduct our interviews outside of the locker room," Karras said.

"Now, this doesn't bar you from the locker room. We can't do that. But what we want to do is get cameras off guys in private moments in our locker room."

"What brought it to light, really, was a couple of guys naked on camera this year. It has happened a few times in the history of the league."

The NFLPA did not name any specific journalists, while two-time Super Bowl champion Torrey Smith sensationally accused journalists of looking at players' private parts. He took to social media to post: "If only y'all knew how awkward some of the male reporters act."

Meanwhile, the Pro Football Writers of America said in a statement: "NFL players asking to speak outside the locker room has always been a part of the league's media access policy. We are continuing discussions with NFLPA executives regarding the media access policy."

"The goal is to make everyone comfortable in locker room settings and to have players and clubs follow the NFL media policy."