AWSM staff report

Story posted on Jan. 21, 2009

Less than 24 hours after the Association for Women in Sports Media expressed concern over comments made by Rod Marinelli, the Chicago Bears defensive coordinator apologized.

AWSM president Jenni Carlson contacted the NFL on Tuesday evening after Marinelli brushed off several Detroit reporters at the Senior Bowl by saying, "Goodbye, ladies." Marinelli was recently fired by the Lions after a winless season.

Wednesday afternoon, Marinelli sent an apology to AWSM via Scott Hagel, senior director of corporate communications for the Bears.

"Please accept my personal apology for the words I used in response to the request of a few Detroit reporters covering the Senior Bowl," Marinelli said. "In attempting to avoid being interviewed, I understand that my comment was inappropriate and wrong.

"I want to assure you that this tone and this choice of words will not occur again in response to questions from reporters."

The apology as well as the prompt response from the NFL and the Bears drew praise from Carlson.

"What Coach Marinelli said Tuesday afternoon caused concern to me and many other AWSM members," Carlson said. "Used as an insult, such words help foster a hostile work environment for women in sports media.

"But his words Wednesday afternoon are a source of hope. We appreciate that the NFL, the Bears and Coach Marinelli took this matter seriously and are working to see that it doesn't happen again."

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