A reporter covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers took to social media to defend her choice to wear a mask during the team’s final game of the NFL regular season, following backlash from critics online.
Jenna Laine, who covers the Bucs and the NFC South for ESPN, donned a mask while reporting from the sideline during Tampa Bay’s Sunday matchup against the New Orleans Saints. However, her decision to mask up drew ridicule from an anonymous user on X, formerly Twitter, who found her precaution “hilarious.”
Laine didn’t let the comment go unanswered. In a series of thoughtful and pointed responses, she explained her decision, revealing a recent battle with persistent health issues that influenced her choice to wear a mask.
“Hey buddy… I’ve been sick off and on since Dec 15,” Laine replied to the user. “Yet the Bucs’ injury report has had ZERO players with upper respiratory illnesses (Mike Edwards had a stomach bug). I’m masking up to continue protecting YOUR favorite players, coaches, their families and myself. You’re welcome.”
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Laine further expanded on her reasoning, emphasizing the importance of respecting personal health decisions, especially in public settings. “Like why does anyone care if someone is wearing a mask??? You don’t know their health status or history, what kind of immunosuppressants they may be on, what sick family members they may have at home or what they might be protecting YOU from. Mind your business, Dorothy,” she wrote.
In subsequent posts, Laine disclosed more about her recent health challenges, detailing the extensive measures she’s taken to recover while continuing her professional duties. She revealed she had been prescribed a combination of medications, including antibiotics, cough suppressants, anti-nausea drugs, and a prednisone pack, and even received a steroid injection.
“It’s the only way I was able to work in any capacity or cover the game. I was desperate,” Laine said. She added that one clinic recommended she go to the emergency room, but she sought a second opinion and was eventually cleared to work as long as she wore a mask.
Despite her condition, Laine’s determination to fulfill her role as a reporter remained steadfast. “I stayed home for two days due to my illness, but once I was cleared to return, I made the decision to mask up to protect not only myself but also the players, coaches, and their families,” she explained.
The timing of the controversy coincided with a significant victory for the Buccaneers. Tampa Bay defeated the Saints, securing the NFC South title and a playoff berth. During the game, wide receiver Mike Evans achieved a milestone by surpassing 1,000 receiving yards for the season, marking his 11th consecutive season with such a feat—a record shared only with Hall of Famer Jerry Rice.
With the Buccaneers now gearing up to face the Washington Commanders in the playoffs on Sunday night, Laine’s commitment to professionalism and player safety serves as a reminder of the unseen challenges reporters often face behind the scenes. Her story also highlights the importance of empathy and understanding in conversations about personal health choices.
