I can’t decide. Apparently ESPN sideline reporter Erin Andrews wore it during a Monday night baseball game a few days ago in Chicago. As usual, I missed this until tonight, but I caught a glimpse of an article on Deadspin about it. A Milwaukee beat writer had some not so nice things to say about Ms. Andrews and that sparked the debate. I dunno…it could go either way. Personally I know I wouldn’t mind seeing Ms. Andrews walking around our ballpark, but I don’t know how professional it is. So what do you think? Nice outfit? Or “What is she thinking?” Or…”Where did she get those shoes?” Anyone?
A Round World Through Square Glasses 
My vote is that it’s fine if she is a spectator. It’s fine if she’s going for a summer BBQ (do you call them cook outs back there?). BUT … not so professional.
I’m tending to agree…
The outfit is completely inappropriate and unprofessional to be doing the job of a sideline reporter. When Suzy Kolber, Bonnie Bernstein or Pam Oliver report from the sidelines for their jobs, they are dressed in suits or other appropriate clothing so as not to reveal too much and they look nice. You don’t take one look at them and think “huh, wonder which player they are trying to get the attention of this time.”
As a female in the sports business, I cringe when I see something like this. I feel that it gives women a bad name, that they are looked at by others that the only way they feel they can get ahead in the business is by taking advantage of their looks, not by their knowledge and professionalism.
I’ve seen Erin Andrews report on the sidelines… it’s not all that great. I’ve never really been impressed by her questions or what she has to offer to the broadcast. She’s definitely gotten by on her looks.
I think Lou Pinella’s comment in the article says it all…. “Are you doing a baseball game today or a modeling assignment?” When you’ve got a baseball manager wondering what you’re doing, I think you need to take a long, hard look at yourself in the mirror… literally.
And that, as they say, is THAT!
Okay, she looks nice, but it’s not really professional. But then again, what are the ‘professional dress’ rules for sports commentators/reporters? I mean, is this really what people are bitching about? Is it distracting to the game? To the interview? How is that any different than a female interviewing a NAKED male after a game? We know that happens all the time. Jeez.
Is she going to bat? What she wears has nothing to do with the content of her reporting. Summer dresses have had abig boom in fashion this year, and being in the public eye it is important for her to look “fashionable”. Her outfit says nothing negative towards women in her field. She looks nice and as longs as her reporting is up to par this can’t really be an issue.
Should critique-ing not be based on content and not some visual template that seems a bit outdated?
I’ve seen more than a few televised speeches by Bill Gates and Warren Buffet together, both in crumply looking old shirts and looking rather unassuming.
Not a bad thing for sure, but certainly didn’t measure up to the ” typical” prototype of Captain of Industry.
Point being, if you do a righteous job, it shouldn’t matter.
PS- I think it’s kind of ironic that as this womans’ clothing is short-ish, the shorts on basketball players have become like long dresses!
What’s up with THAT?
When I was in high school, I wore nut crunchers. So I totally understand the long shorts thing…
I don’t think it’s professional, and I think it’s ugly to boot. I hate that high waisted belt thing, it makes the dress look even more short than it is, and it’s already too short.
I know nothing about fashion. I’ll take your word on it…
Professional if you work at Hooters. I’m not bothered though. There are much more important things to worry about in this world… Like Edwards extramarital affair.
THAT was earth-shattering news, wasn’t it? Oh…and have you seen the woman he cheated with? Lovely lady…
I don’t think Edwards is going to be our next VP. Just an intuition…
Probably a safe assumption.
What?? Edwards had an affair? I thought he was the perfect husband. Where have I been all day since I just now heard this news right here?
As for the dress, I think it takes a lot away from her professionalism. It’s more of a “look at me” than a “listen to what I have to say because I know my stuff” kind of outfit. I notice it was mostly the men on here who thought she looked fine. Ha!
Men don’t care what she is wearing, they just want her to say what she has to day and move on. Sideline commentators are just annoying. Plus, her camera angle will almost cercainly be from the shoulders up, no leg shots. Am I right on this one, Al?
You are correct. The original article was from a newspaper columnist, so he got to see her in full garb. Most tv viewers wouldnt see what she’s wearing…
Well, I sit at a desk all day and can pretty much wear whatever I want (except flip flops apparently) and still perform my job effectively, but no way would I consider wearing something like that to work. Like twentyfour said, it looks like she’s headed out to a bbq or other social engagement. It does not say “I’m at work, take me seriously.”
Add 6 inches to the skirt and Rach and I would both wear that ensemble to work.