EQUALITY WATCH : Foul Play

It was more than mere unsportsmanlike conduct by some clownish football players. Much worse. And so the most famous football incident of the season so far has occurred off the field--in the locker room of the New England Patriots.

And now NFL Commissioner Paul Tagliabue has had his say. With his ruling Tuesday, he put all players, staff, coaches and owners on notice: Women sportswriters have every right to cover these teams--and without sexual harassment.

Tagliabue fined the New England Patriots and three players after an independent investigation substantiated allegations made by Lisa Olson, a reporter for The Boston Herald. She was interviewing a player in the locker room when several teammates sexually harassed her with offensive words and repulsive actions. Tagliabue levied $25,000 fines against the owner, Victor Kiam, and the team.

He also fined the most active and insulting player, Zeke Mowatt, $12,500. Two verbal accomplices were each charged $5,000. Those fines--small change to athletes who earn an average of $400,000--should be a warning of even stronger penalties for any such future violation.

The commissioner also criticized Kiam and his management for their abysmal handling of the matter. Kiam initially belittled the incident, dismissing the allegation of sexual harassment.

All too often that’s management’s initial reaction when one of the guys harasses a female colleague. In too many cases, including that football locker room, nobody tries to stop it.