ESPN reporter reveals why she’s been wearing a mask at NFL games

A reporter covering the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defended her use of a mask to protect herself after receiving criticism for wearing one in the final game of the NFL regular season.

Jenna Laine, a reporter who covers the team in the NFC South, chose to wear a mask during the Bucs’ Sunday afternoon game against the New Orleans Saints.

An anonymous user on X, formerly Twitter, chose to mock her decision to mask up, calling it “hilarious.”

Laine then explained her decision and revealed that she had been dealing with a number of health issues in recent weeks.

“Hey buddy…I’ve been sick on and off since December 15th,” Laine responded on the social media platform.

“Yet the Bucs injury report has had ZERO players with upper respiratory illnesses (Mike Edwards had a stomach flu). I’m putting on my mask to continue protecting YOUR favorite players, coaches, their families, and myself. Don’t mention it.’

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She continued, “…Like why does anyone care if someone wears a mask??? You don’t know their health status or history, what type of immunosuppressants they are taking, what sick family members they have at home, or what they may be protecting YOU from. Mind your business, Dorothy.’

In further answers, Laine explained that she was taking “antibiotics, cough suppressants, anti-nausea (because coughing made me vomit), I had a steroid injection on Friday and I am taking a prednisone pack for three days.”

Laine revealed that taking all those medications was the only way she could keep working. She also said she stayed home for two days due to her illness and a doctor cleared her to return to work as long as she wears a mask to protect herself and others.

“It’s the only way I could work in any capacity or cover the game. I was desperate,” Laine said in another response. “A walk-in clinic told me I had to go to the ER because there was nothing more they could do.

‘So glad I went to someone else. I had some insomnia, but that and the fact that I was a bit hyperactive the first two days were the only downsides.’

Tampa Bay’s win over New Orleans solidified their NFC South division title and secured the final playoff spot in the NFC.

In the process, wide receiver Mike Evans surpassed the 1,000 receiving yards mark for the season. It’s his 11th consecutive season of over 1,000 yards, tying Hall of Famer Jerry Rice’s record for most consecutive campaigns in which he achieved four-figure receiving yards.

Tampa Bay is the fourth seed in the playoffs and will host the Washington Commanders on Sunday night on NBC.