By Steve Keating
DALLAS (Reuters) - Ines Sainz, the television reporter who prompted the NFL to introduce new code of conduct rules, grabbed the Super Bowl spotlight Tuesday, attracting nearly as much attention as the Green Bay Packers and Pittsburgh Steelers.
Earlier in the season, Sainz triggered an NFL investigation when it was reported the former model had catcalls and rude comments directed at her from some members of the New York Jets while waiting to conduct an interview in the team locker room.
As a result of the investigation the NFL implemented a training program on proper conduct in the workplace that all 32 teams must complete.
While Sainz, a reporter for Mexico's TV Azteca, said the incident had left her feeling "uncomfortable," she appeared at ease while joining thousands of other reporters working the sidelines on Super Bowl Media Day.
Wearing a sequined micro-mini dress and teetering on black stilettos, Sainz found herself on the other end of the microphone, drawing crowds as big as some players.
Reporters peppered her with questions about her provocative choice of outfits.
"I didn't make the claim, I was only a witness for them because other people said something had happened," said Sainz smiling into a wall of television cameras.
"I decided to keep going, they (NFL) made it an easier way for me and I am really grateful. The Super Bowl is serious and the rest is fun and this is a special fun day.
"I dress for my show because in Mexico I have a really important show and all my outfits match with my partners. It is part of my job.
"That's the great thing about Media Day. You can do the serious work and you can share the time with the media and have some fun."
While Sainz drew the limelight, she was not alone walking the gridiron catwalk.
There was no shortage of competition for the spotlight with television networks sending in some of their most glamorous presenters to provide reports for everything from Entertainment Tonight to Access Hollywood.
On Media Day, no outfit is too outrageous or question too far out of bounds.
Reporters come dressed up as super heroes or players might find themselves being questioned by an 11-year-old with a microphone, wanting to know everything from what players do when they have to go to the bathroom during the game to what hair product they use.
(Editing by Steve Ginsburg)