EDEN PRAIRIE, Minn. — Brett Favre was fined $50,000 Wednesday by the NFL for a sexting scandal that first made headlines in October.
The quarterback was accused of sending inappropriate text messages and graphic photos in 2008 to Jenn Sterger, who was working as a New York Jets gameday hostess at the time while Favre was with the team.
The league said Favre failed to cooperate during their investigation, but said they "could not conclude" that he violated the league's personal-conduct policy based on the evidence currently available.
Also see: Jenn Sterger Pics
"The forensic analysis could not establish that Favre sent the objectionable photographs to Sterger," the NFL said in a statement. "The review found no evidence to contradict the statements of both Favre and Sterger that they never met in person, nor was there anything to suggest that Sterger engaged in any inappropriate conduct."
"Commissioner [Roger] Goodell also determined that Favre was not candid in several respects during the investigation, resulting in a longer review and additional negative public attention for Favre, Sterger, and the NFL," the league added. "Commissioner Goodell stated to Favre that if he had found a violation of the league's workplace conduct policies, he would have imposed a substantially higher level of discipline."
The investigation was launched after the website Deadspin.com published several voicemails and graphic photos that were allegedly sent by Favre to Sterger's cell phone.
Sterger's attorney, Joseph Conway, accused the league of favoritism, saying there was "ample evidence" the photos were of Favre.
"It clearly shows that an NFL star player was given preferential treatment and tells all other players that failure to cooperate may cost you some money but will not result in other punishment," said Conway. "Additionally, today's decision is an affront to all females and shows once again that, despite tough talk, the NFL remains the good old boys' league."
- Comment
