The NFL has finished its investigation into the Brett Favre scandal involving sexting ex-Playboy model Jenn Sterger
while she was working the sidelines for the New York Jets in 2008. While some expected Favre to get slapped with a several game suspension, others thought the 41-year-old slinger would walk away free and clear.
Final verdict. . . . a $50,000 fine in what equates to three minutes of pay for standing on the sideline nursing his injuries. (Favre is working under a $16 million contract this season meaning he earns $1 million a game or about 50K every three minutes).
Why a fine and not a suspension?
According to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, the league “could not conclude” that Favre violated the NFL’s personal conduct policy from the evidence he had available. The league was also said to be dealing with Favre refusing to cooperate and answer questions so they had to go on the limited amount of info, some of it two years old, like the origin of the alleged sext messages and penis photos that were said to be sent several years ago.
So why was Favre fined at all if there was no violation of conduct?
According to the league, it’s because Goodell determined 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 also said it centered its investigation on determining if Favre violated the “workplace conduct policy” and did not judge on the “appropriateness of personal relationships.”
“Personal relationships?” That may be the biggest factor weighing on the league’s decision. While the media has been saturated with information surrounding the sext messages and naked photos that Favre allegedly sent to Sterger, did she respond to them and if so, how?
With this slap on the wrist verdict coming down from the NFL and not involving a suspension or apology, it appears one of two things is happening. Either the league is protecting one of its marquee players or there may be another side to the story the media seems to be focused on.
Regardless, Sterger’s attorney thinks Favre walked on this one and is fired up accusing the NFL of being a “good ole boys league.”
Although Favre has created a circus in the past, saying he was retiring only to un-retire again; with 11 touchdown passes, 19 interceptions and a passer rating of 69.9 that is third from the bottom of the league, this should be his final curtain call. In addition to his lack of performance this season, Favre has been slammed with a series of injuries to body parts that include his chin, ribs, ankle, head, back and shoulder. That shoulder injury ended the ironman’s consecutive start streak at 297 on Dec. 13.
Regardless how this plays out or if Sterger’s camp tries to start a lawsuit, Favre will be taking snaps or standing on the sidelines for what should certainly be his last NFL game this weekend in Detroit.
But remember three minutes of his time sitting on the bench at Ford Field drinking Gatorade will need to be sent to the league to cover his fine.
Used with permission of the author.
Jay Donetelli is a Tampa-based freelance sportswriter and contributor to Sports Climax. With an opinion sharper than an Ovechkin skate blade with the sting of an Ali jab, Donetelli has a loyal cult of readers who have found a way to love him.
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