As you can imagine Sterger’s lawyers are upset that Favre got off with a slap on the wrist.
I am going to assume they are more upset that they botched the attempts to extort Favre more than anything else. Here is the press release they sent out to the media.
My client and I are extremely disappointed, but not surprised, at today’s NFL announcement that Brett Favre did not violate the NFL “workplace conduct” policy. While I am not privy to how Mr. Goodell reached such a finding, we strongly disagree with his conclusion that there was insufficient evidence to support a violation of the policy.
To the contrary, our evidence and the personal testimony of Ms. Sterger clearly showed a pattern of lewd and offensive behavior by Mr. Favre that lasted all of the 2008 season. As noted in the NFL’s release, “there was no evidence to suggest that Sterger engaged in any inappropriate conduct.” In addition to the offensive messages, there was ample evidence to show that the sexually explicit photographs were part of Favre’s inappropriate behavior.
Our evidence clearly showed that the photos were sent by Favre. Likewise, Mr. Goodell completely failed to address the complicity of the New York Jet organization in Favre’s conduct. The evidence was explicit that Ms. Sterger’s personal telephone numbers were provided to Favre by still-current employees of the New York Jets. This was done without Ms. Sterger’s knowledge and consent.
Furthermore, the fact that the League took the step of fining Favre for “not being candid in several respects during the investigation” is disturbing in the message it sends. 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. 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.
The last paragraph I wholeheartedly agree with Mr. Conway, but he fails to mention a few key things in his statement.
His client wasn’t sexually harassed, felt threatened, ever considered turning Favre in and was flattered by the attention. I would have more sympathy for Miss Sterger if she went to the Jets, NFL or an attorney immediately, but that wasn’t the case.
Yes Favre is a dirty old man and he punked the NFL, but if Miss Sterger would have brought it to the attention of someone earlier it would have been a different outcome.
She point blank told Deadspin that she wasn’t offended and didn’t want to make a big deal over it. It was because the Deadspin story got national attention, that the money hungry lawyers got in her ear and let her know she could make a quick buck.
She didn’t talk to the NFL for weeks waiting and hoping Favre would pay her off.
When Favre told her to kick rocks she begged the NFL to take action to help her with a lawsuit. The NFL isn’t stupid they saw right through that.
I don’t think Miss Sterger is a bad person, I think she got some horrible advice and terrible representation. She gambled on a cash payout and crapped out.
Tough break.
