Jenn Sterger seeks 'proper resolution'

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Legal Ramifications Facing Favre, Jets, NFL

Lester Munson on the legal ramifications of the allegations against Brett FavreTags: OTL, Lester Munson, Harassment, Jenn Sterger, Sexual Harassment

Legal Ramifications Facing Favre, Jets, NFL

CHICAGO -- NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell says there's no timetable for wrapping up an investigation of an Internet report that said Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre sent racy text messages and lewd photos to a former New York Jets game hostess.

"We're just looking for facts now," Goodell said Tuesday at the NFL owners meeting. "I am going to deal with it as we get the facts."

He says he has no plans to meet with Favre, "but if it is something that would help us get to a conclusion and it is warranted, I will do so."

The investigation commenced Thursday, the same day that Deadspin.com posted voice messages and salacious photos that Favre allegedly sent to Jenn Sterger when both were employed by the Jets in 2008. Sterger now works for the Versus cable network.

Sterger's manager Phil Reese said a "proper resolution" to the case is more important than a speedy one.

On Tuesday, Reese released the following statement from Sterger: "This is something that allegedly happened two years ago. We don't want a quick resolution, but the proper resolution."

He declined to say whether his client has talked with the NFL.

Favre could be fined or suspended under the NFL's personal conduct policy.

"One of the reasons we instituted the personal conduct policy ... to make everyone understand their responsibilities," Goodell said. "We're not going down a line of speculation and hypothetical situations."

Monday, Reese declined to say if his client was cooperating with the NFL or had retained a lawyer, but issued a statement saying that "we're looking at all our options right now and our only concern is what's in Jenn's best interest."

Reese has said his client "did not provide Deadspin with any information." And a Deadspin editor said it paid a third party for the material and acknowledged it's possible the man who sent the voice mails and photos may not be Favre.

NFL security was at the Jets' facility Monday to interview a handful of employees, including members of the media relations department, two sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.

Favre apologized to his teammates for being a distraction during a meeting Monday morning, sources told Mortensen. Vikings kicker Ryan Longwell, who was also Favre's teammate in Green Bay, told ESPN's Michele Tafoya it was very similar to the emotion Favre showed in December 2003 when he led the Packers to victory in a Monday night game the day after his father died.

After the Vikings' 29-20 loss to the Jets, Favre acknowledged he spoke with his teammates but didn't get into details.

"That's between me and my teammates, apparently not all of them," he told reporters.

When asked about the accuracy of the reports, Favre told ESPN, "That will take its course."

Favre added that he would have "no problem with talking to the commissioner" if he is asked.

A source told Mortensen that the NFL also wants to interview one and possibly both massage therapists who also were reportedly sent inappropriate text messages by Favre. One of the therapists, who is contracted by the team, told Deadspin.com about the texts.

Two high-profile quarterbacks recently were penalized for violating the NFL's personal conduct policy. Former Falcon Michael Vick returned to the league in 2009 with Philadelphia after missing two seasons for his role in a dogfighting ring. He served an 18-month sentence in prison.

Steelers quarterback Ben Roethlisberger was suspended for six games in April after he was accused of, but not charged with, sexually assaulting a 20-year-old woman at a Georgia college bar. Goodell shortened that ban to four games just before the season, and Roethlisberger will return to the lineup on Sunday against Cleveland.

Information from ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen and The Associated Press was used in this report.

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