Posted by Sabrina B. @gametimegirl
Vikings quarterback Brett Favre apologized to his teammates for being a distraction during a meeting Monday morning and told them he is prepared to play “lights out tonight” when Minnesota faces the New York Jets, sources told ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen.
The NFL is aggressively investigating allegations that Favre sent inappropriate messages and photos to a former Jets employee, a source familiar with the league’s review told Mortensen.
The investigation is on a fast track and 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 New York Jets in 2008.
Sterger is reportedly willing to cooperate, but has not yet spoken with NFL investigators.
Sterger’s manager released a statement Monday to answer questions on whether his client has retained legal counsel.
“We’re looking at all our options right now and our only concern is what’s in Jenn’s best interest,” Phil Reese said.
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.
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.
NFL security officials will meet with Favre if they are provided evidence that the allegations have merit, a source told Mortensen.
When asked by ESPN at a “Monday Night Football” production meeting, Favre would not directly comment on the allegations but said neither he nor his agent had been contacted by the NFL about the matter.
“My main focus is the New York Jets, they are a tough team; as good as they are that has been my focus,” Favre told ESPN. “I hate in any way if this has been a distraction as I said Thursday — we are here focused on trying to beat the Jets.”
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.
NFL commissioner Roger Goodell confirmed that the league is looking into the allegations.
“We are going through that and we are making sure we understand all the facts,” Goodell said at halftime of the Chargers-Raiders game.
Goodell added once the investigation is complete, “we’ll make a determination from there.”
Information from ESPN senior NFL analyst Chris Mortensen and The Associated Press was used in this report.
