Favre’s conduct queried
League investigates alleged impropriety
The NFL said Friday it would review allegations involving the Minnesota Vikings’ Brett Favre, who the website Deadspin said sent racy messages and photos to a former game hostess while he was the New York Jets’ quarterback in 2008.
The league action comes one day after the site posted a video that included below-the-waist photos, said to be of Favre.
The Vikings will travel to New York to play the Jets on Monday night.
“We are reviewing the matter,” league spokesman Greg Aiello said when asked about reports that a person alleged to be Favre sent voicemails and lewd pictures to Jenn Sterger.
The 26-year-old Sterger, now a TV personality for Versus, has a website that describes her as an actress, model, writer and television host. Her duties during Jets games included introducing the Jets’ dance team, asking trivia questions and making announcements to the crowd.
Asked to respond to the Deadspin report on Thursday, Favre said: “I’m not getting into that. I’ve got my hands full with the Jets and am trying to get some timing down with our guys, so that’s all I’m going to discuss.”
Later, Deadspin reported that Favre also pursued two female massage therapists who worked part-time for the team, according to one of the women. Deadspin did not identify the women, but a Jets spokesman said the team has contact information for the two women and was giving that information to the league. The Jets spokesman requested anonymity because the NFL investigation is ongoing.
According to Deadspin, one woman exchanged phone numbers with Favre, and the other woman told the website that the quarterback sent “nasty” text messages and invited both women to his hotel room.
If the NFL finds that Favre violated its personal conduct policy, Favre could be fined or even suspended. The league’s policy allows it to punish a wide range of behavior, even that which is not illegal.
Eagles’ QB Kolb will start for injured Vick
Kevin Kolb will replace the injured Michael Vick at quarterback when the Philadelphia Eagles visit San Francisco on Sunday. Vick didn’t practice all week because of a rib cartilage injury, and won’t travel with the team.
Vick was hurt in the first quarter of Philadelphia’s 17-12 loss last Sunday to the Washington Redskins.
Kolb began the season as the starter, but lost his job after he suffered a concussion in Week 1 and Vick played exceptionally well in his absence.
Haynesworth’s half brother dies
Washington Redskins coach Mike Shanahan is uncertain whether Albert Haynesworth will be with the team for Sunday’s game against the Green Bay Packers.
Haynesworth left the team after learning that his half brother had been killed in a motorcycle crash Thursday night in Nashville.
Shanahan says Haynesworth’s backup at nose tackle, Anthony Bryant, is ready to return after missing the last two games with a concussion.
Around the league
Oakland running back Darren McFadden has been ruled out of Sunday’s game against San Diego with a right hamstring injury. Raiders linebacker Thomas Howard (knee) will also sit. … Cleveland quarterback Jake Delhomme (sprained ankle) and running back Peyton Hillis (strained thigh) are listed as questionable but should play in Sunday’s game against Atlanta. … Carolina will be without top receiver Steve Smith (ankle) and starting safety Sherrod Martin (concussion) against Chicago because of injuries. Linebacker Jamar Williams (neck) and right tackle Jeff Otah (knee) also won’t play Sunday against the Bears. … The Detroit Lions have offensive guard Rob Sims under contract for four more seasons. The team announced the signing but financial terms were not available.