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Favre avoids suspension, fined $50,000 by NFL
12/29/2010 12:25:50 PM | More
theredzone.org
Nate Davis of USA Today reports that Vikings quarterback Brett Favre was fined $50,000 Wednesday by commissioner Roger Goodell for his lack of cooperation amid an investigation that Favre sent inappropriate messages to former New York Jets game day hostess Jenn Sterger in 2008. Favre was the team's quarterback that season.
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Brett Favre
I'm surprised he got fined at all.
:rolleyes:Quote:
Favre has made it clear that 2010, his 20th year in the NFL, will be his last.
Sure. Just like 2009, 2008, 2007, 2006.... :coffee:
Now you can be fined for not implicating yourself.
That drama king piece of shit got away with one here. Had this been Ben or another Steeler, he would have received a much larger fine and a 3-4 game suspension. Once again, one of the golden boys scores. :upyours: Goodumbell.
Just more bullshit favoritism from Goodell. Ben gets suspended 4 games for being accused of something and Favre only gets fined $50k for "not cooperating" despite the fact that Sterger still had the pics and texts. Nice how they also drug the whole thing out the whole year so that Brett wouldn't be bothered during the season.
50,000 dollars for sending a text!!!???? And the fact that peoplle are complaining he got off easy is crazy. If I was Brett I would give goodell the finger and say im retiring.
Did any of you really think it was going to be different?
Of course Goodell wasn't going to suspend one of his favorite players. He didn't suspend rank players like Cedric Benson and Vince Young who nobody cares about. No way he was going to suspend the "almighty" Brett Favre
What was he gonna get suspended from? After the beating he's taken this season I'd say he's FINALLY ready to hang up the cleats.
Oh that's right. Brett Favre.
noQuote:
Originally Posted by silver & black
If anything, the punishment is pretty harsh.
Favre got fined for not violating a single rule, according to the NFL.
The major problem I have with this is the way it was handled. With Ben, he was pretty much hanged from day one, without one shred of proof that he committed any crime. Favre, however, was able to get a free pass all season with barely a mention in the media when compared to Ben, AND they actually have proof of the "sexts" that were sent. Before today, when was the last time anyone mentioned this investigation? Can't be anything other than preferential treatment.
That said, I do agree that 50 large for choosing not to incriminate yourself is pretty harsh.
Let's face it, sexual assualt is a more serious allegation than sexual harassment. When you're comparing allegded rape to sending a couple pictures on your phone, there's no comparison.Quote:
Originally Posted by X-Terminator
Do I think Ben got fair treatment? No. But that's the way media works in today's world.
Doesn't matter. Goodell set the precedent by suspending Ben without any evidence of a crime committed. He ignored that precedent by allowing Favre and several others to get away with actual crimes committed without a suspension. And let's face it, sexual harassment is a crime. Therefore, Favre should have been suspended especially since they have PROOF of the crime committed, which they never had in Ben's case. After all, it's all about "protecting the shield", right? You can claim we are being unreasonable if you want, you can apologize for Goodell if you want, but that is the bottom line. It's HIS FAULT Steelers fans have the feeling that Ben got the shaft...no pun intended.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chidi29
It seems like these are two different punishments based on two different findings.Quote:
Originally Posted by X-Terminator
Goodell is saying there isn't enough evidence to show that Favre violated either the workplace conduct policy or personal conduct policy. He is being fined for not cooperating.
Goodell obviously decided there was enough evidence in Ben's case. Mainly due to the nature of the allegation. With Ben, you can point to him being in the same place as the girl. With Favre, it's tough to say if he had any sort of contact with her.
I'm not condoning sexual harassment and it is most certainly a crime but they are two different accusations.
I've read this on several sites, including AOL, but am posting this version. Obviously, there was evidence that the Drama King sent lewd and lascivious photos to this woman but Goododo turned a blind eye to it and slapped him on the wrist with a pittance of a fine. :doh: :mad2:
Brett Favre Accuser -- The NFL Is a Sexist League
Jenn Sterger's lawyer just released a statement saying, "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."
Jenn's lawyer continues, "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."
He adds, "Our evidence clearly showed that the photos were sent by Favre."
If you wish to read the entire statement made by Sterger's lawyer, click on the photo in the link.
Read more at: http://www.tmz.com/2010/12/29/brett-...-disappointed/
Mmmm-hm!
Chidi, you know I respect you, but what do you have to say about this one? If Jenn Sterger's lawyer is telling the truth, then Der Kommissar deliberately and blatantly ignored the evidence against Lord Favre and fined him less than James Harrison got for making a football play on the field. But he had no problem throwing the book at Ben over an accusation and ZERO evidence. As intelligent as you are, you can't see the problem here? Come on, man! I don't understand why you keep defending this guy. He is a fraud as a commissioner and needs to be fired.
And there was no provable evidence Ben committed a crime either. If there was, he would have been charged with something.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chidi29
The only thing Ben was guilty of is drinking in a bar with some young women. Being in the same place as someone automatically makes you guilty if you're accused of something? :nervous:Quote:
Originally Posted by Chidi29
The key word here is accusations.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chidi29
Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't said young woman corralled in a restroom with Ben, while is buddies gaurded the door?Quote:
The only thing Ben was guilty of is drinking in a bar with some young women. Being in the same place as someone automatically makes you guilty if you're accused of something?
That is a bit more than just "drinking in a bar with some young women"... no?
Ok - so maybe he got a little "poontang" while in the restroom and if so, there was no evidence that the act wasn't anything but consensual. Though Ben should have exercised better judgment, there is no law that says two people can't have consensual sex in a restroom. The worst that could happen is that the bar owner could toss you and your partner out of his establishment. Hell - I did it several times in my wild younger years. :heh: As to his buddies "guarding the door" - I had one of my friends "guarding" the door when I did it so no one would walk in on us having a purely consensual romp in the restroom.Quote:
Originally Posted by silver & black
In this case, there obviously is damning evidence against the Drama King that Goodumbell and the NFL is ignoring because of his "status", which is unadulterated bullshit.
It doesn't make him guilty of a crime either, which is the entire point being made.Quote:
Originally Posted by silver & black
If I am not mistaken the statements made by the "accuser" and her friends were contradictory and inconsistent. what did or did not happen in that bathroom is unknown. What is know is the GBI and prosecutor did not file charges of any kind against Ben. His suspension was based on the negative impact his decision made on the image of the NFL. Now honestly has Mr. Favre's alleged actions reflected as poorly, U betchaQuote:
Originally Posted by silver & black
Oh nooess what will Brett ever do trying to cover this large sum of money :rolleyes:
He should be suspended just for having a teenyweenie after all the years that we females imagined he filled those Wranglers like a bull.
That is a crime in itself.
:heh:
Look people we should have seen this coming when Favre mentioned about mid-season this was his official last season (yeah right :eyeroll:)
But I'm willing to bet the conversation went something like this:
Quote:
Goodell: So Brett what are you plans for 2011?
Favre: I'm done Rog. Too beat up to play anymore and the Vikings don't have any hotties on staff.
Goodell: Yeah, I know what you mean, was there when the roof collapsed...I mean ok, since you're retiring, I'm just going to fine you what amounts to pennies to your contract.
Favre: Ok that's cool. But don't you think some fans will catch on to the fact that Ben Roethlisberger got suspended 4 games for allegations against him.
Goodell: I don't care about Ben or the Steelers. They play the game too hard, too rough, and too real. I'd suspend the whole damn team if I could. I've already got it in the works to screw them out of another Super Bowl run if they win their first playoff game. But I digress, I'm going to fine you $100,000. You cool with that?
Favre: Whoa, there Rog. $100,000? What the hell, don't I get a break based on the hotness factor of Stergess?
Goodell: Good point, I'll make it $50,000.
Favre: Sounds good. Hey are we still on for racket ball Thursday?
Goodell: Not this week, catch me up after I screw the Steelers again.
...any truth to the rumor that Robert Kraft is going to pay the fine? :wink02:
:lol: :rofl: :lol:Quote:
Originally Posted by stillers4me
He's going to give Needle Dick the Bug Fucker some real competition. :heh:
Quote:
Ok - so maybe he got a little "poontang" while in the restroom and if so, there was no evidence that the act wasn't anything but consensual. Though Ben should have exercised better judgment, there is no law that says two people can't have consensual sex in a restroom. The worst that could happen is that the bar owner could toss you and your partner out of his establishment. Hell - I did it several times in my wild younger years. As to his buddies "guarding the door" - I had one of my friends "guarding" the door when I did it so no one would walk in on us having a purely consensual romp in the restroom.
In this case, there obviously is damning evidence against the Drama King that Goodumbell and the NFL is ignoring because of his "status", which is unadulterated bullshit.
Quote:
It doesn't make him guilty of a crime either, which is the entire point being made.
I agree with you. I was trying to point out that it was more than just "drining with young women in a bar".Quote:
If I am not mistaken the statements made by the "accuser" and her friends were contradictory and inconsistent. what did or did not happen in that bathroom is unknown. What is know is the GBI and prosecutor did not file charges of any kind against Ben. His suspension was based on the negative impact his decision made on the image of the NFL. Now honestly has Mr. Favre's alleged actions reflected as poorly, U betcha
As far as Favre is concerned... you had to see this coming from a mile away... no matter how wrong it is. Favre is a cash cow for the NFL and his sponsors. He is loved by a vast number of football fans. He's one of the greatest players in the history of the game. Ben... not so much... other than for Steelers fans. Ben brought this on himself with poor judgement, plus it was the second time a woman accused him of more or less the same thing. If Ben had played for 20 years and was the icon that Favre is, I can honestly say that I think he would have been dealt with the same way.
You guys can bitch all you want and scream INJUSTICE! from the rooftops till' the cows come home... it doesn't matter. No one really cares, except Steelers fans.
I understand WHY you feel like you do, but it changes nothing. You might as as well GET OVAH IT!... as Al Davis once said in a projector show.:grin:
Yep. I'm pretty much done complaining about it. It's been well established that Goodell is a joke and I'm just hoping the owners replace the jackass ASAP at this point.Quote:
Originally Posted by silver & black
Quote:
Originally Posted by silver & black
ummm except I am a Colts fan, I like the Steelers but not my #1 team... I am horribly offended by the lack of consistency in the NFL's handling of these cases. Ben was suspended for how his actions reflected on the league, Favre got a different kind of punishment. His fine is for lack of cooperation, there is no consequences for how his actions reflect on the league.... THis is not a Steelers issue or a Favre issue, but it should be a fan issue. I like the NFL, I love watching football, How the commisioner has handled many issues actually reflects very poorly on the League. It should not matter that Favre is an Icon or not (and I would argue that Ben is well thought of outside of the the steeler nation) His poor decisions and boorish behaviors cry out for AT LEAST equal justice or the leagues authority is diminished in the minds of TRUE fans (or at least it should be) as always this is only my opinion and in no way reflects the thoughts and opinions of SU, its mods, members, fans or any one but this old idiot, THE WORLD CHAMPION
<-----
Just George
:)
I share your opinion as well, but it doesn't change anything. Goodell is going to do what's best for the NFL and it's sponsors. Fineing Favre an exorbitant amount of money and suspending him from playing in what is most likely his last game of his career, is NOT in the best interest of the NFL... no matter how unfair any of us think it is. Ben is nowhere near Favre's status at this time.Quote:
Originally Posted by Just George
I honestly don't know how Ben is thought of outside of Steeler Nation, but he doesn't have close to the following and clout that Favre has. That may change over the years, but not at this point.
Injustice sucks. Favoritism sucks. It's rampant in the world. Get ovah it!
It just proves how worthless Goodell is and, after this season the owners should fire this guy. Some guys get fined for making legal tackles and, others who should have been fine for helmet to helmet hits got nothing. Goodell needs to go PERIOD.
I respect you, I respect all of you guys, but this is such a terrible argument to make.Quote:
Originally Posted by X-Terminator
Because the accuser's lawyer says something, it's credible? That's bias in the most obvious sense. Its his/her job to slam the league for an unfavorable ruling.
Do we believe the women in Georgia's lawyer just because she thinks Ben is guilty and should have been charged of a crime? Or how about the woman in Reno? If her lawyer comes out and says that the Nevada police are playing favorties to protect Ben, would you believe her? Would you defend her?
You wouldn't. You'd rip the lawyer a new one. You'd laugh it off as a bogus, tailor-made statment made by any competent lawyer. I'd do the exact same thing.
What evidence? We have no idea what was presented.
Besides, the NFL has clearly shown it's not sexist as her lawyer claims. We know that first hand with the suspension Ben got.
And me having to click on a link to TMZ? I vowed I'd never do that.
I don't need to hear the defense of Ben. I've said it all before. I've defended the guy. I believe he's innocent.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wallace108
Let me make my point clear because I think there's a misunderstanding that is causing me to come under fire.
1. Again, I believe Ben is innocent. I've supported him and will continue to do so.
2. I don't know if Favre is innocent or guilty. Don't care enough to do the needed digging to come up with a proper opinion.
And now onto the meat and potatoes of my point. Dig in.
3. Media perception does have a big influence on the punishment a player gets. Especially when the legal system isn't calling anyone guilty. Like it or not, fair or not (It's not), that's the way it goes.
That already gives Favre an "upper hand" so to speak because he wasn't thrown to the wolves like Ben was. This is mostly due to the accusation itself. As I've said, they are both crimes, but sexual harassment (sending pics of yourself) and sexual assault is no contest. Assault drums up a better lead story.
Now let's look at what both were punished for.
Ben: Violation of the personal conduct policy
Favre: Failure to cooperate
How did it get that way? Again, it goes back to what they are being accused of.
4. With Ben being a physical thing, when you put him and the girl at the same time and place (which you can't deny) there is a greater chance of something happening. Maybe not illegal but something that would violate the personal conduct policy.
5. With Favre, there was no physical event. It was text messages. There is a much more black and white line or innocence or guilt in the eyes of violating personal conduct. Either he sent the pics or he didn't and is absolved of everything.
To me, that's why Favre didn't get in trouble for the personal conduct. Contact vs non-contact.
I intended to make this more about Favre than Ben. I'd prefer to stop talking about the Ben incident and have tried to put that behind me because hey, it's Week 17 and we're in the playoffs. It may sound like I'm talking harshly about Ben but that's just to show the differences in the two cases.
And as I said with the first point, Favre was fined 50K despite not violating a single NFL policy. The league can't say he did anything wrong. Heck, if you wanted to, you could argue the NFL shouldn't be able to punish him for executing his 5th Amendment right (right to not incriminate yourself).
Favre was still punished.
Based on your reasoning, I think someone should hire a woman to set Brady up and accuse him of sexual assault. It doesn't matter that there would be no evidence and no charges, the accusation alone would guarantee a four-game suspension.Quote:
Originally Posted by Chidi29
You said Favre didn't violate a single NFL policy. Well, what policy did Ben violate? He's not allowed to go out and celebrate his birthday? He's not allowed to drink with women around?
I think you're missing the point on accusations. I don't care if someone is accused of sending a picture, accused of sexual assault, or accused of murder. You're OK with handing out punishments based on the severity of the accusations? Even if they didn't do what they were accused of?
And yes, Favre was fined ... but he wasn't suspended. Therein lies the hypocrisy.
You can't hand out punishments based on accusations, regardless of what those accusations are. Unless there's some evidence against Favre, I don't think he should have been fined, but the same holds true with Ben. Unfortunately, Goodell has opened up this can of worms.
And I've steadfastly disagreed with Ben getting a suspension of that magnitude. You guys are just reading what you're wanting to read. I've said that Ben got unfair treatment.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wallace108
I'm saying that in the commish's eyes, Favre didn't violate a policy. Because that's what the ruling was. No policy was violated.
Favre was fined for lying to the NFL.........it had nothing to do with what he was accused of, which is another issue in itself. Ben was suspended for accusations only. As far as the accusations go....he skated them.
I went back and reread your arguments. I now see that you were arguing from Goodell's perspective, not your own. I apologize for misinterpreting what you were arguing. :drink:Quote:
Originally Posted by Chidi29
And for the record, Goodell's perspective is wrong. :heh:
It's cool. I just wanted everyone to be clear on my point.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wallace108
I think Goodell was under a lot of pressure to create a severe punishment because of the media coverage. You'd like to try to rise above that pressure but it's easier said than done IMO.