New Accusers Sue Favre & Jets, Alleging Team Didn't Address Known Sexual Harassment
Reportedly irked by what they saw as a slap-on-the-wrist $50,000 fine imposed on former New York Jets quarterback Brett Favre concerning allegations that he sexually harassed sideline team reporter Jenn Sterger and sent her an explicit photo, two more women have stepped up to the plate.
In a lawsuit filed today in state court in Manhattan, two former massage therapists for the team say they were fired after they complained that Favre had sent a suggestive text message to another worker who allegedly showed it to them but didn’t join in the lawsuit. Christina Scavo and Shannon O’Toole also contend that the Jets failed to deal with a known “hot bed of sexual harassment” in the team’s locker room and training camp, reports the New York Daily News.
In addition to the Jets and Favre, the suit names as a defendant team coordinator Lisa Ripi, saying that she acknowledged in a text message that Favre was a problem but criticized and/or punished the plaintiffs for speaking up about the alleged situation.
Favre, who retired today after 21 years as a National Football League star, expressed gratitude about his career. His agent didn’t immediately respond to the newspaper’s request for comment and a Jets spokesman declined to comment. The Daily News couldn’t reach Ripi.
At last report, Sterger had not sued concerning her complaint, which was handled by the NFL as an administrative matter.
Earlier coverage:
ABAJournal.com: “Favre Fined $50K for Resisting Sext Probe, But Didn’t Violate NFL Personal Conduct Policy”
New York Daily News: “Brett Favre could face litigation if Jenn Sterger pursues resolution to unanswered questions”
