NEW YORK (CBS) Gawker sports blog Deadspin is reporting that they have received what they consider to be audio and photographic proof that Vikings Quarterback Brett Favre sent naked pictures to Jenn Sterger, a sports reporter who was employed by the New York Jets when Favre played there.
What are the legal ramifications for Favre and the Jets?
According to CBS News legal analyst Trent Copeland, the odds of a civil lawsuit against Favre and the Jets are low.
Thus far, Sterger has been reluctant to speak about the incident, and there is no indication that she plans on suing Favre or the Jets.
If she were to bring a suit, Copeland says that in order to win it, Sterger would have to demonstrate three things: First, that the advances were unwanted, that this was a "one way street"; Second, that she complained to the Jets; Third, that the Jets organization did nothing about it.
"There's a lot to establish there," says Copeland.
When asked if Deadspin could get in legal trouble in terms of violating Sterger or Favre's privacy, Copeland said it was unlikely, as Deadspin apparently received the messages from a third party, and once the messages were passed on to a third party "there would be no expectation of privacy."
As for a libel or defamation suit from Favre:
"If it was a hoax and Deadspin knew it was a hoax, or if it was manufactured, and they published it anyway...then Deadspin could be liable," Copeland told Crimesider. "In the case of a well-known figure like Brett Favre, [punitive damages] could come to millions of dollars."
But, he adds, the truth is always a defense in a defamation case.
Ultimately, according to Copeland, the odds of Favre filing a lawsuit against Deadspin for releasing the voicemails and messages are "zero."
"The last thing he wants is a long, drawn out lawsuit to keep this in the public eye," Copeland told Crimesider.
Favre's current team, the Vikings, are set to play the Jets on Monday night. When a
