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Brandeis University's Community Newspaper — Waltham, Mass.

Regarding Favre, Brett Favre

Published: October 22, 2010
Section: Opinions


Call me biased; I am a loyal Vikings fan, but even so something seems wrong about the current allegations leveled against the Vikings’ starting quarterback. These allegations, which were only raised as Favre approached his first game of the season, exemplify the problem in sports where the accused is apparently guilty until proven innocent.

The first suspicious part of this quagmire is that there was not a word about it until the week leading into the much-anticipated game between Favre’s most recent (but less memorable) “ex,” the New York Jets, and his current team.

In case you aren’t aware of what I’m talking about, Brett Favre allegedly sent inappropriate text messages to Jenn Sterger in 2008 when he was the Jets starting quarterback and she their game-day host. If Favre acted inappropriately in 2008, why were no flags raised until the fall of 2010? It just does not make sense. Additionally, according to ESPN.com, as of Oct. 20, the NFL has had no success in interviewing Sterger regarding the alleged conduct. Why would she refuse to cooperate with the investigation? Whether Favre did anything or not, the validity of the accusations diminishes by quite a lot when the person who would be the star member of the accusers does not want any part of it.

Remember people, Deadspin.com got the alleged photos from a third party; not from anyone potentially involved. Additionally, the images Deadspin received are claimed to be of Favre; whether they are is another story.

Furthermore, it seems like everyone–but maybe its just the Favre haters here–seems to assume that he’s guilty. Come on people; innocent until proven guilty is a cornerstone of our legal system, so why not with alleged social misconduct as well? Currently no one has filed any charges against Favre. The NFL is conducting an expedited investigation (and, while they should move fast, they should be careful not to move too fast) into whether or not Favre violated the league’s personal conduct policy. If they conclude that Favre in any way violated the conduct policy he could be fined, suspended or both.

I’m not saying I think Favre is innocent. To be frank, I hope he didn’t do it, but until he’s proven guilty (which might be never) I really just don’t care. I’m happy he’s a Viking and fighting hard for a Superbowl ring. If it turns out that he did do something stupid, I may be a little sad that he’d be less of a role model (although he’s never really been one of mine) but I wouldn’t go so far as to throw out my No. 4 jersey.