New York Jets say newest lawsuit is “completely without merit”
The New York Jets claim that the lawsuit made against them and Brett Favre by two masseuses is “completely without merit” and that the team had no idea of the accusations.
Christina Scavo and Shannon O’Toole are suing the Jets and Favre, saying that they were subjected to job discrimination and sexual harassment. They are seeking damages from the team, Favre and Jets massage coordinator Lisa Ripi, claiming to have lost their
jobs after they complained about sexually suggestive text messages sent to them and a third unidentified therapist from Favre when he was with the Jets squad in 2008.
"Unfortunately, the plaintiffs never reported the allegations to the Jets, either during or after the conclusion of their work," the team said in a statement Tuesday. "The case against the Jets is completely without merit, and we look forward to defending
the matter in court, where we are confident that the Jets will prevail."
Bus Cook, Favre’s agent, did not wish to comment.
The lawsuit is the latest in a rather bumpy winning season for the Jets. Although they have gotten to the playoffs, the road has not been smooth.
First, Favre was fined $50,000 for not cooperating with investigators regarding claims that he sent sexually expletive text messages and photos to ex-Jets game hostess Jenn Sterger, when they were both with the Jets.
Before that, the team was fined $100,000 after strength and conditioning coach Sal Alosi tripped Miami Dolphins’ Nolan Carroll as he was running down the sideline. The NFL determined that they used a sideline wall, which is illegal in the league. Special
teams coach Mike Westhoff accused the New England Patriots of using the same technique. He was reprimanded for those public comments.
Later, Jets head coach Rex Ryan was subject to an embarrassing onslaught of questions and demands for an explanation about foot fetish videos posted on the internet. They feature a woman who bears a strong resemblance to his wife Michelle and an off screen
voice that sounds exceptionally like the head coach.
All of this comes months after a reporter from a Mexican television station claimed that she felt uncomfortable in the Jets locker room. The league then mandated a newly established workplace conduct program.
A few weeks after that wide receiver Braylon Edwards was arrested and charged for driving under the influence of alcohol.
Although the Jets have had a good season in terms of performance, their conduct could stand for some changes. And they might want to make those changes quickly, before the league starts cracking down on misconduct as they did with hard and unnecessary hits.
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