Brett Favre and the New York Jets: Lessons for Employers
The New York Jets and the NFL have once again found themselves at the forefront of sexual harassment discussions in the media. This time the focus is on Brett Favre and former Jets sideline report Jenn Sterger. While the Ines Sainz situation highlighted the issue of sexual harassment in the workplace by non-employers, the Brett Favre scandal is much more complicated and intriguing.
Allegedly, while he was the quarterback for the New York Jets, future Hall of Famer Brett Favre sent Sterger strange voicemails, text messages and even pictures of his more private areas. From an employment perspective, the story becomes more interesting as a result of the claim that Jets Media Relations Manager Jared Winley helped Favre contact Sterger. There are also claims from two massage therapists that Favre sexually harassed them. Both were independent contractors.
Employers may be liable when one employee sexually harasses another. Furthermore, employers should beware of employees, especially upper level employees, facilitating harassment and any hostile environment that may exist.
For more information regarding sexual harassment in the workplace or any issues involving employees, third parties or independent contractors please contact the Bingham McHale Labor and Employment Group.
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Andy Gruber
Working exclusively in the areas of labor and employment law, Andrew Gruber provides advice, counsel and litigation defense to employers in all areas of employment law, including Title VII, ADA, ADEA, FLSA, FMLA and ERISA. He has extensive experience in competitive business litigation, [...]
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