Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre doesn't want to discuss any subject but playing the Green Bay Packers, while the NFL seeks more information about allegations the quarterback sent suggestive messages and lewd photos in 2008 to a woman who worked for the New York Jets.
Speaking on a conference call with Green Bay reporters ahead of Sunday night's Vikings-Packers game, Favre called the NFL's investigation into his alleged behavior a "league matter." Minutes later, he also declined to answer a series of questions about the situation in his weekly Wednesday news conference with Minnesota media.
"That's a league issue," Favre said, "that I just have to leave at that."
Favre and NFL vice president for security Milt Ahlerich met Tuesday about the quarterback's alleged advances toward then-Jets game emcee Jenn Sterger two years ago, when he played for New York.
Favre brushed off a question about whether or not the situation has weighed on him, insisting it was instead the "front five for Dallas" that weighed on him last week. He said this week his "focus is solely on Green Bay."
Asked why he hasn't denied the allegations, Favre said: "The one thing I'm going to say is that's something that's within the league, and I'll just have to leave it at that -- let that process work itself out."
Sterger has hired lawyers, but she hasn't commented on the allegations, which were posted on Deadspin.com without her cooperation. The website paid a third party for the texts, voicemails and graphic photos, said to be of Favre, that it posted in a video. Sterger hasn't commented on the website's report.
Attorney Joseph Conway said Wednesday his firm will advise Sterger, now a TV personality for the Versus network, "and pursue any potential remedies that may exist." He confirmed being contacted by the NFL, but he said nothing had been decided on a possible meeting between Sterger and the league.
A.J. Daulerio, Deadspin's editor in chief, posted on the website Wednesday that he told Ahlerich he was willing to cooperate with the NFL, but "any and all information we have to offer is available on the site," and he wouldn't provide anything more than that at this point.
Favre appeared relaxed at the podium inside the Vikings' practice facility. Although refusing to acknowledge concern about the investigation and insisting he's only worried about the Packers, Favre took time to mention their multiple-formation defense, the pressure of facing his old team and the magnitude of the game given a tight NFC North race.
Then, with a touch of self-deprecating humor, the 41-year-old poked fun at his age and questioned his ability to hold up in Green Bay, where he played from 1992 to 2007.
"I look old, gray and weary, with crows feeding on me and that stuff," Favre said.
Favre also said the tendinitis in his throwing elbow has improved, but he's not ready to say it's all gone.
"It feels better," said Favre, who was limited in practice. "The way I'm handling it is if it feels fine, I plan on taking all or most all of the reps in practice.
"The cortisone injection has helped, but knowing tendinitis, I'm reluctant to say it's gone."
Asked about the reaction he's expecting from the Packers fans, Favre cracked a slight smile.
"I'd like for it to be a better reaction than last year, but I can't be concerned about that," he said. "I know what I did there, the legacy that I left behind, the commitment I had to that team, the way I played. And it was a long, long time. So I'm proud of that. And I'm not going to really think about it."
Kicker Ryan Longwell, one of the quarterback's closest friends, said he has spoken to Favre in the last few weeks even more extensively than usual.
"I can tell by looking at him. I can tell by what he's talking about and his words and what he's feeling," Longwell said, adding: "I think Brett's in a really good place right now. If anybody can compartmentalize over the years, he's certainly one that can do it with the best of them."
Tight end Visanthe Shiancoe said the Favre saga hasn't distracted the Vikings.
"We've been on Front Street for the last two or three years," Shiancoe said. "We're kind of getting used to a lot of media attention and a lot of hoopla about us. It's kind of like another day at the office. It's another form of adversity that we can just deal with. We're professionals, so we know how to deal with it."
Favre said, yes, that's still his plan, although he stopped short of making it official.
"Just hold your pen. We'll see what happens," he said. "Let's get through this game, and we'll figure out what happens the rest of the year. But I plan on ending it."
Favre also took one more opportunity to praise the place where he became a star.
"Not once did I ever step in that stadium -- it was obviously different last year -- that I did not respect and feel very privileged to be on Lambeau Field," he said. "Every touchdown I've thrown in that stadium was as joyous as the next. So I've always savored the moment. I never took it for granted. This will be no exception. But, yes, unless we were to go back in the playoffs, this will be it."
Notes: Rookie CB Chris Cook, who missed last weekend's game, participated in some of Wednesday's practice. He is recovering from a torn meniscus in his left knee. LB E.J. Henderson (knee), DE Brian Robison (ankle) and center John Sullivan (calf) also were limited by injuries. ... Vikings TE Jim Kleinsasser (groin) was held out of practice. CB Lito Sheppard (hand) and safety Husain Abdullah (concussion) also were sidelined.
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
