"The NFL has fined Minnesota Vikings quarterback Brett Favre $50,000 for "failure to cooperate" with its investigation of his behavior toward former New York Jets hostess Jenn Sterger, but didn't find evidence to conclude he had violated the league's workplace conduct policy.

"On the basis of the evidence currently available to him, Commissioner (Roger) Goodell could not conclude that Favre violated league policies relating to workplace conduct," the NFL said in a statement today. "The forensic analysis could not establish that Favre sent the objectionable photographs to Sterger. The review found no evidence to contradict the statements of both Favre and Sterger that they never met in person, nor was there anything to suggest that Sterger engaged in any inappropriate conduct.

"However, Commissioner Goodell also determined that Favre was not candid in several respects during the investigation, resulting in a longer review and additional negative public attention for Favre, Sterger, and the NFL. The commissioner notified Favre that he has been fined $50,000 for his failure to cooperate with the investigation in a forthcoming manner. Commissioner Goodell stated to Favre that if he had found a violation of the league's workplace conduct policies, he would have imposed a substantially higher level of discipline."

The NFL investigated Favre after deadspin.com reported allegations that he had sent inappropriate messages and photos to Sterger, who worked for the Jets when Favre was their quarterback in 2008.

Sterger's attorney, Joseph Conway, told the Pioneer Press that a potential lawsuit is "undecided at this time." "