"Turns out Brett Favre isn't only evasive with the media.

The NFL announced Wednesday the Vikings quarterback had been fined $50,000 for his failure to cooperate with the league in a forthcoming manner when answering questions about his alleged inappropriate behavior toward former New York Jets employee Jenn Sterger in 2008.

The decision after a months-long investigation has to be considered a victory for Favre, who is making $1 million per game in his final season.

The league issued a statement that Commissioner Roger Goodell could not conclude Favre violated league policies relating to workplace conduct "on the basis of the evidence currently available."

Favre, 41, could have faced a far more significant fine or suspension if it had been found he violated the personal conduct policy. The NFL made it clear that it does not "make judgments about the appropriateness of personal relationships."

Favre was not available to comment Wednesday, and his agent, Bus Cook, did not return a message.

"The forensic analysis could not establish that Favre sent the objectionable photographs to Sterger," the NFL's statement read. "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."

The situation came to light in August when the website Deadspin broke the story that Favre sent inappropriate text messages and photos to Sterger when she was working as a sideline reporter for the team. The NFL launched its investigation the following month when Deadspin obtained photos and messages that it posted and were alleged to have been sent from Favre to Sterger.

"The investigation was limited in several respects because the conduct occurred in 2008 but was not brought to our attention until this fall," the statement said. "As a result, certain records and individuals were unavailable to the NFL."

Favre met with NFL vice president of security Milt Ahlerich in October at Winter Park. Favre also had a brief discussion with Goodell last week before the Vikings-Bears game. Sterger met with officials from the NFL in mid-November."