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      ATLANTA (AP) - Sponsors Wrangler and Snapper are sticking by
Brett Favre after the NFL fined him $50,000 for failing to
cooperate in an investigation into allegations he sent
inappropriate messages and lewd photos to former New York Jets
game-day hostess Jenn Sterger.


      A spokesperson for VF Corp.'s Wrangler jeans said the brand
still has the 41-year-old Minnesota Vikings quarterback under
contract. The company wouldn't comment about the NFL fine. Its
commercials featuring Favre are still running.


      Snapper, a unit of Briggs & Stratton Corp., that makes lawn
mowers, snow throwers and other products, has an image of Favre on
its Web site and says Favre remains a spokesperson.


      Although NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell "could not conclude"
that Favre violated the league's personal conduct policy based on
the evidence available, the investigation has tarnished Favre's
reputation. He has long been one of America's most popular athletes
and has won a Super Bowl, set many passing and durability records
and has an image as an everyday, down-to-earth guy.


      It is unclear what the fine and investigation will do over the
long term to Favre's endorsements.


      After Tiger Woods ran his SUV over a fire hydrant in November
2009, eventually bringing to light his infidelities, Accenture,
AT&T Inc. and Gatorade cut ties with him. Gillette and Tag Heuer
de-emphasized him in their marketing. Just last week, Gillette said
it wouldn't renew Woods' contract. EA Sports and Nike, meanwhile,
stood by the golfer.


      The fine might be Favre's career capper. Although several times
he has said he was retiring then changed his mind, Favre has said
repeatedly this season is his last.


      Favre's marketability is unlikely to take a huge hit from the
investigation, said Laura Ries, president of Ries & Ries, an
marketing/consulting firm.


      "It was a minor infraction, a text message," she said. "This
is in no way on the scale of Tiger Woods."


      His bigger problem: Retirement will take him out of the
spotlight, she said.


      "People tend to forget these people over time."

Gallery

NFL fines Favre $50K for 'failure to cooperate'

Webb, Peterson help Vikings upset Eagles 24-14

Sports

Sponsors Wrangler and Snapper are sticking by
Brett Favre after the NFL fined him $50,000 for failing to
cooperate in an investigation into allegations he sent
inappropriate messages and lewd photos to former New York Jets
game-day hostess Jenn Sterger.

Sponsors Wrangler, Snapper stick with Brett Favre

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