Vikings' Brett Favre meets with NFL officials

As if his past four news conferences hadn't made it clear enough, Brett Favre showed once again Tuesday his elusiveness regarding his high-profile NFL investigation.

Favre, who is the subject of an NFL probe for alleged inappropriate conduct toward former Jets employee Jenn Sterger in 2008, didn't even leave the Vikings' practice facility in his own car on the day of his meeting with NFL security chief Milt Ahlerich.

Favre entered the building a little after 9 a.m. Tuesday, but Bus Cook, Favre's agent, drove Favre's black BMW sport utility vehicle out of the facility at 4 p.m.

There was no direct sign that Favre was in the car with Cook, who was with Favre at the meeting. Several other Vikings players came and went from the facilities Tuesday, the team's off day from practice.

The Pioneer Press left a phone message with Cook this week. NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the NFL is not commenting on the matter or confirming that the meeting happened Tuesday.

The meeting appeared to have taken place inside the facility in Eden Prairie despite coach Brad Childress' comments Monday that he was unaware of such a meeting on the team's campus.

"It's not our responsibility," Childress said.

Deadspin.com reported on Oct. 7 that Favre allegedly sent racy pictures to Sterger while he played for the Jets. A day later, the NFL launched an internal review on Favre, who has said he will "let all that take its course."

Ahlerich, the chief of NFL Security since 1996, was not spotted Tuesday at the front entrance of the Vikings facility. Ahlerich oversees leaguewide investigations and worked for the Federal Bureau of Investigation for 25 years.

Favre has not commented further on the investigation. He could face a suspension from the league for violation of the Personal Conduct Code, but there's no word on whether Sterger's camp has cooperated with NFL security.

Favre would have 10 days to appeal should NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, who has final say on all disciplinary issues, decides to suspend Favre.

When asked Tuesday whether an NFL Players Association representative would attend Favre's meeting or advise the quarterback, NFLPA director DeMaurice Smith said, "We represent every player.

"Our issues are to ensure that the process is fair," said Smith, appearing at an NFLPA rally at Eagle Street Grille in St. Paul. "We do everything we can to make sure that process is fair."

Smith doesn't agree with Goodell's unilateral power on discipline, but he calls negotiations "give and take."

"Should players be the only ones contributing to pensions? No," he said. "Should 32 owners be able to unilaterally decide to shut down a business and lock out America? My hope is that your answer would be no, as well."

Pioneer Press reporter Brian Murphy contributed to this report.