Judge throws out Jets legend's lawsuit against ESPN, NFL Films over viral spat with Brett Favre

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A judge tossed a lawsuit filed by former New York Jets star Mark Gastineau against ESPN in which he sought $25 million in damages stemming from a viral confrontation with Brett Favre.

The confrontation went viral in December 2024, as cameras captured Gastineau confronting Favre in 2023 over Michael Strahan sacking the Green Bay Packers legend to break Gastineau's single-season sack record. The video was a clip from ESPN's 30 for 30, "The New York Sack Exchange."

In the final game of the 2001 season, Favre appeared to fall onto the field before being tackled by Strahan, giving the New York Giants legend the record. T.J. Watt tied the record in the 2021 season, and Myles Garrett broke it this past season. Gastineau accused Favre of taking a "dive," and the play remains controversial.

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Mark Gastineau had a lawsuit against ESPN and NFL Films regarding a viral confrontation with Brett Favre thrown out.

Gastineau met Favre at a memorabilia event, saying that Favre had "hurt" him and that he was going to "take my sack back" in a heated exchange.

Gastineau claimed he had "been attacked on social media with ridicule, scorn and contempt" since the video aired. He also said that ESPN "intentionally and maliciously did not publish" the two shaking hands, nor did he consent to the encounter being recorded or used.

Michael Strahan of the New York Giants celebrates breaking Mark Gastineau's single-season sack record during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Giants Stadium in East Rutherford, New Jersey. The Packers won 35-24. (Al Bello/Getty Images)

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