New Favre Sexting Scandal Emerges
MINNEAPOLIS (WCCO) -- Former Vikings quarterback Brett Favre is denying new accusations that he sent inappropriate text messages to a Twin Cities massage therapist. This time, the controversy involves a woman who worked with Minnesota Vikings players. And she's not just accusing Favre.
Deadspin.com says 31-year-old Stephanie Dusenberry came forward earlier this month when she thought Favre got off easy in another "sexting" scandal involving a sideline reporter in addition to massage therapists for the Jets.
Stephanie Dusenberry, who calls herself the therapist for pro athletes on her website, told the sports gossip site that her clients are Vikings players, a good gig that went awry last September when she received a text from Brett Favre.
According to Deadspin, he asked, "Do you have time to work on me tonight? No, hurry, I am alone. Dusenberry claims that when she said no, Favre responded: "You don't know what it's like to not be touched by a woman for three weeks, come over and no one needs to know."
Dusenberry also says she also received advances from former Vikings defensive back Dwight Smith, and wide receiver Aundrae Allison. She even claims back up running back Albert Young texted her a nude photo.
However, sources within the Vikings raise questions. They told WCCO-TV that Favre denies ever meeting Dusenberry, and the Vikings fired her due to ongoing problems.
Dr. Dale Healey heads up the massage school at Northwestern Health Sciences University in Bloomington. When he heard about this latest scandal, he had one thought:
"Here we go again basically, professional massage therapy struggled for many years to distance itself from that perception," said Healey.
Healey admits massage therapists can be vulnerable to sexual advances, but he says the training he gives students focuses on how to handle situations ethically. He also adds that Minnesota is only one of six states that doesn't have a state licensing program for massage therapists.
Currently in Minnesota, massage therapists are only licensed in cities that choose to regulate the profession. Healey and others in his profession are pushing for a statewide massage therapy licensing program, something he believes would be a resources for massage therapists who encounter problems with clients, and vice versa. He says clients should have a place to file complaints as well.
"We are still hearing these disturbing stories about boundaries being crossed one way or the other. It's disheartening," said Healey.
Dusenberry didn't return calls or emails.
She told Deadspin she talked to an Eden Prairie police detective about Favre back in September and filed a report.
However, the department spokesperson said they have no record of a report filed that day.
