Home / Arts and Entertainment / Gastineau's Sack Record Lawsuit Dismissed
Gastineau's Sack Record Lawsuit Dismissed
17 Mar
Summary
- Mark Gastineau sued over film portrayal of Favre confrontation.
- Lawsuit claims unauthorized use of name and likeness.
- Federal court dismissed the $25 million lawsuit on Monday.
A federal court dismissed a $25 million lawsuit filed by former New York Jets defensive end Mark Gastineau on Monday. The suit targeted ESPN, NFL, NFL Films, and filmmakers behind "The New York Sack Exchange." Gastineau alleged unauthorized use of his name and likeness, breach of contract, and other claims stemming from a scene in the documentary.
The documentary featured an exchange between Gastineau and Brett Favre in 2023. Gastineau accused Favre of taking a dive on Michael Strahan's record-breaking sack in 2001, which broke Gastineau's previous single-season sack record. Gastineau claimed the aired footage was maliciously false and that he faced social media ridicule.
U.S. District Judge Paul A. Engelmayer dismissed the case, ruling that Gastineau agreed to a talent role and failed to establish a valid claim for most parties. The court noted Gastineau's contract for the film granted limited approval rights, not broad control over the final product.
The dismissal means Gastineau's claim cannot proceed against any party except NFL Productions. The controversy centers on a scene where Gastineau confronted Favre about the 2001 play, alleging Favre intentionally let Strahan achieve the record.
