The ruling said Sharpe’s comments were constitutionally protected opinions based on publicly known facts.

A majority of judges on the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals wrote that the Supreme Court in 1974 reaffirmed constitutional law allowing states to disenfranchise felons.

Lawyers for retired NFL quarterback Brett Favre asked a federal appeals court Tuesday to revive a defamation lawsuit against fellow NFL Hall of Fame member Shannon Sharpe related to statements made by Sharpe about Favre's involvement in TANF welfare scandal.