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Yoyo Brett Favre and his re-re-return to football...now last shot at glory corrupted? |
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Now an Archive: (Let's see how the Mississippi scandal plays out before I can properly comment. not lookin' good, Brett.) This blog chronicles the ups and downs since his tearful departure from Green Bay in early 2007 to his brief flirtation with the Jets to another renaissance in the land of 10,000 lakes. Little did I know this rollercoaster ride would have this many ups, downs and turns. And then there were the accusations of a bounty on Favre in that NFC Championship game against the Saints. This blog is mostly an archive but will be updated from time to time. There's no chance he'll come out of retirement now? Favre is still the NFL's version of Elvis. It's his 20th and likely final NFL season. Does the long trail end in Minnesota after one remarkable season? We wait again to see if Brett Favre is 'all in' for another Super Bowl run. Along the way, he still knows how to make headlines. Reread and recall the events leading up til now. It's on again...it's off again...now it's on with one last Super Bowl push in 2009-10 Stay tuned as the title of this blog changes with the mind of Brett Favre.}/hide} Move forward? How about trudge forward, with the indignity that clasps about your indifferent ankles. My old lead in...I had many purposes for this recent blog, but now it is devoted to the Brett Favre retirement saga and all the bull that Ted Thompson can fling at the wall to see what sticks. Clearly, we've moved away from that since the Packers were bounced in the first round of the playoffs. They got schooled by the master Favre who lead the Vikings to the NFC North division title. Putting up the best stats of his careers, people keep waiting for him to run out of gas. As of this writing, he's heading into New Orleans. Now, on to my bloggin' until this thing is done. Who's the yo-yo (Favre) and who's the string (Packers)? And who is yanking my chain (?!) I grew up in Upper Michigan and followed teams like the Green Bay Packers and Milwaukee Bucks and Brewers, because of the geography and what little sports programming the rabbit ears could pick up. But when I became a reader, sports took on all kinds of dimensions as I became a huge fan of Johnny Bench and the Cincinnati Reds or that college phenom 'Pistol' Pete Maravich. I followed the Packers since their mediocrity in the post-Lombardi days before another legend was born with the Mississippi mudslinger Brett Favre. I unwittingly started blogging about him in the wake of his retirement and little did I know I would still be writing about him now. I take aim at sports with a naive perspective, hopeful that the icons can still inspire little ones to follow the glory and dreams of tomorrow. I'd like to separate the intense media focus and remove the cynicism while avoiding the maudlin over-hype to see what's real and appreciable about players and sports today. I don't know what I just said...  but moving on...
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| A story by the Wisconsin State Journal might suggest Brett Favre threw his teammates under the bus during his days in Green Bay. I know that Favre has showed humility and accepted culpability in the past. He also has a right to defend himself in the public arena if being criticized for his decision making as well. But, the following article would seem to refuel the fire that Favre was an egomaniac who got himself pushed out of the picture in Green Bay for not doing what Aaron Rodgers is doing now, accepting blame when the team fails. http://www.madison.com/wsj/home/sports/packers//313104 Taking blame isn't necessarily the right thing to do, unless you really deserve it. Rodgers might be trying to win over people by using this tactic, than for any other reason. He can't lose, given his current position and new contract. He's got job security for many years to come, so sure, why not take the blame...they can't blame him! It is laughable to think that Rodgers wouldn't expect the players around him to perform the same as Favre did on the field. He has shown his disappiontment on the field when plays have failed. It is his job as the 'game manager' to make sure everyone is doing their part. Anyone who wants to win will want the best out of people around him. No less than Favre would do. Favre did not get up at press conferences and say we lost because of this guy or that. He has and still does show humility. So the Journal can stop fanning those flames. A very suggestive story that wastes a lot of time with more speculation, when many still don't understand the rift between Favre and the Packers that led to the ultimate split. Nudge-nudge, wink-wink, I think not. This is not real reporting and is more of the same when writers want a sensational story to keep selling the same old rag. |
| The Turds at Profootballtalk.com (if I could so liberally use their own term) are very candid about the NFL stories they cover. I think the insight their leader Mike Florio shows can range from humorous to imbecillic. The latter is proven with his reaction to Deanna Favre being featured on ESPN's new show E:60. Florio is clearly obsessed with the Favre story, though repeatedly said this summer he wanted it to go away. And, has missed his calling and should be characterizing political candidates, calling himself a pundit or strategist. The PFT headline shows his clear focus on trying to make the woman sound like an idiot, perhaps because she didn't give him a smoking gun in which to shoot himself in the foot (the way he cleverly has here) with the on and off media free-for-all in this (Ugh) 'he said, (s)he said' fallout between Mr. Favre and the Green Bay Packers. (Notice the order and who the real woman should be) Okay, getting to the PFT story... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/28/deanna-favre-claims-partial-credit-for... My reaction, sent to PFT, and hopefully to appear on their web pages, since they are not shy at showing reader's disgust with their opinions...(and if not, here it is) Defense of Deanna Favre and E:60 piece from PFT idiots... I want to see your license to pratice journalism. Oh, that's right. You don't need one. Any idiot could pick the most vulnerable comments in a story and twist it to mean whatever they want. That's why we have CNN and FOX news. Show some journalist integrity and at least ignore the E:60 piece, because it was not intended as hard journalism in the first place. This is a woman who survived cancer and serves as an ironic reminder of an athlete who has survived 16+ NFL seasons. This is a woman who stands behind a very successful man, and there is intrigue about her perspective, not since he became famous, not since the string of tragedies beginning in 2003, but since he was ex-patriotated by his former team. Granted, the story doesn't break much new ground, but rather rehashes old stuff. Give ESPN credit for letting the cameras roll while Mrs. Favre intimates without directly saying (and the real focus your speculative blurb here could have taken) that she would rather he retired (if I may be that presumptuous), if she really is the Ono to his Lennon, and she's clearly not. Nice try, though. You might do better to help McCain smear Obama, if you want to put your talents to use, clearly wasted here. bkc enough, for now |
| I'm slowly getting my own read on this story with Favre and Lions that FOX reporter Jay Glazer broke. My previous entries detail the events Glazer purports as gospel truth, while he is finding little support around the league for his story. He's been the hot, go to guy for breaking NFL stories as of late. I wonder if this made him a mark to be taken down. Consider that Glazer may have put too much faith in his sources for another big story that is one of the hottest going in the league right how with Favre being ushered out of Green Bay. I'm working on a column with my theory and would appreciate any input. It needs a better summation and focus, as I get too caught up in defending Favre's actions. Here's what I've got so far: Who was the fall guy for the Favre-Lions story? Was it supposed to be about Favre, or was it to put the reputation of a hot reporter on the line? Perhaps, his sources duped him into believing this hot potato that fell into his lap was an ironclad NFL story that could further catapult him atop the heap of NFL writers who break big stories. When you’re getting spoon feed info like this from half a country away, you must have really wanted to break this story badly to let it come out without doing a proper sniff test. Or, someone duped you into believing these 'facts', by using these unnamed sources with this gospel truth about Favre, and now it might come back to bite you in the ass. Glazer may have gotten greedy with this story. He thought he had the goods on Favre. But it’s not all as bad as it initially sounded. It can’t be proven who called who or how much information was shared and in what capacity. But NFL pundits are now getting a crack at this story, since Favre is on the record denying any wrongdoing. Many don’t believe he did anything wrong for one, and second, didn’t have that much that could help the Lions prepare for that game where they were soundly defeated. So who was the goat here? Did Glazer think he had another Patriots spygate level story here? And it seems he may have been more than a bit miffed that other media outlets, especially ESPN, didn’t pick up the story. It’s even rumored they quashed it, because they could not corroborate Glazer’s allegations. So, while he was hung out to dry, Favre denied any wrongdoing. Especially not to the extent Glazer was reporting. Did Favre speak to Detroit coaches individually for 60 to 90 minutes and did he initiate the call? Favre says no on both counts. And what could he share, since NFL sources all say anything he knew while a member of the Packers would have been changed by now, like hot read codes or hand gestures. Glazer sticks by his story, but he opened a can of worms that may ultimately tarnish his reputation. It’s his word against Favre’s since the unnamed sources aren’t likely to come out of hiding. So, was he set up? Perhaps, there are people who are threatened by his recent proclivity to break some big stories. Why have so many come to him over other sources at ESPN and Sports Illustrated in recent months? Will the tide now turn back after the handling of this story? It’s possible that Favre was the bait to get a greedy Glazer to take a nip. He may be learning a journalistic lesson after this one is all said and done. How well can you trust your sources? If you are too eager to break a big story and stake your reputation on sources who can leave you high and dry, how will you get yourself out of that corner? Glazer will break more stories, but he should be a little more cautious next time. He might have to watch his back, because as the hot reporter, there may be some out there who would like to see his reputation lose some of its luster. Now Mortenson and King can rest assured they will still get their share of the big stories. The new guy might not be as trusted, because he was too eager to burn an NFL legend for a chance to secure his current fame as an NFL news source. I speak from experience as a former reporter (newsprint, radio and television AND now internet). I know how information gets out there and sources usually don't divulge information without some kind of agenda to back it. I feel the media is often played to get a message out. And it could have been attempt to further discredit Favre, but it could have also been trying to take out two with one bullet. Or, maybe it was intended to take Glazer down a few notches, because he was giving some credibility to FOX. I just know you can't get too cozy with your sources. You might feel you are in the know when you are manning the phones and talking shop with all these sources. But they don't all want to be your buddy. They don't get paid for their information, usually. And if they are, then you really have to question the motive for spilling info. It's apparent Glazer may have bit off more than he could chew with this story. I would be curious to see if there is anything more that can come out to support Glazer. The longer this is strung out, the more scrutiny he will get for reporting this story. ESPN did not jump on it, especially when they could'nt verify it. You can bet that the angle might have been to find a smoking gun in the Favre-Packers break up. It's character assassination, is what it is. Glazer may have gone for the sensational without assessing the true value and meaning of the story. But, if he's believing his sources, they built this up to be more than what it really was. And he bought it hook. line and sinker. Since Favre at no time could have been sanctioned by the league for his actions, the value of this story hinges more on the motive for revenge. Glazer was counting on Favre fanatics to burn their beloved number four jersies, thinking he'd broken the biggest story in this ever entangled drama of future hall of famer disenfranchised by beloved team. Glazer needs to take stock in his approach to this story and how he can make amends and further prove what he attests as true. I think backpedalling will be his only option. He counted too much on people finger waggling Favre for what he did, which is only slightly admonishable. It should not have been blow up to the magnitude that it was, because, as they say, this kind of stuff goes on all the time. But, when it's Favre they're trying to put on the hot seat, better get your ducks in a row, or your sunk. Okay, I'm done babbling. I'm sure I won't come back to this and edit. I just wanted to hash out all my thoughts and details on this to see if it still makes any sense. And I'm satisfied now that there can be some logic for what transpired here, as I wonder if it will die or find another life. |
| ESPN finally acknowledged the story first reported by FOX columnist Jay Glazer that Favre helped the Lions prepare for their week two meeting with his former team. They seem to be taking the high road on the story, because they cannot get the same kind of corroboration as Glazer had and would essentially be airing second hand dirty laundry. Here's what was reported today... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3657242 I think Glazer needs to provide some definitive proof or give up his sources, because the allegations appear to be blown out of proportion. For one, Favre is not guilty of anything by league rules. Second, to what extent did he help the team prepare seems to be a matter of issue. And third, how much could it help (and it didn't since the Lions lost a lopsided affair) and if former Lions GM Matt Millen and Favre say its not uncommon to share this kind of info, why is it such a big story? It's because it is more fallout from the Favre-Packers saga that left us all with a headache over why the two sides couldn't get along after he announced he wanted to come out of retirement. And, some journalists are looking for smoking guns to finally put a check in one of the two columns to show who was really at fault. Did Glazer dig for this story and how did he catch it's scent? To me, it was dropped in his lap. Perhaps, because the people who went to him knew he was the most likely guy to buy it and run with it. ESPN has proven why they won't touch the story and after these sports outlets, whose left to get the nation's attention to a sports story of this magnitude? Don't say Greta VanSusteren. Favre should have had nothing to do with talking to the Lions. He's guilty of something, but to the degree they want us to believe he is a traitor to his former teammates and fans, that's garbage. He doesn't play for them anymore and doesn't owe anything to Thompson or McCarthy for the way he was shown the door after 16 seasons. I would really like to know how this sensational story found its way into the mainstream and if the Packers are still at work trying to restore their reputation. You can say they are focused solely on playing and winning football games right now. But consider their savvy move to hire a professional public relations consultant, because they wound up with a lot of egg on their face. Consider that they don't have to deal with it, since they've hired someone else to clean up their mess. And, if you want to think it's distracting the team, think again. If there was anyone in that lockerroom who had their doubts about Favre's departure from their organization, they are clearly on the side of management now. This is unifying. Look at the way Charles Woodson is responding to media questioning and doing some quiet posturing that basically says this is my team now. It's bulletin board material now. Don't think the Packers didn't have anything to do with this. Don't forget they filed tampering charges against the Minnesota Vikings on baseless allegations and misinformation leaked to the media about cell phone information that was supposed to support them. That little story got swept under the rug. You can't tell me that they aren't working night and day to restore some dignity to what the franchise lost over the Favre debacle. I can be just as convinced that the Packers and putting little nuggets of info into Glazer's pocket for their own benefit. Glazer has become a hot sports reporter lately, breaking big stories that are normally reserved for the types at ESPN. It's not coincidence that he is getting these big breaks. They don't hand you these stories for nothing. If they don't want you to know about something, it will be a tightly guarded secret. But savvy people know how to use the media to get information out in a fashion intended to make an impression on their audience. An image conscience NFL needs fan approval to rake in the big dollars. Losing Favre was a big financial hit to the team. Thompson, McCarthy and CEO Mark Murphy are likely very anxious over their livelihoods if they cannot persuade the powers that be that they are on the right course with their football team. And Deanna Favre's reaction... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3665097 http://favrehopefoundation.blogspot.com/ |
| This merits scrutiny, but you have to wonder what, if any, crime has been committed, if there is no punishment under league rules. I think the Packers are looking for one in the court of public opinion battle, as this story never ends (as long as Brett continues his mischievous ways)... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/19/favre-helped-lions-prepare-for-packers... Follow-ups to this link follow below. PFT must be loving this story, as it drives readers to their site. And I'm not helping matters by linking here...but if I directly link Glazer's story, it might go archive at the Fox site and won't be clickable in a few months. http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/20/packers-fans-should-shun-favre/ http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/20/glazer-gives-more-details-on-favre-rep... My two cents, who wouldn't want to get back at their former employer? But, one must show restraint, if they want to demonstrate who's to blame for this fallout. I still think Favre got a raw deal, but he's not helping matters. He can deny any wrongdoing, but it will be hard to find people to side with him on this. And the media will have a field day, if Glazer keeps flapping his gums about it. ***************************************************************************** Furthermore...I'm getting fed up with PFT and their handling of Glazer's reporting. They are now attacking ESPN for not jumping on the bandwagon and going with the FOX rival's story, because they have checked it out and determined it can't be substantiated. I think they are smart to protect themselves until they have a source like Glazers, if his sources are even willing to open up to public scrutiny, like they would if they were called before a jury to testify, and that's never going to happen because no rules were broken. So, it comes down to defamation and a Roger Clemens like case where Favre could take 'em all the court, though it doesn't make sense under these circumstances. PFT and their latest mud slings... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/21/espn-issued-internal-do-not-report-war... Previous to that story... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/21/espn-continues-to-ignore-favre-story/ http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/21/could-favre-sue-glazer/ http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/21/marinelli-still-wont-talk-about-favre-... If you'll read PFT members comments on this website's barrage of blurbs on this Favre-Lions story, they are getting fed up with the reporting. Some idiots are burning their "I Love Favre" paraphenalia as we speak and others are in their "I knew it" theatrics. All of this based on pure rumor. So little objectivity to this, but you have to wonder about the IQ of these football fans. I've responded, though I doubt they will post my comments in the member's forum as I directly attack Mike Florio...the "our guess is" reporter guy who loves a good rumor if he can stick it to the man. He has some issues with the establishment and his agenda is to take anyone and everyone down who either gets more face time or makes more money than him. My response... "Agendas. Everyone has one. It starts with the people who leaked this to Glazer, who is probably getting a pretty big head about now because everyone's spoon-feeding him stuff that ESPN-types like Mortenson usually get first crack at. That doesn't make him a credible reporter, but one who is lucky. Why are more people going to him and away from ESPN? There are motives for these rumors. We don't know who the sources are and have to take him at his word that they are not biased. It has to be known how this item was uncovered and how these mysterious informants are aware of what went on between Favre, Millen and Lions coaches. It's not even specific enough to say what was discussed or how much of an affect it had on the outcome of the game, albeit unsuccessful, if it were true. The Packers waged a campaign to discredit Favre when he attempted to unretire. He was not the publicity machine backed by Ari Fleischer to cause doubt to sway public opinion in the team's decision to make him take a walk, sending him away to play somewhere else. Both sides are guilty of dirty play and you cannot rule out that the Packers had a hand in how this information got into Glazer's hands, since you are clearly in the business of speculation. And fine journalism it is when I read stories that turn on phrases "Our guess is..." Yeah, 'were going to take a stab at this' or 'we've got a hunch' or 'we're betting our lunch money' pretty much all apply. That's not journalism. You don't even stand behind your own reporting, but someone elses, airing second hand information from unnamed sources. Did you consider Glazer could be somebody's stooge? Favre generates a lot of traffic on this site. You're no better than a gossip rag dishing up dirt on Britney. Show some journalist integrity like ESPN and check it out and find your own sources before you pass along this crap as fact. Like you guys have never been wrong about a rumor before. Of course, you always find a way to skew it so it looks like some other mitigating factor(s) changed the course of your rumor's history so you don't catch it for false reporting. It's too bad Favre doesn't sue. The wake up call when you have to pony up attorney fees to defend yourself in court might be enough to make you think twice before running with a story that you cannot prove with a credible source. Glazer might believe his story is 1000% true, but to run with it based on what he's saying without doing your own homework tells me that your thirst for sensational journalism at all costs is motivated by your desire to take down Favre or an organization like ESPN out of pure spite or envy. You pathetic little man. Find your soul and your integrity and see if you can make amends with your horrible character assassination ploys. You're on my turd watch now." And that's my additional two cents and certain more is to come. |
| Talk about Favre's future plans have become a topic of interest at Profootballtalk.com, which tells me they're bored and needed something to increase their web traffic and help pay the bills... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/16/favre-watch-09-begins/ I think Favre is always going to be candid and not shy away from questions like these. You get what you get and you don't try to read between the lines like PFT does. They are in the rumor business, waggling fingers every chance they get...even at other types like ESPN that like headline splashes to make their audiences oooh and aaah. But hey, it makes for interesting reading and something to gab about when the turkey goes dry at the dinner table. (I'm not sure what that means, just interjecting an expression for something to talk about to pass the time) |
| http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/10/11/mangini-pays-tribute-to-favre-with-son... The comments that PFT fans tack onto this article are hilarious, so enjoy! |
| After a personal best six TDs passes last week in the Jet's second highest scoring output in team history, Brett Favre keeps his eyes on the prize... http://www.nj.com/jets/index.ssf/2008/09/new_york_jets_favre_not_taking.html And now for the team he should have been playing for, it looks like a rookie may be handed quarterbacking duties this coming Sunday... http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=801261 Heal quickly Aaron... http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/10/01/rodgers.ap/index.html |
| Might be a few 'I told ya so' echoes ringing in the ears of Packers management today after a record setting day for a future hall of famer run out of town and the team's current quarterback who may be on the shelf with two green horns in waiting. http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/preview?game_id=29581&displayPage=tab_preview&seas... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3614749 With a 2-2 start, the Packers don't have the Favre mojo to help them anymore. Foolish, foolish people. I told ya so! Whether Rodgers is hurt or continues to play, he will not be the same. He was leaking oil all over the field, where the fiesty old veteran, less than a week removed from rolling an ankle, was superb. It's sad to think Ted Thompson and Mike McCarthy thought they go get this far down the road without their saviour, number four. More to come, I'm sure. |
| I've waited and I've watched before posting. I saw the hobbled veteran limping off the field late in the game Monday against the Chargers. I new the speculation would start and now it has begun. Is the aging wonder boy Brett Favre still the iron man with a consecutive games streak that shadows feats of legends like Cal Ripken and Lou Gehrig? ESPN's Ed Werder has more in the following story, and stay tuned for further news from Favre himself when he speaks to the press today... http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3605264 I think the bigger question is the quality of play we can expect from number four in the the wake of the prime time loss to San Diego. Favre looked good at times, but the pass rush blocking and timing with receivers needs to improve, and likely play against one another. Sacked four times, the pounding took a toll. But, this is the guy that doesn't break, maybe just bends a little. He'll straighten himself and play. This injury will likely alter the team's plans for Arizona in week four. I think the Jets get this win, because Mangini is going to come up with an imagniative plan to counter a Cardinals squad with potent firepower in its receiving core. So, the Jet's defense has to keep that team off the field and the offense has to be able to pound the ball with their running game. They need to take the pressure off Favre and put the pigskin in the hands of their fastest players. I'd watch the Jet's explosive return man Leon Washington to be counted on for more offense. AND THE LATEST FROM THE JET'S CAMP TODAY>>> http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/09/24/favre-practices-with-sprained-ankle/ |
| It would seem the media is all over Jets coach Eric Mangini for his play calling against the New England Patriots, especially during the three runs and yer out! goal line stand when the team could have used a TD. The media now hounding Favre with its questions might be sparking a controversy over how much room the veteran signal caller has to work with in regards to audibles...as with a goal line situation.... http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2008/09/17/2008-09-17_brett_favr... The key seems to be the lack of wide receivers on the field. It was run or nothing, so Favre had few throwing options in those three plays. I'm guessing this will not be an issue in the future, now that the Jets had the ball shoved down their collective throats. Favre can be depended on to throw a TD when he's that close to seven. |
| Brett Favre has kind words for his former understudy... http://blogs.jsonline.com/packers/archive/2008/09/12/favre-praises-rodgers-start... He also comments on the quarterback replacing Tom Brady and the familiar parallels to the start of his own career in the NFL... http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nflnation/0-1-786/Favre-claims-he-was-less-prepared-t... |
| The old man still got game. It was a slow start but when Brett Favre zipped a 56-yard TD pass for the first score of the game, I was unglued from my lounger. Details of the game can be found here... http://www.nfl.com/gamecenter/recap?game_id=29532&displayPage=tab_recap&season=2... More insight on the game can be found here... http://www.nytimes.com/2008/09/08/sports/football/08rhoden.html?_r=1&ref=footbal... Next puzzler: Can you top that Green Bay and Aaron Rodgers? Pressure is on with the Packers against the Vikings on a Monday Night NFL stage. And how about an encore Brett Favre, now that you don't have to square off with Tom Brady when your team visits the New England Patriots next week. For more on that... http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/columns/story?columnist=wojciechowski_gene&id=357... I like the Jet's chances against the Pats and to take the division. Can this be included in the all-encompassing Favre curse? The Giants lose a Defensive End, Brady goes down, and the Packer's future is still up in the air. The Packers management brain trust may have seen a weathered old man, but he's luckier than dirt. He has survived this long while other great atheletes topple around him. You've got to covet a guy who has soooo much dumb luck. Look at that pass he just chucked in the air against the Dolphins for a TD. There's magic in that mighty arm! |
| Now that the season has arrived...John Madden speaks on his favorite player Brett Favre... And it's obvious, he doesn't like the scenario the Packers chose: http://www.jsonline.com/story/index.aspx?id=790788 I also found this article at Profootballtalk.com to be quite interesting. Follow this link to the link they provide for all the details, but it appears a Wisconsin journalist is standing up to Thompson and McCarthy on the Favre fiasco... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/09/07/jason-wilde-has-major-league-cojones/ |
| The New York media got another crack at number four in a sit down and what a press conference it was. His remarks are captured here and the details of his split with the Packers are coming to light in the following article... http://blogs.nypost.com/sports/jets/archives/2008/08/candid_favre_re.html The crew at Profootballtalk.com grabbed this story and put their own spin on it and opened it up for comments in the following: http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/08/30/favre-thompson-wanted-to-get-my-ass-ou... Many people are tiring of all of Favre's comments on the subject. He obviously has a hard time digesting this separation from his team of 16 years. But, if most of you were pushed out the door by your boss, you would be hashing over the past details to try to make some sense of it all. I think Favre is still mystified and miffed by what happened and because he has a fan base that is split over how this all fell out, he's compelled to tell his side of the story again and again. I imagine he won't go into this much detail again, until he prepares for a tell-all biography, which I think he should go forward with at some point. He needs to keep the rest inside and use it as motivation or whatever this season, knowing he's right and they are wrong and that those sitting on the fence or foolish enough to be on the other side don't get it and never will. AND Furthermore...my response to the idiots that comprise the PFT membership who think they have intelligent insight into this subject: The one time you go to visit the guy and all you have to tell him is that you're mailing him a locker? That's the purpose of a trip? You can sit there and tell me Thompson was being straight up with the man. The Packers made a mess of things and handled this badly. They were doing everything they could to keep him in Mississippi, even float $20 million by him to see if that would make him sit. Come on! They could directly tell Favre and the fans we don't want you back. So, they played head games with him. They made him feel unwanted and for what? And he's supposed to be the woman in this 'he said, she said' relationship when he was ready to move on and play somewhere else and they played Ike to his Tina and tried to make him stay put? The man is emotional and that's what makes him a great player. But don't forget about the personal tragedies that are so easily dismissed from the deaths in his family to his wife battling cancer and his Mom trapped in the attic of his family home by hurricane floods. That's just to name a few. He never missed a game. He fought through every injury and reported to work when needed and he's a cry baby because he can't understand why it played out like this? It's because the Packers had a hidden agenda and it included a smear campaign to make it look like he was holding the team hostage. He asked for his release, they said no, and so he reported to camp. They made it look like they would receive him with open arms while false rumors are afloat they would consider trading him to a division rival. But they horse collared him in a long meeting and stonewalled the press long enough until it was decided he'd get shipped to the Jets instead. He got a bad deal and the bum's rush. He's still sorting it out. He is putting this in perspective and this season will speak for itself. |
| One big loophole in Brett Favre's contract (reworked by his new employer, the New York Jets) that could still land him in a Minnesota Vikings uni by next season...the hated rival of his former team the Green Bay Packers. Read this Profootballtalk article... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/08/22/favre-to-vikes-could-still-happen-next... One tidbit of info in this story shows again that the Packers were posturing in an effort to be rid of Favre by using a former Viking, quarterback Dante Culpepper, as a pawn in the scheme of things. Ted Thompson wanted to bring Culpepper into training camp, but the veteran refused believing they were just using him to send a message they didn't want Favre back. That bit of info surfaces in this profootballtalk.com piece... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/08/26/is-culpepper-being-blackballed/ |
I'm trying to find the anti-corny lead-in for the latest news on number 4....like 'ol Mississippi still has lightening in that bottle for an arm  ...I shudder at the following headline and hope there are more creative banners in Favre's future...http://myespn.go.com/blogs/afceast/0-2-85/So-Favre--so-good.html Other stories... http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2008/08/16/2008-08-16_brett_favr... Fred Smoot of the Washington Redskins (a former Viking) summed up Favre's performance like this... "Man, this is Brett Favre. You can drop Brett Favre on Mars and give him 10 other players and he can lead them to score a touchdown." The comment comes in this story... http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2008/08/16/2008-08-16_redskins_t... Given the Packers poor preseason performance on the same night as their sorely departed QB's debut in New York, the parallels to the decision that sent him packing are already being drawn. I'll look for links on those stories a little later. |
| A diversion from the usual Favre stuff for a walk into the Twilight Zone... I don't think Nostradumbass could have predicted this, but somehow a family in Wisconsin has owned a Brett Favre jersey sporting New York Jets colors and logo since 2002... http://news.yahoo.com/story//ap/20080813/ap_on_fe_st/odd_favre_jersey Packers still want to throw money at Favre.... http://today.sportingnews.com/sportingnewstoday/20080815/?u1=texterity&cache=a77... Packers ghost town atmosphere in the post-Favre era? http://www.greenbaypressgazette.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20080820/PKR07/80... |
| On Mike and Mike in the morning on ESPN, football analyst Chris Carter said there was a rumor that Brett Favre would have taken $32 million dollars to retire as a Green Bay Packer. Carter made his comment in closing a segment of the show this morning, while referencing deals other players like Dan Marino have received, while inferring they weren't happy with those settlements. So, could it be assumed now Brett Favre did put a price on retirement and didn't get the price he was asking for? This remark by Carter could be damaging in the days to come, if reporters get wind of this and try to ferret out the truth. Favre made it apparent the marketing deal was not in the best interests of his desire to play football. But, did coming out of retirement seem like an act of leverage to get more money? These and more questions could become dogged, but I expect nothing will be confirmed and it will be labeled just another rumor. Favre would have to evaluate what it was worth to push forward with his desire to play another season, knowing his goal was either as a Packer or in the NFC North Division. Since, the latter grew highly unlikely and the foremost faded from view, he probably had to put a value on a sell out versus playing another season or two. Favre is worth much more in endorsements, but do those dry up when he's no longer an NFL star? Watching players like Marino pitch diet food makes you wonder if the real earnings for athletes come while you're still a player. The Packers were offering a $25 million settlement on a 10-year merchandising deal. Can you put a price tag on Favre's name? With the media consuming Favre saga and his emergence on the New York scene, I think endorsements are ripe for picking. But, does Favre take advantage of that while not distracting from what he says is his goal -- to play football. You have to believe he'll work in some endorsement deals at some point, especially at the end of the season, provided he's still standing or still worth a lick, depending on his play as a Jet. One also has to wonder, was New York a financial decision rather than a football decision. Since, it did leave some scratching their head why not Tampa Bay, does anyone see the earnings potential, the cash cow that is New York? He can play it cool for now and let the bids roll in for his services, taking the best deals off the top of the pile while keeping that focus where it should be...on football. So many factors he must have weighed in that a short time before giving the Big Apple the nod. I think he ultimately made the right choice, but a rumor about an asking price could be a bit unsavory for fans and maybe future endorsement dealers. It boggles the mind to think that there could have been another end to this story that I was so adamently against. I'm glad the Packers didn't up the ante, because it could have been the last time we would have seen Favre take the field. What are the jersey sales up to today? 6500 times 80 bucks a pop (for the low-end jerseys) equalled how much for the first day of sales? If he's not stuffing his pockets with loot, the Jets are at least going to pay for every last seat in that stadium in no time at all. I had to Google to see if Carter's allegation had some basis, and it's interesting that the Packer's are $32 million under the salary cap, too. But, I did find a forum from Aug. 1 where someone iterates today's gossip from Carter about Favre countering the $20 million Packer offer, without naming a source... http://www.121s.com/viewtopic.php?t=34453 ON THE TRAINING CAMP FRONT... By the way, Favre can still chuck it... http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2008/08/10/2008-08-10_brett_favr... And, Favre gets cheered for mishandling a snap. And, I thought Jets fans were supposed to be the mean ones, while Aaron Rodgers gets booed in a scrimmage? http://www.nydailynews.com/sports/football/jets/2008/08/10/2008-08-10_brett_favr... http://www.nytimes.com/2008/08/14/sports/football/14jets.html?_r=1&ref=football&... http://www.newsday.com/sports/football/jets/ny-spjzone145800779aug14,0,3228614.s... And the talk surrounding Favre's arm strength and dedication swirl about before the guy has played a preseason game. Some interesting comments from former QB Joe Theismann, doubting there will be a good outcome for Favre and his new team... http://www.profootballtalk.com/2008/08/15/sunshine-sees-storm-clouds-for-favre/ I think aside from having bulletin board material like this, Favre still has something to prove to the Packers and world. A whirlwind that took him away from the Packers and landed him in New York, there is going to be a period of adjustment. Theismann may have looked beyond Favre's recent demeanor that suggests he is acclaimating to the Jets system, looking comfortable even in his new environs. The unknown part of this will be how Favre is able to absorb the playbook and the patience of his team as he prepares for the season. I think if he needs to prove anything, it's how brilliant he is at adapting. I suspect the Packers deemed him incapable of learning new tricks, part of the reason for the parting of the ways. If Favre pulls this off, he's proven a lot, not only to fans, but his former employers who shoved a hall of famer out into the street. |
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