Entry #600881, added on 08-08-08 @ 4:47 pm EDT
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| Making A Case For Favre | Entry #600881 |
Dissect this whole thing for us and make sense of it all. Do a thorough investigation of the facts and the circumstantial stuff, while throwing in the anonymously reported details that make up a majority of the reports that have spun this Favrian drama. Without playing the sleazy lawyer quashing some of the evidentiary elements, go over this thing with a fine tooth comb. Like a paleontologist, carefully pull this thing from the ground, resurrect this dinosaur to examine it's remains and try to figure out how it died and why.
I get tired of the short-sighted sports pundits who give their two cents like it's the gospel truth. I don't buy the notion that the Packers were at a loss how to deal with this 'prima donna' Brett Favre. Ted Thompson set this whole thing in motion years ago and it came to a boil. He had the recipe. He stirred the pot. Brett Favre was just bird he wanted to cook. How this main course was going to react to all the potions and spells he would cast determined how unsavory this concoction would be when it was served for dinner.
Thompson had a game plan, it was obvious. At key moments, information would be leaked to throw the media and fans off track. For example, they would consider trading him to the Vikings (ah, no, not really) or it would be an 'open competition' (as if). Favre was upset because of the misinformation about how he waffled on retirement and the cell phone/tampering charges. But, the moment he decided to report to camp, the president of the Packer's organization is hopping a flight with a brief case full of loot to keep him put? That took some pre-planning.
Don't tell me Favre's behavior manipulated and distracted a team from preparing for another season. He was played for years by Thompson and likely McCarthy into the feeling that his input, what he could bring to the table wasn't wanted anymore. And the distrust that grew out of Thompson's dishonest intentions made for sour grapes. And given the short amount of time left to make a decision to stay with the Packers or move on, Brett said enough was enough.
Sure, if he had time to digest all the baloney he was being fed and put it perspective with his desire to play another season, he might say he'd comeback anyway and be a part of the Packer's team. But management was dragging this thing out. They caused Favre to stop and think, 'well, what should I do?' while the game clock was ticking off precious seconds. Now they want to say he, Brett Favre, wasn't committed to playing? No, it was they all along. He needed to be somewhere where his services were wanted.
They got him to hang up the cleats too early, by pushing up a deadline on a decision to play another year. Out of some blind obligation to an organization he has been a part of for 16 years, he decided it was in the best interest of the team to step aside at that time. But, I think something stuck in his craw come June. Words were said that made him feel he got duped, shoved out of the picture. Being a passionate guy, something eventful fueled his fire to play again. No one does Brett Favre like that. And he can play.
It was likely Favre only came back so he could exact revenge with an 'if they don't take me, I'll play for the Vikings or Bears'-type scenario. He even admitted as much in his press conference with the New York media, further stating that it might not have been the right mindset. But who hasn't been scorned and wanted to take it out on the people who 'dissed ya'?
In my mind, Favre would have eventually retired if Thompson hadn't pushed for a decision in March. Everyone complains that the old guy couldn't make up his mind for the past three seasons, but track that all back to the start of Thompson's reign. The man who holds all the cards was pushing Favre's buttons. And people who claim that the quarterback is manipulated by his agent and wife should also acknowledge it could work just as well on the other end.
Favre admitted a desire to play and acted on it. He didn't cave at the sight of a bribe to remain off stage while Aaron Rodgers took over his rightful domain. It delayed, however, any decisions he could make to return. The Packers, yes that organization led by Thompson, lied and manipulated to the end. They didn't want to have blood on their hands because they knew they would catch hell for kicking a legend to the curb. Their undoing was that Favre caught on and didn't like being played.
Now, to the matter of ego. Yes, this was a test of wills. On one side, you have a player who was coveted and coddled by an organization for his entire career, because that rough stone revealed a diamond inside. We all watched him sparkle and shine and bring so much joy, but when it was all coming to an end, they wanted to change course. In doing so, they left him out of the picture. Other quarterbacks or high profile players are known to have input, and impact, on how business is done by their team. I can't imagine Favre got too involved. But, when he saw some opportunities and Thompson didn't want his input, it's obvious the writing was on the wall.
Thompson had his vision and Favre wasn't a part of it. He didn't tell anyone, because it's not good business sense to let everyone know the guy that re-established the franchise was no longer valued. And now, Thompson has a spin doctor in Ari Fleischer advising his every move. He was prudent in hiring him before all the s**t hit the fan. And now he's lying on the backside of this whole ordeal by saying he wished someone else could authorized that trade paperwork. Yeah, because he's going to be remembered as the GM that got rid of a beloved player. He should be honest and say it, he was lighting up a cigar or popping champagne, because I'm sure that's what he did when he thought he had the old fox trapped after the retirement announcement.
Brett Favre is guilty of being passionate. He had a drive that makes him such a treasure to watch play football. Anyone who would want to spoil that, or get in the way of it, should be condemned. Unfortunately, a lot of people are gullible enough to eat the garbage coming out of the offices at Lambeau. Many, grew tired of the drama that Thompson scripted, maybe with a little help, and watched play out. Others, just can't follow and don't know who's side to take. A stalemate is as good as a win.
Time will give us hindsight. The Packers play another season that will turn out however it turns out. But, perspective and clarity are so sorely needed about now. I'm just happy that I'll get to watch him play. It's sad that it has tarnished my love affair for a team that I have followed since a kid in the early 70s. I stuck it out through the John Brockington and Lynn Dickey years, because it was like following a beloved team like the Chicago Cubs. But now? Now that they have forced this business side of it into the equation, I don't know. It's hard to swallow. It's a bit too dissatisfying, kind of like an overcooked turkey with unappetizing dressing.
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