Farve Reinstated; expected to report Monday (1 Viewer)

[CletiusMaximus]

does anyone think green bay is really willing to pay favre $12 million to be the backup? that point seems to have been lost in all of this. assuming favre says, yeah sure, i'll be the backup, do they really keep him on the roster?

I think it's starting to become clear that the answer to this is no. If he sticks around, I expect the rumor of him being limited to solo workouts and cut the day prior to the season starting may just come true.

i think that's right. if favre really wants to play football this year (and i don't necessarily mean for the packers, because he can't really control that), he should call their bluff, do what they tell him to do, smile for the camera, and wait to be released. if they don't release him, hey, it's $12 million, and he gets more "good guy" credit that will translate into more (non-football) opportunities down the road. and heck, he can do it again next year if he wants (although at that point, there's less likelihood of another team wanting to pick him up if/when he gets cut).

They quite simply cannot start the season with Favre on the roster. Every time Rodgers strings together two incomplete passes, the crowd, the players, or some analyst will bring up Favre. Having Favre on the roster is an invitation to squander this season.

That was going to happen anyway. Rodgers was going to face immense pressure because he was the guy replacing Brett Favre. That was going to be part of the deal.But I believe it will be considerably worse now. Before, all fans could do was lament that Rodgers wasn't Favre. But if Rodgers struggles now, fans will lament that not only isn't he Favre, but the Packers could have had Favre instead this season if they hadn't kicked him to the curb. This is the pressure Thompson and McCarthy have brought upon Rodgers. It wasn't going to be easy for him had Favre stayed retired but the pressure has grown about a millionfold now.

If the pressure has already grown a millionfold, it grows even more if Favre is on the sidelines holding a clipboard as either the backup or the 3rd QB. Fans can mourn what TT has made happen if Favre isn't there, but they can actually call for him to be used if he is on the team.

If Rodgers struggles, it would be nice for the Packers to have such an option. Unless people think Brian Brohm is going to be a world beater this season.

You guys really think Favre would stand on the sidelines with a clipboard? Get realistic - if he doesn't start, he's on the first plane out of town.

 

[packersfan]

I do feel bad for Rodgers because Thompson and McCarthy have pretty much made it now that it may be impossible for him to succeed. As I said, he was going to be measured against Favre anyway but it's going to be even worse now because Favre wanted to return and the Packers tossed him aside like yesterday's garbage. Rodgers deserved a fair chance but he isn't likely to get one now. The guy was booed during a scrimmage for cryin out loud. It's only going to get worse for him from here on out and he'll have Thompson and McCarthy to blame for a lot of it.

I agree that it could get very rough for Rodgers. He cannot, and will not, be able to win in the eyes of some. And it's unfortunate. For all the talk that Favre is the better choice to lead this team to the Super Bowl, there are other areas on the team that need to improve for this to happen. Not to mention the health of the team which is always a key part. Even if Favre had never retired and been working with the team through all the OTAs, returning to the NFCC game is far from a guarantee. But some will base Rodgers season on the assumption that Favre would be taking us to a Super Bowl, and that is wrong on every level.

Every young QB struggles. Hell, there were coaches on Holmgren's staff who wanted Favre benched early in his career. So Rodgers will not be immune to having his share of difficulty. But the bar has been raised because in the eyes of most observers the Packers could have had a better QB but chose instead to go with a lesser talent. That's on Thompson and McCarthy and it won't be fair to judge Rodgers on that but that's the reality he's going to face. Like I said, he got booed in a scrimmage. Imagine what's going to happen to him when he throws his first INT in a game that means something.

 

[sho nuff]

Favre is running to the media every chance he gets. I think he is saying some of these things to try to make it seem like he is taking the high road.

Why this isn't more apparent to the people who are all over the team and supporting Favre is beyond me.

and how anyone can support his DEMANDS to be traded to either of the Packers' primary divisional rivals is beyond me as well. He has refused any trade to anyone but Minnesota until now...why? because he's a child is why. It's a delusional, immature, blatantly confrontational demand designed to cause this exact standoff. There is NO WAY they will trade him to Minnesota, and they absolutely shouldn't. He can pull a Montana to the Chiefs or OJ to SF if he wants, but he's demanding Montana to Dallas - which is idiotic. How anyone can support Favre - the guy who's been feeding ESPN throughout it all to try and gain favor in the media - is utterly incomprehensible to me.

Again, I guess it depends on who you believe. Is Mariucci lying when he says that Favre's wants to play first and foremost in Green Bay?J

Then why leave camp?Then why say it just won't work?Then why say release me?Then why say he won't compete as he does not think it is right?If he so wants to play for GB...push it to that...he has pushed so many other things...distraction be damned...why stop short of what he claims to really want?

Favre's behaving like a spoiled princess, and his defenders are out amplifying "her" laments rather than telling him to cut out the whole princess act to begin with. I'm reminded of the famous scene from The Godfather:

Johnny Fontane: Oh, Godfather, I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do.Don Corleone: [shouts] You can act like a man![he slaps Johnny]Don Corleone: What's the matter with you. Is this how you turned out? A Hollywood finocchio that cries like a woman.[Don Corleone imitates him sobbing]Don Corleone: "What can I do?"[cut to Tom who is laughing]Don Corleone: "What can I do?" What is that nonsense. Ridiculous.

J

I get a on that, but you avoided answering what I proposed was the mature solution to all of this for Favre, a simple three-step solution:1) announce your return, unequivocally; 2) apply for reinstatement; 3) report to camp. That's what an adult who just wants to play football does, and it immediately gives him all the leverage as it forces the Packers to fish or cut bait. No drama in the media, just go about your business, and events take care of themselves, with nobody blaming you. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones. But that's not what Favre did, and it's not what you're advocating, instead preferring to pick and choose certain quotes (tending to be favorable to Favre) and ignoring other (not-so-favorable) ones. It's just telling to me that the Favre supporters don't seem to have much of an explanation for why Favre didn't proceed as I've outlined here, if he "just wanted to return to play football".

Seriously?What part of "I don't want to be a distraction if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?J

The part where he shows up to family night.The part where he texts ESPN and is constantly leaking stories to ESPN before anyone else comments on what has gone on.The part where he floats ideas through the media and then soon after we hear another rumor that is completely opposite.All the while the team is doing no talking.He says he does not want to be a distraction...but his whole leveraging has been about creating a distraction.

 

[packersfan]

does anyone think green bay is really willing to pay favre $12 million to be the backup? that point seems to have been lost in all of this. assuming favre says, yeah sure, i'll be the backup, do they really keep him on the roster?

I think it's starting to become clear that the answer to this is no. If he sticks around, I expect the rumor of him being limited to solo workouts and cut the day prior to the season starting may just come true.

i think that's right. if favre really wants to play football this year (and i don't necessarily mean for the packers, because he can't really control that), he should call their bluff, do what they tell him to do, smile for the camera, and wait to be released. if they don't release him, hey, it's $12 million, and he gets more "good guy" credit that will translate into more (non-football) opportunities down the road. and heck, he can do it again next year if he wants (although at that point, there's less likelihood of another team wanting to pick him up if/when he gets cut).

They quite simply cannot start the season with Favre on the roster. Every time Rodgers strings together two incomplete passes, the crowd, the players, or some analyst will bring up Favre. Having Favre on the roster is an invitation to squander this season.

That was going to happen anyway. Rodgers was going to face immense pressure because he was the guy replacing Brett Favre. That was going to be part of the deal.But I believe it will be considerably worse now. Before, all fans could do was lament that Rodgers wasn't Favre. But if Rodgers struggles now, fans will lament that not only isn't he Favre, but the Packers could have had Favre instead this season if they hadn't kicked him to the curb. This is the pressure Thompson and McCarthy have brought upon Rodgers. It wasn't going to be easy for him had Favre stayed retired but the pressure has grown about a millionfold now.

If the pressure has already grown a millionfold, it grows even more if Favre is on the sidelines holding a clipboard as either the backup or the 3rd QB. Fans can mourn what TT has made happen if Favre isn't there, but they can actually call for him to be used if he is on the team.

If Rodgers struggles, it would be nice for the Packers to have such an option. Unless people think Brian Brohm is going to be a world beater this season.

You guys really think Favre would stand on the sidelines with a clipboard? Get realistic - if he doesn't start, he's on the first plane out of town.

I don't think Rodgers beats him out if they were to compete so I don't see that scenario ever coming to fruition.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

But Joe...I simply don't think that is the only question that matters.

Ability wise, he is the better QB this year.

Beyond that, where does that leave the team?What arrogance is McCarthy showing in that?

He asked if the QB was fine with an open competition...and that was Favre's version of it too.

So if McCarthy asked that...why do you still think Favre so wants to play for GB...when Favre is the one saying the competition may not be best?

When Favre is saying it may just be best to part ways?

So why would the Vikings want him? They are a lot farther from a championship than the Packers. With Peterson and Allen and Kevin Williams and Steve Hutchinson locked up for 4-5 more years, why would they put all their eggs in one basket for this year?

 

[sho nuff]

I get a on that, but you avoided answering what I proposed was the mature solution to all of this for Favre, a simple three-step solution:1) announce your return, unequivocally; 2) apply for reinstatement; 3) report to camp. That's what an adult who just wants to play football does, and it immediately gives him all the leverage as it forces the Packers to fish or cut bait.

The Packers made it clear they didn't want him back. So he wanted to explore his options. This is what an adult does when he is told by his current employer that he is no longer wanted. Do you honestly think that if the Packers had told Favre a month ago that they would welcome him back with open arms that this mess would have even started? I can't believe anyone would honestly believe that. All the Packers had to do when they first heard Favre wanted to come back was bring him back. That's it. Problem solved. People take some shots at Favre for flip flopping but everybody's happy. Maybe not Aaron Rodgers but everybody else is happy. None of this would have happened had the Packers simply brought him back. All of this happened because they have been adamantly opposed to the idea of bringing Favre back. That's when the mess began.

So if they do that, Favre somehow puts behind him the claims of TT's lies...the moves TT did not make...TT not doing enough to convince him not to retire in the first place?I just don't think so.

 

[packersfan]

I get a on that, but you avoided answering what I proposed was the mature solution to all of this for Favre, a simple three-step solution:1) announce your return, unequivocally; 2) apply for reinstatement; 3) report to camp. That's what an adult who just wants to play football does, and it immediately gives him all the leverage as it forces the Packers to fish or cut bait.

The Packers made it clear they didn't want him back. So he wanted to explore his options. This is what an adult does when he is told by his current employer that he is no longer wanted. Do you honestly think that if the Packers had told Favre a month ago that they would welcome him back with open arms that this mess would have even started? I can't believe anyone would honestly believe that. All the Packers had to do when they first heard Favre wanted to come back was bring him back. That's it. Problem solved. People take some shots at Favre for flip flopping but everybody's happy. Maybe not Aaron Rodgers but everybody else is happy. None of this would have happened had the Packers simply brought him back. All of this happened because they have been adamantly opposed to the idea of bringing Favre back. That's when the mess began.

So if they do that, Favre somehow puts behind him the claims of TT's lies...the moves TT did not make...TT not doing enough to convince him not to retire in the first place?I just don't think so.

None of that would have ever occurred if they brought him back. There would have been no Thompson lies; there would have been no misguided interview with Greta Van Susteren. That's what I'm saying. None of that would've happened. He would have simply returned, been mocked (deservedly so in my opinion) for not sticking to his word but life would have gone on for the Packers. None of this crap that's happened would have ever happened. But when Thompson made it clear he didn't want Favre back, that's when all hell broke loose.

 

[3nOut]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

 

[sho nuff]

But Joe...I simply don't think that is the only question that matters.

Ability wise, he is the better QB this year.

Beyond that, where does that leave the team?What arrogance is McCarthy showing in that?

He asked if the QB was fine with an open competition...and that was Favre's version of it too.

So if McCarthy asked that...why do you still think Favre so wants to play for GB...when Favre is the one saying the competition may not be best?

When Favre is saying it may just be best to part ways?

So why would the Vikings want him? They are a lot farther from a championship than the Packers. With Peterson and Allen and Kevin Williams and Steve Hutchinson locked up for 4-5 more years, why would they put all their eggs in one basket for this year?

Why do you think they are alot further away?IMO...they are just as close right now...

And those guys may be locked up...but their window is closing with some of the older guys...guys like Birk and Pat Williams and Sharper.

 

[Kleck]

Favre is running to the media every chance he gets. I think he is saying some of these things to try to make it seem like he is taking the high road.

Why this isn't more apparent to the people who are all over the team and supporting Favre is beyond me.

and how anyone can support his DEMANDS to be traded to either of the Packers' primary divisional rivals is beyond me as well. He has refused any trade to anyone but Minnesota until now...why? because he's a child is why. It's a delusional, immature, blatantly confrontational demand designed to cause this exact standoff. There is NO WAY they will trade him to Minnesota, and they absolutely shouldn't. He can pull a Montana to the Chiefs or OJ to SF if he wants, but he's demanding Montana to Dallas - which is idiotic. How anyone can support Favre - the guy who's been feeding ESPN throughout it all to try and gain favor in the media - is utterly incomprehensible to me.

Again, I guess it depends on who you believe. Is Mariucci lying when he says that Favre's wants to play first and foremost in Green Bay?J

Then why leave camp?Then why say it just won't work?Then why say release me?Then why say he won't compete as he does not think it is right?If he so wants to play for GB...push it to that...he has pushed so many other things...distraction be damned...why stop short of what he claims to really want?

Favre's behaving like a spoiled princess, and his defenders are out amplifying "her" laments rather than telling him to cut out the whole princess act to begin with. I'm reminded of the famous scene from The Godfather:

Johnny Fontane: Oh, Godfather, I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do.Don Corleone: [shouts] You can act like a man![he slaps Johnny]Don Corleone: What's the matter with you. Is this how you turned out? A Hollywood finocchio that cries like a woman.[Don Corleone imitates him sobbing]Don Corleone: "What can I do?"[cut to Tom who is laughing]Don Corleone: "What can I do?" What is that nonsense. Ridiculous.

J

I get a on that, but you avoided answering what I proposed was the mature solution to all of this for Favre, a simple three-step solution:1) announce your return, unequivocally; 2) apply for reinstatement; 3) report to camp. That's what an adult who just wants to play football does, and it immediately gives him all the leverage as it forces the Packers to fish or cut bait. No drama in the media, just go about your business, and events take care of themselves, with nobody blaming you. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones. But that's not what Favre did, and it's not what you're advocating, instead preferring to pick and choose certain quotes (tending to be favorable to Favre) and ignoring other (not-so-favorable) ones. It's just telling to me that the Favre supporters don't seem to have much of an explanation for why Favre didn't proceed as I've outlined here, if he "just wanted to return to play football".

Seriously?What part of "I don't want to be a distraction if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?J

Don't you think it's a little late in the game for Favre to make a 'destraction' statement like that now?

 

[packersfan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job.

This isn't what he's said, though. As recently as today we have several reports saying Favre was more than willing to compete for the starting job.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

 

[sho nuff]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job.

This isn't what he's said, though. As recently as today we have several reports saying Favre was more than willing to compete for the starting job.

Then why isn't he doing it?He is the one putting a stop to that from happening.

According to Favre even.

If he was so dead set on playing for the Packers...screw this supposed distraction...get your ### to practice and quit whining about the GM.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Don't you think it's a little late in the game for Favre to make a 'destraction' statement like that now?

Not at all. He's just been there 2 days. According to Mariucci (who may be lying) Favre was surprised at the degree that the front office didn't want him there.J

 

[sho nuff]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

Umm...Favre said that too.Favre said that MM asked him if he was willing to compete. Favre said he was...but it would not be the best thing.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

Favre is running to the media every chance he gets. I think he is saying some of these things to try to make it seem like he is taking the high road.

Why this isn't more apparent to the people who are all over the team and supporting Favre is beyond me.

and how anyone can support his DEMANDS to be traded to either of the Packers' primary divisional rivals is beyond me as well. He has refused any trade to anyone but Minnesota until now...why? because he's a child is why. It's a delusional, immature, blatantly confrontational demand designed to cause this exact standoff. There is NO WAY they will trade him to Minnesota, and they absolutely shouldn't. He can pull a Montana to the Chiefs or OJ to SF if he wants, but he's demanding Montana to Dallas - which is idiotic. How anyone can support Favre - the guy who's been feeding ESPN throughout it all to try and gain favor in the media - is utterly incomprehensible to me.

Again, I guess it depends on who you believe. Is Mariucci lying when he says that Favre's wants to play first and foremost in Green Bay?J

Then why leave camp?Then why say it just won't work?Then why say release me?Then why say he won't compete as he does not think it is right?If he so wants to play for GB...push it to that...he has pushed so many other things...distraction be damned...why stop short of what he claims to really want?

Favre's behaving like a spoiled princess, and his defenders are out amplifying "her" laments rather than telling him to cut out the whole princess act to begin with. I'm reminded of the famous scene from The Godfather:

Johnny Fontane: Oh, Godfather, I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do.Don Corleone: [shouts] You can act like a man![he slaps Johnny]Don Corleone: What's the matter with you. Is this how you turned out? A Hollywood finocchio that cries like a woman.[Don Corleone imitates him sobbing]Don Corleone: "What can I do?"[cut to Tom who is laughing]Don Corleone: "What can I do?" What is that nonsense. Ridiculous.

J

I get a on that, but you avoided answering what I proposed was the mature solution to all of this for Favre, a simple three-step solution:1) announce your return, unequivocally; 2) apply for reinstatement; 3) report to camp. That's what an adult who just wants to play football does, and it immediately gives him all the leverage as it forces the Packers to fish or cut bait. No drama in the media, just go about your business, and events take care of themselves, with nobody blaming you. Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones. But that's not what Favre did, and it's not what you're advocating, instead preferring to pick and choose certain quotes (tending to be favorable to Favre) and ignoring other (not-so-favorable) ones. It's just telling to me that the Favre supporters don't seem to have much of an explanation for why Favre didn't proceed as I've outlined here, if he "just wanted to return to play football".

If Favre would have followed these steps, I'm sure he would be practicing today as the #1.

 

[T Bell]

Favre is running to the media every chance he gets. I think he is saying some of these things to try to make it seem like he is taking the high road.

Why this isn't more apparent to the people who are all over the team and supporting Favre is beyond me.

and how anyone can support his DEMANDS to be traded to either of the Packers' primary divisional rivals is beyond me as well. He has refused any trade to anyone but Minnesota until now...why? because he's a child is why. It's a delusional, immature, blatantly confrontational demand designed to cause this exact standoff. There is NO WAY they will trade him to Minnesota, and they absolutely shouldn't. He can pull a Montana to the Chiefs or OJ to SF if he wants, but he's demanding Montana to Dallas - which is idiotic. How anyone can support Favre - the guy who's been feeding ESPN throughout it all to try and gain favor in the media - is utterly incomprehensible to me.

Again, I guess it depends on who you believe. Is Mariucci lying when he says that Favre's wants to play first and foremost in Green Bay?J

Then why leave camp?Then why say it just won't work?

Then why say release me?

Then why say he won't compete as he does not think it is right?

If he so wants to play for GB...push it to that...he has pushed so many other things...distraction be damned...why stop short of what he claims to really want?

Favre's behaving like a spoiled princess, and his defenders are out amplifying "her" laments rather than telling him to cut out the whole princess act to begin with. I'm reminded of the famous scene from The Godfather:

Johnny Fontane: Oh, Godfather, I don't know what to do. I don't know what to do.

Don Corleone: [shouts] You can act like a man!

[he slaps Johnny]

Don Corleone: What's the matter with you. Is this how you turned out? A Hollywood finocchio that cries like a woman.

[Don Corleone imitates him sobbing]

Don Corleone: "What can I do?"

[cut to Tom who is laughing]

Don Corleone: "What can I do?" What is that nonsense. Ridiculous.

J

I get a on that, but you avoided answering what I proposed was the mature solution to all of this for Favre, a simple three-step solution:1) announce your return, unequivocally;

2) apply for reinstatement;

3) report to camp.

That's what an adult who just wants to play football does, and it immediately gives him all the leverage as it forces the Packers to fish or cut bait. No drama in the media, just go about your business, and events take care of themselves, with nobody blaming you.

Sometimes the simplest solutions are the best ones. But that's not what Favre did, and it's not what you're advocating, instead preferring to pick and choose certain quotes (tending to be favorable to Favre) and ignoring other (not-so-favorable) ones. It's just telling to me that the Favre supporters don't seem to have much of an explanation for why Favre didn't proceed as I've outlined here, if he "just wanted to return to play football".

Seriously?What part of "I don't want to be a distraction if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I feel like I'm taking crazy pills when I hear arguments like this one. Yeah, his non-distracting approach sure has worked like a charm, eh? What part of "he applied for reinstatement and came to Green Bay anyway" do you not understand?

If he was so concerned about "not being a distraction", why did he:

1) announce publicly his intention to return?

2) leak to the media that he doesn't think the team wants him back?

3) leak to the media that he wants to be released if the team won't let him compete for his job back?

4) leak to the media that he wants to play for Minnesota if he can't play for Green Bay?

5) do an interview with Greta Van Susteren which is noteworthy for its softness and also his remarkably non-commital words which waffle between determination to return and wondering whether he's wanted?

6) leak to the media that he was offered $20M not to play (and rejected it because he was insulted)?

7) leak to the media that he doesn't want to play for the jets or Tampa?

8) fly to Green Bay with no resolution of his playing situation (if he is to be believed)?

9) leave the training facility rather than taking the practice field after saying he welcomed the chance to compete for his job?

If I worked at it I could probably come up with nine more questions along those lines.

If he did what I advocated - just unretire, report to camp, shut up and play ball - the Packers would either be forced by fan pressure to open up the QB job to competition, or to rid themselves of him. There'd be a media firestorm, but it would die down and be resolved, and nobody would be talking about soap operas. Again, I believe the logic of this is irrefutable, and I have yet to see a good argument against it, yes, including the ridiculous "he didn't want to be a distraction" argument.

 

[packersfan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job.

This isn't what he's said, though. As recently as today we have several reports saying Favre was more than willing to compete for the starting job.

Then why isn't he doing it?He is the one putting a stop to that from happening.

According to Favre even.

If he was so dead set on playing for the Packers...screw this supposed distraction...get your ### to practice and quit whining about the GM.

What if he was told today by McCarthy that there would be no open competition?

 

[3nOut]

You guys really think Favre would stand on the sidelines with a clipboard? Get realistic - if he doesn't start, he's on the first plane out of town.

No we don't. Like I said before, his ego wouldn't allow that. But that was his only choice. Either that or stay retired. He says that the only place he really wanted to play (start) was GB. But if that was true, and he knew that GB would only bring him back as a backup, why did he start all of this?

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

LOL, I think that quote is going to kill some of the Pro-TT guys here Joe. They've been working under the assumption that Favre thinks he's too good to compete to start. So now that the coach says that he's OK with that, they need to find something else to grab on to. Hence all the recent posts about Favre going about this the wrong way, which is true of course.

 

[CletiusMaximus]

When it first started...it was mostly anti Favre on this board...as his PR campaign got into gear, the opinion shifted to more anti Thompson...now it is shifting again and speaking to my mother tonight her mind is shifting a bit as are some others she talks to and heard on radio there (yes, she lives there).

Isn't it nice being a fan and having the luxury to change one's mind at any given point with no ramifications?

jsonline has some numbers indicating Favre's image is taking a bit of a hit locally:

Poll shows support for franchiseBy Don WalkerTuesday, Aug 5 2008, 10:03 PMSixty percent of Wisconsin residents think Green Bay Packers general manager Ted Thompson and coach Mike McCarthy are more concerned about the long-term future of the franchise than Brett Favre is, a statewide poll released Tuesday shows.At the same time, the survey by the Wisconsin Policy Research Institute shows that favorable feelings among state residents for the future Hall of Famer have dropped dramatically since December. According to the poll, only 47% of those surveyed had a favorable view of Favre, while 34% had an unfavorable view.That is a startling drop in support for the three-time most valuable player, who is perhaps the Packers' greatest player ever. Last December, as Favre's Packers were readying a playoff run that would take them to the NFC Championship Game, 73% of the people in Wisconsin had a favorable view of him and only 7% had an unfavorable view. In September 2004, 75% of those surveyed in Wisconsin had a favorable view of Favre and only 9% had an unfavorable view.But after his tearful news conference in March when he announced that he was retiring, Favre began having second thoughts and indicated an interest in coming back to play even though the team had decided to turn to Aaron Rodgers to play quarterback. The survey was conducted statewide on Sunday and Monday. The survey was being conducted as Favre arrived back in Green Bay after being reinstated by NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell in an effort to end the standoff between the quarterback and the franchise.Survey respondents were asked this question: "Who do you think is most concerned about the long-term future of the Green Bay Packers - Brett Favre and his supporters, or general manager Ted Thompson and his coach, Mike McCarthy?"According to the survey, 60% said Thompson/McCarthy and 16% said Favre. A total of 24%, nearly one-quarter of those surveyed, either didn't know or declined to answer.Support for Thompson and McCarthy was statewide, according to the survey, with the strongest support (75%) coming from the Milwaukee area. In the Green Bay area, Thompson and McCarthy were supported by 71% of the survey respondents, while Favre supporters were at only 15%.The support for management in the ongoing tussle between Favre, who wants to return to play professional football, and the Packers, who want to move on without him, could be reflected in the fact that the Packers are professional football's only publicly owned franchise. The franchise says 112,015 people own shares in the team.Survey respondents were asked this question in relation to Favre: "Do you have a favorable or unfavorable opinion of him?"For those who had a favorable view of Favre, his strongest support came from Milwaukee's suburbs (54%) and Waukesha (56%). Favorable views of Favre were weakest in Green Bay (31%). In December, 82% of those surveyed in the Green Bay area had a favorable view of him.The telephone poll surveyed 600 residents who said they were likely voters in the November presidential election. The survey has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I have yet to see a good argument against it, yes, including the ridiculous "he didn't want to be a distraction" argument.

I can't help it if you can't see it. J

 

[Jimmy James]

What if he was told today by McCarthy that there would be no open competition?

My guess is that he was told there would be a "competition" but that it would be AR's job unless his arm fell off. I just can't get over the idea that Favre is worse than Rodgers but is better than anything Minnesota has. I find that absurd. At least Minnesota's guy has that horrific first year out of the way, unlike Rodgers.

 

[3nOut]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job.

This isn't what he's said, though. As recently as today we have several reports saying Favre was more than willing to compete for the starting job.

Then why is he leaving and admitting that Rodgers should be the starter?

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

Umm...Favre said that too.Favre said that MM asked him if he was willing to compete. Favre said he was...but it would not be the best thing.

Yeah, he said it wouldn't be the best thing....because of everything that has happened. He can't get past the way he's been treated over the past few months. It has nothing to do with fear of competition.

 

[packersfan]

I don't think anyone should be surprised that Favre's rep has taken a major hit. He's damaged his legacy without question. The question I have is whether Thompson and McCarthy have done the same to theirs. That will be determined by the 16 games the Packers play this season.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

But Joe...I simply don't think that is the only question that matters.

Ability wise, he is the better QB this year.

Beyond that, where does that leave the team?What arrogance is McCarthy showing in that?

He asked if the QB was fine with an open competition...and that was Favre's version of it too.

So if McCarthy asked that...why do you still think Favre so wants to play for GB...when Favre is the one saying the competition may not be best?

When Favre is saying it may just be best to part ways?

So why would the Vikings want him? They are a lot farther from a championship than the Packers. With Peterson and Allen and Kevin Williams and Steve Hutchinson locked up for 4-5 more years, why would they put all their eggs in one basket for this year?

Why do you think they are alot further away?IMO...they are just as close right now...

And those guys may be locked up...but their window is closing with some of the older guys...guys like Birk and Pat Williams and Sharper.

I agree with you. I was just playing devil's advocate. It comes down to this, IMO. Would you take a Super Bowl this year only to have the team somewhere in between 5-11 and 9-7 for the next 10 or so year, or would you take between 8-8 and 10-6 with some playoff appearances for the next 10 years but no championship?

Those that are taking "Favre's side" believe you have to take the shot at the Super Bowl when you have it. They believe that you know what Favre brings to the table and you don't have a clue as to what Rodgers brings. You take the sure bet when you can get it. Sure, Rodgers may be the next big thing, but if he's not, you might have blown a golden opportunity.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

LOL, I think that quote is going to kill some of the Pro-TT guys here Joe. They've been working under the assumption that Favre thinks he's too good to compete to start. So now that the coach says that he's OK with that, they need to find something else to grab on to. Hence all the recent posts about Favre going about this the wrong way, which is true of course.

Favre is the puppet master. Not only does he have Mooch and Mort lying for him. He's using that jedi mind trick and now has Mike McCarthy lying for him now... J

 

[Jimmy James]

I don't think anyone should be surprised that Favre's rep has taken a major hit. He's damaged his legacy without question. The question I have is whether Thompson and McCarthy have done the same to theirs. That will be determined by the 16 games the Packers play this season.

I don't know how history is going to judge the coach, but TT needs to worry more about his job and less about any legacy.

 

[3nOut]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

I believe McCarthy was telling the truth that Favre said he was willing to compete. I just don't believe Favre meant it.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job.

This isn't what he's said, though. As recently as today we have several reports saying Favre was more than willing to compete for the starting job.

Then why is he leaving and admitting that Rodgers should be the starter?

Because he was told today that there would be no open competition. Unfortunately, TT and MM won't publicly admit that.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

LOL, I think that quote is going to kill some of the Pro-TT guys here Joe. They've been working under the assumption that Favre thinks he's too good to compete to start. So now that the coach says that he's OK with that, they need to find something else to grab on to. Hence all the recent posts about Favre going about this the wrong way, which is true of course.

Favre is the puppet master. Not only does he have Mooch and Mort lying for him. He's using that jedi mind trick and now has Mike McCarthy lying for him now... J

 

[packersfan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job.

This isn't what he's said, though. As recently as today we have several reports saying Favre was more than willing to compete for the starting job.

Then why is he leaving and admitting that Rodgers should be the starter?

He's leaving because he's upset about the way he's been treated by the team. Right or wrong, that's how he seems to feel. And I really believe the Packers' attempt to bribe him was the biggest slap in the face. As far as Rodgers, he's acknowledging that Rodgers has earned the right to be the starter at this point in time. I think he fully believes that if he was given the opportunity to compete for the job, Rodgers wouldn't be the starter when the season began.

 

[T Bell]

I have yet to see a good argument against it, yes, including the ridiculous "he didn't want to be a distraction" argument.

I can't help it if you can't see it. J

Joe, it's not that I don't see it, I actually see the opposite for the reasons stated. I hope you'll understand how unsatisfying your one-line response is to my post, which took a good 15 minutes or so to pound out, and you'll forgive me if I ask you to make a better case for Favre's unwillingness to be a distraction in the face of the points I made.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Those that are taking "Favre's side" believe you have to take the shot at the Super Bowl when you have it. They believe that you know what Favre brings to the table and you don't have a clue as to what Rodgers brings. You take the sure bet when you can get it. Sure, Rodgers may be the next big thing, but if he's not, you might have blown a golden opportunity.

Thank you FP. It's really not a lot more complicated than that.J

 

[Kleck]

Don't you think it's a little late in the game for Favre to make a 'destraction' statement like that now?

Not at all. He's just been there 2 days. According to Mariucci (who may be lying) Favre was surprised at the degree that the front office didn't want him there.J

Do you believe that Favre is just now being surprised by this? This is not some new shocking revelation.

 

[packersfan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

LOL, I think that quote is going to kill some of the Pro-TT guys here Joe. They've been working under the assumption that Favre thinks he's too good to compete to start. So now that the coach says that he's OK with that, they need to find something else to grab on to. Hence all the recent posts about Favre going about this the wrong way, which is true of course.

Favre is the puppet master. Not only does he have Mooch and Mort lying for him. He's using that jedi mind trick and now has Mike McCarthy lying for him now... J

The Force is strong with this one.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

I believe McCarthy was telling the truth that Favre said he was willing to compete. I just don't believe Favre meant it.

Oh for crissakes. What is this, an Obama thread in the FFA? Now you think you know what Favre meant?

 

[packersfan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job.

This isn't what he's said, though. As recently as today we have several reports saying Favre was more than willing to compete for the starting job.

Then why is he leaving and admitting that Rodgers should be the starter?

Because he was told today that there would be no open competition. Unfortunately, TT and MM won't publicly admit that.

And this fits with McCarthy's comment that Favre's frame of mind isn't with the team right now. Of course it's not if he's being told there's no chance in hell he'll get a chance to compete for the starting job.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I don't think anyone should be surprised that Favre's rep has taken a major hit. He's damaged his legacy without question. The question I have is whether Thompson and McCarthy have done the same to theirs. That will be determined by the 16 games the Packers play this season.

McCarthy? Nah. He's the coachTT? Without a doubt.The Packers PR spin machine is working though. Even my father, who has hated TT since day 1, thinks that Favre is a whiny, selfish baby who should go away and retire to his lawn mower.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

LOL, I think that quote is going to kill some of the Pro-TT guys here Joe. They've been working under the assumption that Favre thinks he's too good to compete to start. So now that the coach says that he's OK with that, they need to find something else to grab on to. Hence all the recent posts about Favre going about this the wrong way, which is true of course.

Favre is the puppet master. Not only does he have Mooch and Mort lying for him. He's using that jedi mind trick and now has Mike McCarthy lying for him now... J

 

[3nOut]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

Umm...Favre said that too.Favre said that MM asked him if he was willing to compete. Favre said he was...but it would not be the best thing.

Yeah, he said it wouldn't be the best thing....because of everything that has happened. He can't get past the way he's been treated over the past few months. It has nothing to do with fear of competition.

Then again, why did he file for reinstatement? What was he expecting to happen?

 

[T Bell]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

LOL, I think that quote is going to kill some of the Pro-TT guys here Joe. They've been working under the assumption that Favre thinks he's too good to compete to start. So now that the coach says that he's OK with that, they need to find something else to grab on to. Hence all the recent posts about Favre going about this the wrong way, which is true of course.

Favre is the puppet master. Not only does he have Mooch and Mort lying for him. He's using that jedi mind trick and now has Mike McCarthy lying for him now... J

Then why not grab a helmet and take to the practice field and compete for your job then? It's very simple - if McCarthy, et al are lying about an open competition, that will become readily apparent by Favre taking to the practice field. You can't conceal that from reporters forever. That's how you call this bluff if you're Favre, not by pouting and going home.

This is what causes me to doubt Favre's veracity, because his actions don't seem to match up to his words.

 

[Joe Bryant]

I have yet to see a good argument against it, yes, including the ridiculous "he didn't want to be a distraction" argument.

I can't help it if you can't see it. J

Joe, it's not that I don't see it, I actually see the opposite for the reasons stated. I hope you'll understand how unsatisfying your one-line response is to my post, which took a good 15 minutes or so to pound out, and you'll forgive me if I ask you to make a better case for Favre's unwillingness to be a distraction in the face of the points I made.

Sorry. I don't really think it's any more complicated than that. I'm sure this will draw a but I think he's got enough self respect and respect for the Green Bay Packers as an institution that he wouldn't force himself into a situation where he was not welcome. Even if he could as you describe. Knowing that it could likely fracture the locker room and damage the team. I'm sorry if that's not "satisfying". I just think you're wrong.J

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Don't you think it's a little late in the game for Favre to make a 'destraction' statement like that now?

Not at all. He's just been there 2 days. According to Mariucci (who may be lying) Favre was surprised at the degree that the front office didn't want him there.J

Do you believe that Favre is just now being surprised by this? This is not some new shocking revelation.

Really? All the TT supporters in here would have you believe the exact opposite - that TT and MM genuinely want Favre back on the team and are bending over backwards to make it work.So evidently a lot of people in here would be surprised enough by this to consider it a shocking revelation.

 

[packersfan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

Umm...Favre said that too.Favre said that MM asked him if he was willing to compete. Favre said he was...but it would not be the best thing.

Yeah, he said it wouldn't be the best thing....because of everything that has happened. He can't get past the way he's been treated over the past few months. It has nothing to do with fear of competition.

Then again, why did he file for reinstatement? What was he expecting to happen?

He probably assumed that if he proved to the Packers he was 100% determined to return they would ultimately decide it was in the team's best interests to bring him back. I realize it's a crazy thought - future Hall of Famer, second in the MVP voting last year, led the team to the NFC title game which exceeded preseason expectations. Who'd want that guy?

 

[3nOut]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job.

This isn't what he's said, though. As recently as today we have several reports saying Favre was more than willing to compete for the starting job.

Then why is he leaving and admitting that Rodgers should be the starter?

Because he was told today that there would be no open competition. Unfortunately, TT and MM won't publicly admit that.

Is that what Favre is saying now? That that is what they told him today? If thats the case, why should he admit that Rodgers should be the starter?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Don't you think it's a little late in the game for Favre to make a 'destraction' statement like that now?

Not at all. He's just been there 2 days. According to Mariucci (who may be lying) Favre was surprised at the degree that the front office didn't want him there.J

Do you believe that Favre is just now being surprised by this? This is not some new shocking revelation.

Yes. I think he's surprised by how this has gone in person once he arrived in Green Bay. At least that's what he's telling Steve Mariucci (who could be lying).J

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Seriously?

What part of "I don't want to be a distraction backup if the front office doesn't want me there" do you not understand?

J

I think Favre simply wanted to be handed over the starting job and didn't really want to compete for the job. His ego wouldn't let anyone but him lead the team to a SB.

What makes you think that though? When Mike McCarthy (not Favre) says he believes that Favre was 100% fine with competing for the job, are you saying Mike McCarthy is lying?J

LOL, I think that quote is going to kill some of the Pro-TT guys here Joe. They've been working under the assumption that Favre thinks he's too good to compete to start. So now that the coach says that he's OK with that, they need to find something else to grab on to. Hence all the recent posts about Favre going about this the wrong way, which is true of course.

Favre is the puppet master. Not only does he have Mooch and Mort lying for him. He's using that jedi mind trick and now has Mike McCarthy lying for him now... J

Then why not grab a helmet and take to the practice field and compete for your job then? It's very simple - if McCarthy, et al are lying about an open competition, that will become readily apparent by Favre taking to the practice field. You can't conceal that from reporters forever. That's how you call this bluff if you're Favre, not by pouting and going home.

This is what causes me to doubt Favre's veracity, because his actions don't seem to match up to his words.

Completely agree with your approach. Pretty sure that most rational people would offer him the same advice. He's not doing that because at this point, he doesn't want to be even remotely affiliated with TT. Period.

 

[Raider Nation]

I have not left this thread in the past 13 hours. I even take the laptop into the can with me.