Farve Reinstated; expected to report Monday (2 Viewers)

[sho nuff]

"I truly never believed he wanted to play. I believed he was driven by emotional reasons." --- McCarthy

He said that? The local ESPN radio station I'm listening to isn't carrying the presser anymore.

Yes.Thought he handled it very well. He didn't try to speak for Favre but was as forthcoming as he could be.

Tons of random questions but the one guy asked what we've been hitting on asking how he could explain how a guy goes from 13-3 and #2 in MVP voting to not being the QB any longer when it looksl like he wants to be. McCarthy squirmed a little and said he didn't have a short answer. Reporter asked for the long answer and McCarthy said they didn't have time.

That is the huge question though. And as well as he spoke here, the fact they're hitting the field in 2008 without Favre seems like a failure on their part to me.

J

I took his comments on that question to mean it would take 6 hours or so to explain why Brett was so emotional, full of grudges and not committed to play for GB.. McCarthy had questions lined up to test his answers if he were ready to come be a member of the 80 man roster and, from McCarthy's, Brett couldn't get past his issues. Until I hear different from Mr. Favre, I trust McCarthy on this one.

I have the same impression based upon what I'm reading and what I heard.

I think Favre spewed a bunch of bile at McCarthy, and McCarthy rightfully concluded that he couldn't have that in the locker room right now.

My question is, when does this start to look like a poison pill strategy with Favre trying to appear so miserable that the team is forced to trade or release him?

About 2 weeks ago?

 

[Franknbeans]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season?

What a buffoon

 

[sho nuff]

"I truly never believed he wanted to play. I believed he was driven by emotional reasons." --- McCarthy

He said that? The local ESPN radio station I'm listening to isn't carrying the presser anymore.

Yeah, that's pretty much what I got out of it. McCarthy would have given him a chance to compete, but, Favre couldn't get past his grudges on how the whole situation has been handled and cannot commit to playing football for GB. Looks like Farve has waffled again, probably several times during his conversation with McCarthy, and as a good coach should McCarthy took that as a clear sign that this guy is not emotionally stable to be a part of his team.

If you were listening McCarthy answered the question what would Brett's position be if offered the starting job and he still said Brett wasn't there emotionally. Until we hear different from Brett I will take this as Brett waffling as usual.

I guess I want to know what makes McCarthy able to say "I don't think you want to play football anymore."I mean if Favre says "Yes, I am here for the team. I am here to win," then who is McCarthy to say "I don't think you are."

Yes, I agree that's a quality of being a coach...to tell if somebody is ready to play. But doesn't McCarthy have to take Favre at his word?

You mean the word that Favre says while open to competition that Rodgers should be the starter and competition is not what would be right for the team?What other option is Favre leaving with a comment like that...and that was Favre's actual comment too...not McCarthy's version of it.

 

[fatness]

Did the press throw any curve balls as far as questions they asked or did they ask the exact questions, everyone on this message board excpected them to ask?

I did not hear any softball questions. Every question was directly about Favre, and the talks, and about McCarthy's answers to previous questions. McCarthy was uncomfortable at moments.edited to add: Press Conference Transcript

 

[fatness]

Mike Florio's guess at what happens next (from PFT)

And if you’ve grown weary of all the ProFavreTalk, you’re not alone. I have, too. As I told MDS earlier today, I’m both fascinated by and sick of this story. On one hand, it’s overshadowing far too many other compelling news items and rumors, and the coverage plays into Brett and Deanna’s apparent desire to become the king and queen of all sports. On the other hand, it’s the most compelling slow-motion train wreck we’ve ever seen.

Anyway, at a time when only the unexpected can be expected, we’ve got a prediction. Favre, we believe, begins to warm up to the Packers’ agenda once he spends extensive time wth folks from the organization. Last week, president Mark Murphy almost persuaded Brett to take the money and not play. We’ve got a feeling that, this week, coach Mike McCarthy and G.M. Ted Thompson have almost persuaded Brett to finally accept a trade to Tampa.

But once Favre is out of Green Bay and back under the influence of Mrs. Favre, we’ve got a weird feeling that Mr. Favre will revert to his initial position and say something like, “This is all about me wanting to play for the Packers. And if the Packers don’t want me to play for the Packers, the Packers shouldn’t be allowed to tell me where I can and can’t play.”

So, yeah, we’ll keep watching and reporting and analyzing. Even if it means periodic bouts of nausea, both for you and for us.

I'd be less surprised at that happening than I would at Favre going to Tampa Bay.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

McCarthy is coming out of this press conference looking extremely classy. While some of his response are less than fully honest, he can't tell us everything he knows. He's being very respectful of Favre & his feelings about the situation. Big props to McCarthy.

I disagree...he said he didn't want to do the PR thing, but he is saying a lot about Brett, for not wanting to "speak for him"...

The truth is somewhere in the middle. McCarthy's in an impossible spot and is looking sympathetic. He clearly doesn't want to bash Favre, but he's also frustrated about Favre's approach to this situation. McCarthy also has to make sure that the rest of the team knows his priorities are with them, and that the team has to be ready to play when the season comes, regardless. Like I said above, McCarthy's saying some surprisingly pointed things about Favre, but he's not unloading on Favre either, which points out his overall dilemma. I think McCarthy is sympathetic here.

Just wanted to say that you have had some excellent responses in this thread. Thanks.

 

[sho nuff]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season? What a buffoon

No...and he won't either.IMO...there is little to nothing Thompson could have done outside of coddling and begging Favre to come back way back in January and February that would have stopped this from happening.Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

 

[Eric Stratton]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season? What a buffoon

No...and he won't either.IMO...there is little to nothing Thompson could have done outside of coddling and begging Favre to come back way back in January and February that would have stopped this from happening.Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson for a few reasons but one of them is that TT and McCarthy decided soon after the NFC Champhionship game that they didn't want Favre back. That is why all those reports came out that Favre didn't feel like they wanted him to return. TT feels that Rodgers gives the team a better chance at winning this year. TT is getting what he wants and we shall see how that works out for him. I have a feeling it will not turn out well.

 

[Man in the yellow hat]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season?

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

I'll repeat it as well. This has been brewing a long, long time. This is bigger than what's happened in the last month or two.

 

[Franknbeans]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season? What a buffoon

No...and he won't either.IMO...there is little to nothing Thompson could have done outside of coddling and begging Favre to come back way back in January and February that would have stopped this from happening.Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

Enjoy him while you can. Trains leaving the station and all

 

[sho nuff]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season? What a buffoon

No...and he won't either.IMO...there is little to nothing Thompson could have done outside of coddling and begging Favre to come back way back in January and February that would have stopped this from happening.Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson for a few reasons but one of them is that TT and McCarthy decided soon after the NFC Champhionship game that they didn't want Favre back. That is why all those reports came out that Favre didn't feel like they wanted him to return. TT feels that Rodgers gives the team a better chance at winning this year. TT is getting what he wants and we shall see how that works out for him. I have a feeling it will not turn out well.

But what evidence is there that they did not want him back?Just reports from Favre's family that they did not do enough to get him back.I read that as they did not beg him and tell him how great he was.Thompson took a hands off approach there and let Favre make the decision. But I have not read a single actual thing they did then to show they did not want him back.I have yet to hear TT or any coach claim that Rodgers gives them a better chance to win "THIS YEAR".

 

[Eric Stratton]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season?

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

I'll repeat it as well. This has been brewing a long, long time. This is bigger than what's happened in the last month or two.

If TT and McCarthy wanted Favre back then Favre would be back. It is becoming more apparent each day as more info comes out that they didn't want Favre back even before he retired. That is fine but they better be prepared for the backlash that could happen if the Packers and Rodgers struggle this year.

 

[pretender]

I think TT should have let Favre return. I think Brett could have handled the whole situation a whole lot better than he did. There is fault on both sides of the fence. The marriage is over - on to divorce court.

As for where he will play - for sure Tampa Bay. When it was said he was going to practice and it would be an open QB competition - ( in my on-going draft in a new dynasty league with my QB being Rodgers I traded for Garcia )(I have Josh Johnson) - now that I traded for Garcia - of course Favre will be in TB and looking forward to week 4.

oh ve

just let it end - and I am a packer fan and a favre fan - just let it end - I'm tired of the black eye both favre and packer mgmt have done to a franchise OWNED BY FANS!

 

[sho nuff]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season?

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

I'll repeat it as well. This has been brewing a long, long time. This is bigger than what's happened in the last month or two.

If TT and McCarthy wanted Favre back then Favre would be back. It is becoming more apparent each day as more info comes out that they didn't want Favre back even before he retired. That is fine but they better be prepared for the backlash that could happen if the Packers and Rodgers struggle this year.

What is coming out that they did not want him to come back before he retired?Can anyone actually answer that?

 

[Eric Stratton]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season? What a buffoon

No...and he won't either.IMO...there is little to nothing Thompson could have done outside of coddling and begging Favre to come back way back in January and February that would have stopped this from happening.Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson for a few reasons but one of them is that TT and McCarthy decided soon after the NFC Champhionship game that they didn't want Favre back. That is why all those reports came out that Favre didn't feel like they wanted him to return. TT feels that Rodgers gives the team a better chance at winning this year. TT is getting what he wants and we shall see how that works out for him. I have a feeling it will not turn out well.

But what evidence is there that they did not want him back?Just reports from Favre's family that they did not do enough to get him back.I read that as they did not beg him and tell him how great he was.Thompson took a hands off approach there and let Favre make the decision. But I have not read a single actual thing they did then to show they did not want him back.I have yet to hear TT or any coach claim that Rodgers gives them a better chance to win "THIS YEAR".

Of course they are not going to come up and state they feel Rodgers gives them a better chance to win this year. They aren't idiots.There has been a lot of word from local Packer reporters that TT and McCarthy were ready to move on. If TT wanted him back all they had to do was express that to Favre in February and he'd be back. Just accept that TT has aligned himself with Rodgers and will have to pay the consequences if that doesn't work out.

 

[Hoart Petterson]

I think TT should have let Favre return. I think Brett could have handled the whole situation a whole lot better than he did. There is fault on both sides of the fence. The marriage is over - on to divorce court.As for where he will play - for sure Tampa Bay. When it was said he was going to practice and it would be an open QB competition - ( in my on-going draft in a new dynasty league with my QB being Rodgers I traded for Garcia )(I have Josh Johnson) - now that I traded for Garcia - of course Favre will be in TB and looking forward to week 4. oh ve just let it end - and I am a packer fan and a favre fan - just let it end - I'm tired of the black eye both favre and packer mgmt have done to a franchise OWNED BY FANS!

Packers by fans.

 

[sho nuff]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season? What a buffoon

No...and he won't either.IMO...there is little to nothing Thompson could have done outside of coddling and begging Favre to come back way back in January and February that would have stopped this from happening.Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson for a few reasons but one of them is that TT and McCarthy decided soon after the NFC Champhionship game that they didn't want Favre back. That is why all those reports came out that Favre didn't feel like they wanted him to return. TT feels that Rodgers gives the team a better chance at winning this year. TT is getting what he wants and we shall see how that works out for him. I have a feeling it will not turn out well.

But what evidence is there that they did not want him back?Just reports from Favre's family that they did not do enough to get him back.I read that as they did not beg him and tell him how great he was.Thompson took a hands off approach there and let Favre make the decision. But I have not read a single actual thing they did then to show they did not want him back.I have yet to hear TT or any coach claim that Rodgers gives them a better chance to win "THIS YEAR".

Of course they are not going to come up and state they feel Rodgers gives them a better chance to win this year. They aren't idiots.There has been a lot of word from local Packer reporters that TT and McCarthy were ready to move on. If TT wanted him back all they had to do was express that to Favre in February and he'd be back. Just accept that TT has aligned himself with Rodgers and will have to pay the consequences if that doesn't work out.

So why is anyone claiming that they think Rodgers gives them a better chance?They did express to Favre that he was wanted back. Both Thompson and McCarthy told him that but were leaving him to make his decision.

 

[Joe Bryant]

This is clipped from the article fatness posted.....

"Mike told me, hey, we're a better team with you on it but wanted to know if I have a problem with an open competition," Favre said. "I don't have a problem with competing -- you know that, but Aaron should be the starter right now because he's been out here all this time. This is more than about an open competition and I can do that, absolutely, but this is going to be mass confusion and that's not good for this team.

"I'll practice my butt off, if it comes to that, and I think we all know what the end result will be, but this probably isn't going to work. And I truly understand that if I was in Mike's shoes, I'd see it basically the same way he sees it, I'm sure. And I think if he was in my shoes, he'd see it my way. I think we both agree on that.

Does anyone else read this as Favre saying he welcomes the open competition, but wont' participate in it? Because that's how I read it.Am I off base?

No, you're not off base. He wants to have it both ways - he wants to say that he's fine with an open competition, but he doesn't want to participate in it, supposedly because it's too much of a distraction to the team. I guess that means he wants to just be handed the starting job in Green Bay . . . that is, to the extent he wants to play in Green Bay at all. And of course he doesn't want to play in Green Bay - he wants to go elsewhere.

This is exactly how I read it.

I don't. It reads to me as though Favre is saying Rodgers deserves to remain the starter right now because he's been in camp and Favre has not. Should there be an open competition for the job however, Favre is confident he will prevail and he believes McCarthy knows this as well. But, Favre thinks the end result of his ultimately supplanting Rodgers a month from now will create "mass confusion" for the players and hurt the team.

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.

For a story this big, we've heard relatively very little from Favre on this. There are tons of reporters trying to get the inside word from him on this. He has tons of friends in the media that he could easily use to work things his way. I don't see him running to the media every chance he gets at all. Where do you see it?J

Huh?Very little from Favre?

Aside from reports by Greta, Mort, Ed Werder, texts, his buddy Al Jones, more quotes on ESPN before the team has said a single thing.

He has been leaking things non-stop over the last 3-4 days Joe...what are you missing?

These guys are reporting. They're doing all they can to get the scoop from Favre. I think relative to what we could have seen and relative to how close he is with the media (for a guy that has his own regularly scheduled press conference each week of the season), we're seeing / hearing very little.I know I'd like to hear a LOT more from him on this.

J

Honestly, Joe, what's so hard about this? "These guys are reporting." Exactly! And what are they reporting? They're reporting all the little things that Brett has been feeding them!

Oh, and the reason you aren't hearing a LOT more from Brett on this is that he didn't sit for an interview with a real football reporter who'd actually ask him some tough, substantive questions and might challenge him a little bit - he sat for an interview with WI native and legal analyst Greta Van Susteren! That made Bobby Knight's selection of Jeremy Schaap several years ago when he was under fire at Indiana look downright courageous.

That's what I've been saying. This isn't hard.J

 

[Eric Stratton]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season?

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

I'll repeat it as well. This has been brewing a long, long time. This is bigger than what's happened in the last month or two.

If TT and McCarthy wanted Favre back then Favre would be back. It is becoming more apparent each day as more info comes out that they didn't want Favre back even before he retired. That is fine but they better be prepared for the backlash that could happen if the Packers and Rodgers struggle this year.

What is coming out that they did not want him to come back before he retired?Can anyone actually answer that?

I can't remember which report it was today( I have listened to so many) but I think it was from WISN in Milwaukee or ESPN radio in Milwaukee had a guest on our local ESPN radio station and they were talking how Packer insiders i.e.(Board of Directors) knew about TT and McCarthy's feelings about Fave soon after the NFC Championship. They felt Favre was not performing well in the playoffs over the last several years and that last pass he tried to throw to the only WR that was covered was the final straw. If you use common sense it all makes sense considering all the reports that the Packers didn't do much if anything to let Favre know they wanted him back. Yes, they wanted to see if he was committed but it appears they were not committed to him. I don't know why you continue to defend TT about this. TT got what he wanted and his supporters shouldn't have any problems with that. As a Packer fan I hope it works out too but I'd rather have Favre as the QB than Rodgers.

 

[malaka]

Did the press throw any curve balls as far as questions they asked or did they ask the exact questions, everyone on this message board excpected them to ask?

I did not hear any softball questions. Every question was directly about Favre, and the talks, and about McCarthy's answers to previous questions. McCarthy was uncomfortable at moments.edited to add: Press Conference Transcript

Didn't say anything about softball questions....but throwing a curve ball as in a question you hadn't been prepared by a hired PR person to answer...go back and read the transcript....were there any questions you didn't expect to be asked?

 

[Joe Bryant]

...and GM is getting some much needed free advertising for their Escalade!

The Escalade might be the only winner here.J

and now "Sandy's Pizza".

Exactly.J

 

[Eric Stratton]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season? What a buffoon

No...and he won't either.IMO...there is little to nothing Thompson could have done outside of coddling and begging Favre to come back way back in January and February that would have stopped this from happening.Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson for a few reasons but one of them is that TT and McCarthy decided soon after the NFC Champhionship game that they didn't want Favre back. That is why all those reports came out that Favre didn't feel like they wanted him to return. TT feels that Rodgers gives the team a better chance at winning this year. TT is getting what he wants and we shall see how that works out for him. I have a feeling it will not turn out well.

But what evidence is there that they did not want him back?Just reports from Favre's family that they did not do enough to get him back.I read that as they did not beg him and tell him how great he was.Thompson took a hands off approach there and let Favre make the decision. But I have not read a single actual thing they did then to show they did not want him back.I have yet to hear TT or any coach claim that Rodgers gives them a better chance to win "THIS YEAR".

Of course they are not going to come up and state they feel Rodgers gives them a better chance to win this year. They aren't idiots.There has been a lot of word from local Packer reporters that TT and McCarthy were ready to move on. If TT wanted him back all they had to do was express that to Favre in February and he'd be back. Just accept that TT has aligned himself with Rodgers and will have to pay the consequences if that doesn't work out.

So why is anyone claiming that they think Rodgers gives them a better chance?They did express to Favre that he was wanted back. Both Thompson and McCarthy told him that but were leaving him to make his decision.

What part of this don't you understand? TT and McCarthy decided they would be better off with Rodgers at QB than Favre and that is why they made little effort to let Brett know they wanted him back. A former player was on ESPN radio this morning and he stated that McCarthy is a firm believer that his system makes the QB and not the other way around. TT and McCarthy didn't think that Favre could perform well in the playoffs anymore . This isn't hard to understand.

 

[Joe Bryant]

McCarthy seems pissed. If what he says is true, it seems Farve wanted his ego stroked and again Green Bay wouldn't do it.

That's my interpretation of the tone here too. McCarthy has every reason here to keep a low profile. If this goes sideways for the team, Thompson will be the fall guy. But McCarthy is saying some pretty pointed things about Favre that he doesn't need to say. This could be a very vanilla press conference ("we met and had a very productive discussion, we're going to speak again later in the week, blah, blah, blah"), but McCarthy seemed PO'ed about the meeting.

Watching it live with his facial expressions and body language, that's not what he projected in my opinion. He looked like a guy that was respectful of Favre. Sort of tired as anyone would be after a long meeting last night squeezed into a busy schedule. J

 

[Franknbeans]

Are the people defending TT actually Green Bay fans?

 

[Joe Bryant]

"I truly never believed he wanted to play. I believed he was driven by emotional reasons." --- McCarthy

He said that? The local ESPN radio station I'm listening to isn't carrying the presser anymore.

Yes.Thought he handled it very well. He didn't try to speak for Favre but was as forthcoming as he could be.

Tons of random questions but the one guy asked what we've been hitting on asking how he could explain how a guy goes from 13-3 and #2 in MVP voting to not being the QB any longer when it looksl like he wants to be. McCarthy squirmed a little and said he didn't have a short answer. Reporter asked for the long answer and McCarthy said they didn't have time.

That is the huge question though. And as well as he spoke here, the fact they're hitting the field in 2008 without Favre seems like a failure on their part to me.

J

I took his comments on that question to mean it would take 6 hours or so to explain why Brett was so emotional, full of grudges and not committed to play for GB.. McCarthy had questions lined up to test his answers if he were ready to come be a member of the 80 man roster and, from McCarthy's, Brett couldn't get past his issues. Until I hear different from Mr. Favre, I trust McCarthy on this one.

I have the same impression based upon what I'm reading and what I heard.

I think Favre spewed a bunch of bile at McCarthy, and McCarthy rightfully concluded that he couldn't have that in the locker room right now.

My question is, when does this start to look like a poison pill strategy with Favre trying to appear so miserable that the team is forced to trade or release him?

Who told you that? McCarthy described it as an honest exchange between adults. I never heard anything remotely close to "spewing a bunch of bile". J

 

[Novice2]

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Brett Favre just pooped. Then didn't wash his hands as he left.

 

[massraider]

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Brett Favre just pooped. Then didn't wash his hands as he left.

Hopefully he didn't handle his legacy right away. That thing tarnishes easily.

 

[Joe Bryant]

Did you guys hear Mariucci on NFL Network after the press conference. Favre is telling his friend Mariucci a very different side of the story.

Saying Favre wants to play and wants to play nowhere but Green Bay. Said he'd consider other places if he had to.

But the underlying problem was that what the front office said to the press about wanting him back wasn't their true feelings. And that he didn't want to be a distraction if the front office didn't really want him there. Mooch was asked about McCarthy's talk of Favre not being committed and Mariucci said that was not a factor at all.

Obviously, two different sides to the story. I'm sure Favre must be lying though...

J

 

[Eric Stratton]

Did you guys hear Mariucci on NFL Network after the press conference. Favre is telling his friend Mariucci a very different side of the story. Saying Favre wants to play and wants to play nowhere but Green Bay. Said he'd consider other places if he had to.But the underlying problem was that what the front office said to the press about wanting him back wasn't their true feelings. And that he didn't want to be a distraction if the front office didn't really want him there. Mooch was asked about McCarthy's talk of Favre not being committed and Mariucci said that was not a factor at all.Obviously, two different sides to the story. I'm sure Favre must be lying though... J

And this adds more fuel to the fire that TT and McCarthy made a decision soon after the season that it was time to move on without Favre.

 

[PACKER 7]

JMO, but I believe the conversation probably went something like this:

BF: Mike, I didn't come here to compete for anything, I'm the QB or not. If not please trade me now. It's not fair to the team to have an open competition with 1 month to go till Kick-off. Either way one of us (BF or AF) is going to be mad, and the team doesn't deserve that kind of controversy. I understand your position on it, but if that's the way it's going to be it's not for me.

MM: Understand Brett, but we made a commitment to Aaron. He's our guy right now and unless you can clearly beat him out in this last month, you are the back-up. Sorry. I understand your position as well, but things have changed here.

BF: OK, I'll bow out and not show up to camp as long as you guys agree to shop me and quickly.

MM: Will do, hope you understand where I'm coming from.

BF: I do, but hope you understand where I'm coming from as well.

MM: I do. Sorry again we couldn't work it out, but it's tough for both of us.

I think it's as simple as that. No heat between them just 2 guys that want to move on and do what's best for each other and the team.

I know most wont agree, but I think Brett is doing a classy thing right now even though I thought it wasn't very classy to put the team in a spot to begin with.

However, this turns out for the team is unsure, but all I know is that if Rodgers wants to avoid losing the team in a hurry he must win early and often. That part is not fair to him and I blame Favre and the Management for that. Now it is what it is and both have to move on.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

One of the radio guys in Milwaukee stated someone close to Favre stated he's headed back to MS and prepared to walk away. (ESPN News)

Extremely extremely weak if Brett walks away after month+ of #####ing and moaning about coming back. He already looks extremely weak today backing down from the challenge of competing for his job with Rodgers (a battle he should very easily win) & not reporting to camp and forcing the Pack's hand.

 

[deep vacuum]

Are the people defending TT actually Green Bay fans?

I hope that this bitterness doesn't translate poorly into any future who's hottest polls of yours.

 

[T Bell]

"I truly never believed he wanted to play. I believed he was driven by emotional reasons." --- McCarthy

He said that? The local ESPN radio station I'm listening to isn't carrying the presser anymore.

Yes.Thought he handled it very well. He didn't try to speak for Favre but was as forthcoming as he could be.

Tons of random questions but the one guy asked what we've been hitting on asking how he could explain how a guy goes from 13-3 and #2 in MVP voting to not being the QB any longer when it looksl like he wants to be. McCarthy squirmed a little and said he didn't have a short answer. Reporter asked for the long answer and McCarthy said they didn't have time.

That is the huge question though. And as well as he spoke here, the fact they're hitting the field in 2008 without Favre seems like a failure on their part to me.

J

I took his comments on that question to mean it would take 6 hours or so to explain why Brett was so emotional, full of grudges and not committed to play for GB.. McCarthy had questions lined up to test his answers if he were ready to come be a member of the 80 man roster and, from McCarthy's, Brett couldn't get past his issues. Until I hear different from Mr. Favre, I trust McCarthy on this one.

I have the same impression based upon what I'm reading and what I heard.

I think Favre spewed a bunch of bile at McCarthy, and McCarthy rightfully concluded that he couldn't have that in the locker room right now.

My question is, when does this start to look like a poison pill strategy with Favre trying to appear so miserable that the team is forced to trade or release him?

Who told you that? McCarthy described it as an honest exchange between adults. I never heard anything remotely close to "spewing a bunch of bile". J

I agree that McCarthy didn't say that - he couldn't say that in his position. Reading between the lines, though, I'm gathering that a five hour conversation (followed by another one this morning) in which McCarthy said the conversation, after it strayed from "Can you play for the team?", dwelled entirely upon what had happened between him and the team was filled with a lot of bile. What do you suppose Brett was talking about there? I'm sure it wasn't five hours of compliments about how well Thompson has dealt with this situation. Anyway, that's why I said what I said there.

 

[Joe Bryant]

JMO, but I believe the conversation probably went something like this:BF: Mike, I didn't come here to compete for anything, I'm the QB or not. If not please trade me now. It's not fair to the team to have an open competition with 1 month to go till Kick-off. Either way one of us (BF or AF) is going to be mad, and the team doesn't deserve that kind of controversy. I understand your position on it, but if that's the way it's going to be it's not for me.MM: Understand Brett, but we made a commitment to Aaron. He's our guy right now and unless you can clearly beat him out in this last month, you are the back-up. Sorry. I understand your position as well, but things have changed here.BF: OK, I'll bow out and not show up to camp as long as you guys agree to shop me and quickly.MM: Will do, hope you understand where I'm coming from.BF: I do, but hope you understand where I'm coming from as well.MM: I do. Sorry again we couldn't work it out, but it's tough for both of us.I think it's as simple as that. No heat between them just 2 guys that want to move on and do what's best for each other and the team.I know most wont agree, but I think Brett is doing a classy thing right now even though I thought it wasn't very classy to put the team in a spot to begin with.However, this turns out for the team is unsure, but all I know is that if Rodgers wants to avoid losing the team in a hurry he must win early and often. That part is not fair to him and I blame Favre and the Management for that. Now it is what it is and both have to move on.

But do you think they're both outright lying about being ok to compete for the spot? McCarthy said that was the case and McCarthy said Favre had no problem with that and even said Rodgers should be the starter right now.J

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

I have a very serious question for the Favre supporters in this.

Over and over again, I have heard guys say Favre should be allowed to at least compete for the starting job. Over and over again, I've said that just wasn't possible.

The reason I have said that is simple: Those who support Favre seem 100% convinced that Favre would win. This assumption is so strong that those same posters who call for the "open competition" have repeatedly called out TT, the Packers, and all other posters who've said "he might not be". IE: How is it "OPEN" if you've already decided Brett is better?

Personally, I think Rodgers might actually be better at this point in their respective careers, but Brett seems to have come into the whole thing the same way his supporters have....with the underlying assumption that Favre wins any competition and the very strong implication that any competition that resulted in any different result must have been fixed or flawed.

Even Joe Bryant seems to believe this, based on the tone of his posts.

Rodgers could very well be the better QB, but only time will tell. I would challenge anyone on this board who truly believes that Rodgers is better right now -- please point specifically to why you believe this. He's barely played, and when he has, he's been injured each time. (Baltimore a couple years ago when he broke his ankle, then last year vs. Dallas when he strained a hamstring) In contrast, Favre is a 3-time MVP who led the team to the NFC Championship Game last season. Again, Rodgers could be better, but Favre supporters aren't exactly the ones who need to make a case here. I'm a GB homer, so given where we stand today, I would LOVE to see Aaron Rodgers become a perennial Pro Bowler. AND take the team to a Super Bowl in 2008.

I can't fault anybody for thinking Favre the better QB...but I can fault them for being so sure of themselves that they have been downright rude to those of an opposing opinion. (Anyone who has openly supported TT in this thread has been repeatedly attacked/mocked...even Tremblay has been called out.)

I've certainly been guilty of a couple rude comments. (haven't most people on this board at some point?) But you're right, they have no place on this board.But renesuaz, I think you have selective memory here. Plenty of Favre "supporters" have been bashed and berated repeatedly in this thread. It has definitely gone both directions.

I guess what I'm trying to say is that the Favre camp, and many of his supporters have made it incredibly difficult to even talk rationally because of the underlying assumption that favre is still one of the greatest CURRENT QB's in the NFL, and that the job should be his just because he wants it. I have a real problem with that kind of arrogance, and I suspect that many coaches and GMs would also, even if the player were a little better then the young guy replacing him.

Again, this has gone both ways. Both sides have found it difficult to talk rationally for some reason.As far as the assumption that Favre is better than Rodgers, again, I think the onus is on Rodgers supporters to explain why they would believe otherwise. We have, I would argue, no substantive proof to suggest Rodgers is better. Though he may prove to be ultimately. (again, I hope so)

With this kind of attitude, why would TT or McCarthy want him on their team, no matter how good he is?

This is a gigantic leap.

 

[malaka]

I am just wondering what the reasoning was for not allowing Favre on the field during the scrimage game, or in the locker room afterwards.

If he was truely welcome back to the team why not allow him at least in the locker room around the players after the game.

 

[Michael Fox Fan]

Did you guys hear Mariucci on NFL Network after the press conference. Favre is telling his friend Mariucci a very different side of the story. Saying Favre wants to play and wants to play nowhere but Green Bay. Said he'd consider other places if he had to.But the underlying problem was that what the front office said to the press about wanting him back wasn't their true feelings. And that he didn't want to be a distraction if the front office didn't really want him there. Mooch was asked about McCarthy's talk of Favre not being committed and Mariucci said that was not a factor at all.Obviously, two different sides to the story. I'm sure Favre must be lying though... J

This fits 100% with what my source in GB media is saying.

 

[Joe Bryant]

"I truly never believed he wanted to play. I believed he was driven by emotional reasons." --- McCarthy

He said that? The local ESPN radio station I'm listening to isn't carrying the presser anymore.

Yes.Thought he handled it very well. He didn't try to speak for Favre but was as forthcoming as he could be.

Tons of random questions but the one guy asked what we've been hitting on asking how he could explain how a guy goes from 13-3 and #2 in MVP voting to not being the QB any longer when it looksl like he wants to be. McCarthy squirmed a little and said he didn't have a short answer. Reporter asked for the long answer and McCarthy said they didn't have time.

That is the huge question though. And as well as he spoke here, the fact they're hitting the field in 2008 without Favre seems like a failure on their part to me.

J

I took his comments on that question to mean it would take 6 hours or so to explain why Brett was so emotional, full of grudges and not committed to play for GB.. McCarthy had questions lined up to test his answers if he were ready to come be a member of the 80 man roster and, from McCarthy's, Brett couldn't get past his issues. Until I hear different from Mr. Favre, I trust McCarthy on this one.

I have the same impression based upon what I'm reading and what I heard.

I think Favre spewed a bunch of bile at McCarthy, and McCarthy rightfully concluded that he couldn't have that in the locker room right now.

My question is, when does this start to look like a poison pill strategy with Favre trying to appear so miserable that the team is forced to trade or release him?

Who told you that? McCarthy described it as an honest exchange between adults. I never heard anything remotely close to "spewing a bunch of bile". J

I agree that McCarthy didn't say that - he couldn't say that in his position. Reading between the lines, though, I'm gathering that a five hour conversation (followed by another one this morning) in which McCarthy said the conversation, after it strayed from "Can you play for the team?", dwelled entirely upon what had happened between him and the team. What do you suppose Brett was talking about there? I'm sure it wasn't five hours of compliments about how well Thompson has dealt with this situation. Anyway, that's why I said what I said there.

I'd answer that the same way McCarthy did: "Have you ever talked to Brett Favre?" The guy is a talker. I can easily see how something like this could stretch to hours and hours. I believe McCarthy when he said there was lots of honest dialog between adults. I'm sure Favre talked about how he didn't like the way he was treated. I'm sure McCarthy is man enough to say he felt like Favre had jerked them around. Listening to them, I believe him when he said it was an honest and productive discussion.J

 

[fatness]

were there any questions you didn't expect to be asked?

Just this one: "What changed in your mind that there could be an open competition after you said all along that Aaron Rodgers was the starter?"How about you?

 

[sho nuff]

I can't remember which report it was today( I have listened to so many) but I think it was from WISN in Milwaukee or ESPN radio in Milwaukee had a guest on our local ESPN radio station and they were talking how Packer insiders i.e.(Board of Directors) knew about TT and McCarthy's feelings about Fave soon after the NFC Championship. They felt Favre was not performing well in the playoffs over the last several years and that last pass he tried to throw to the only WR that was covered was the final straw. If you use common sense it all makes sense considering all the reports that the Packers didn't do much if anything to let Favre know they wanted him back. Yes, they wanted to see if he was committed but it appears they were not committed to him. I don't know why you continue to defend TT about this. TT got what he wanted and his supporters shouldn't have any problems with that. As a Packer fan I hope it works out too but I'd rather have Favre as the QB than Rodgers.

I have said TT has screwed up with some of this...mostly the communication and ever letting it get to a drag out media circus of he said she said.But I simply don't think Thompson could have done enough to please Favre outside of begging him to stay back in March and stroking his ego. Things I don't want the GM of my team doing.All you have is some supposed report that TT and McCarthy thought they might be done with him.yet McCarthy talked to Favre nearly every week before retirement, and by several accounts and even Brett, talked to him often even after he retired.The reports were that his family did not think TT did enough...not sure what he really could have done like I said.

 

[T Bell]

Did you guys hear Mariucci on NFL Network after the press conference. Favre is telling his friend Mariucci a very different side of the story. Saying Favre wants to play and wants to play nowhere but Green Bay. Said he'd consider other places if he had to.But the underlying problem was that what the front office said to the press about wanting him back wasn't their true feelings. And that he didn't want to be a distraction if the front office didn't really want him there. Mooch was asked about McCarthy's talk of Favre not being committed and Mariucci said that was not a factor at all.Obviously, two different sides to the story. I'm sure Favre must be lying though... J

This fits 100% with what my source in GB media is saying.

Didn't Favre want Mooch hired as head coach instead of McCarthy?

 

[Joe Bryant]

Did you guys hear Mariucci on NFL Network after the press conference. Favre is telling his friend Mariucci a very different side of the story. Saying Favre wants to play and wants to play nowhere but Green Bay. Said he'd consider other places if he had to.But the underlying problem was that what the front office said to the press about wanting him back wasn't their true feelings. And that he didn't want to be a distraction if the front office didn't really want him there. Mooch was asked about McCarthy's talk of Favre not being committed and Mariucci said that was not a factor at all.Obviously, two different sides to the story. I'm sure Favre must be lying though... J

This fits 100% with what my source in GB media is saying.

Didn't Favre want Mooch hired as head coach instead of McCarthy?

Yes. I don't know that for a fact but I've heard that several times.J

 

[sho nuff]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season? What a buffoon

No...and he won't either.IMO...there is little to nothing Thompson could have done outside of coddling and begging Favre to come back way back in January and February that would have stopped this from happening.Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson for a few reasons but one of them is that TT and McCarthy decided soon after the NFC Champhionship game that they didn't want Favre back. That is why all those reports came out that Favre didn't feel like they wanted him to return. TT feels that Rodgers gives the team a better chance at winning this year. TT is getting what he wants and we shall see how that works out for him. I have a feeling it will not turn out well.

But what evidence is there that they did not want him back?Just reports from Favre's family that they did not do enough to get him back.I read that as they did not beg him and tell him how great he was.Thompson took a hands off approach there and let Favre make the decision. But I have not read a single actual thing they did then to show they did not want him back.I have yet to hear TT or any coach claim that Rodgers gives them a better chance to win "THIS YEAR".

Of course they are not going to come up and state they feel Rodgers gives them a better chance to win this year. They aren't idiots.There has been a lot of word from local Packer reporters that TT and McCarthy were ready to move on. If TT wanted him back all they had to do was express that to Favre in February and he'd be back. Just accept that TT has aligned himself with Rodgers and will have to pay the consequences if that doesn't work out.

So why is anyone claiming that they think Rodgers gives them a better chance?They did express to Favre that he was wanted back. Both Thompson and McCarthy told him that but were leaving him to make his decision.

What part of this don't you understand? TT and McCarthy decided they would be better off with Rodgers at QB than Favre and that is why they made little effort to let Brett know they wanted him back. A former player was on ESPN radio this morning and he stated that McCarthy is a firm believer that his system makes the QB and not the other way around. TT and McCarthy didn't think that Favre could perform well in the playoffs anymore . This isn't hard to understand.

The part I don't understand is that you are simply going off of some supposed reports that they did not want him back.And there is no real evidence that they made any "little effort" outside of Favre's family claiming they did not do enough. Whatever the hell that means.You are going on pure speculation...Im going on things that have actually for sure happened...like Favre's dislike of TT before this year.

 

[sho nuff]

Are the people defending TT actually Green Bay fans?

Yes...I am a big Packer fan.Are you going to do anything but throw out one line snipes about other people?

 

[sho nuff]

BREAKING NEWS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!Brett Favre just pooped. Then didn't wash his hands as he left.

Did he use the TP or the 3 seashells?

 

[sho nuff]

Did you guys hear Mariucci on NFL Network after the press conference. Favre is telling his friend Mariucci a very different side of the story. Saying Favre wants to play and wants to play nowhere but Green Bay. Said he'd consider other places if he had to.But the underlying problem was that what the front office said to the press about wanting him back wasn't their true feelings. And that he didn't want to be a distraction if the front office didn't really want him there. Mooch was asked about McCarthy's talk of Favre not being committed and Mariucci said that was not a factor at all.Obviously, two different sides to the story. I'm sure Favre must be lying though... J

But again...this goes against Favre's own claims that McCarthy asked him about competing and that it was Favre who was saying while he would do it, he did not think it was the right thing to do.What side does Favre really want to present.Can you see why people are saying Favre is still waffling?Even in his own words he is not clear about what is going on.And isn't it convenient that he says those things to Mooch after McCarthy's press conference when opinion started to shift again negatively for Favre?

 

[fatness]

One of the radio guys in Milwaukee stated someone close to Favre stated he's headed back to MS and prepared to walk away. (ESPN News)

What I read in several news articles tonight (no links, I'm tired) is that he's returning to Mississippi tomorrow to think things over (again). And I read in a Tampa paper website that the Bucs were not in any hurry to sign Favre until they were sure Garcia's injury was serious, and that Favre would renegotiate his contract.On the other hand there's this from Packers.com:

Favre may consider Tampa Bay

By Lori Nickel

Tuesday, Aug 5 2008, 08:42 PM

A source close to Packers quarterback Brett Favre said this evening that the quarterback will remain in Green Bay until he knows where his NFL future is headed, and that Favre is considering talking to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.

"He's going to talk to Tampa. He's thinking about it," said the source Tuesday evening.

Up until this point, it had been reported that the legendary quarterback wasn't willing to talk to other teams interested in his services and that he was pursuing a comeback with the Packers. But those sentiments have apparently changed with the developments of the day.

 

[Eric Stratton]

Has a GM gone from executive of the year to out of a job the next season? What a buffoon

No...and he won't either.IMO...there is little to nothing Thompson could have done outside of coddling and begging Favre to come back way back in January and February that would have stopped this from happening.Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson that goes back much further than any possible lies this spring and summer.

Favre has a deep seeded dislike for Thompson for a few reasons but one of them is that TT and McCarthy decided soon after the NFC Champhionship game that they didn't want Favre back. That is why all those reports came out that Favre didn't feel like they wanted him to return. TT feels that Rodgers gives the team a better chance at winning this year. TT is getting what he wants and we shall see how that works out for him. I have a feeling it will not turn out well.

But what evidence is there that they did not want him back?Just reports from Favre's family that they did not do enough to get him back.I read that as they did not beg him and tell him how great he was.Thompson took a hands off approach there and let Favre make the decision. But I have not read a single actual thing they did then to show they did not want him back.I have yet to hear TT or any coach claim that Rodgers gives them a better chance to win "THIS YEAR".

Of course they are not going to come up and state they feel Rodgers gives them a better chance to win this year. They aren't idiots.There has been a lot of word from local Packer reporters that TT and McCarthy were ready to move on. If TT wanted him back all they had to do was express that to Favre in February and he'd be back. Just accept that TT has aligned himself with Rodgers and will have to pay the consequences if that doesn't work out.

So why is anyone claiming that they think Rodgers gives them a better chance?They did express to Favre that he was wanted back. Both Thompson and McCarthy told him that but were leaving him to make his decision.

What part of this don't you understand? TT and McCarthy decided they would be better off with Rodgers at QB than Favre and that is why they made little effort to let Brett know they wanted him back. A former player was on ESPN radio this morning and he stated that McCarthy is a firm believer that his system makes the QB and not the other way around. TT and McCarthy didn't think that Favre could perform well in the playoffs anymore . This isn't hard to understand.

The part I don't understand is that you are simply going off of some supposed reports that they did not want him back.And there is no real evidence that they made any "little effort" outside of Favre's family claiming they did not do enough. Whatever the hell that means.You are going on pure speculation...Im going on things that have actually for sure happened...like Favre's dislike of TT before this year.

No it isn't pure speculation. It is information that was reported on by some "insiders". As more information comes out it all starts to make more sense and I have a feeling that more information will continue to come out that the Packers didn't want Favre back even prior to his retirement. I don't know why the TT supporters have a problem with this. If you believe in him then you should be confident this will work out.

 

[PACKER 7]

JMO, but I believe the conversation probably went something like this:BF: Mike, I didn't come here to compete for anything, I'm the QB or not. If not please trade me now. It's not fair to the team to have an open competition with 1 month to go till Kick-off. Either way one of us (BF or AF) is going to be mad, and the team doesn't deserve that kind of controversy. I understand your position on it, but if that's the way it's going to be it's not for me.MM: Understand Brett, but we made a commitment to Aaron. He's our guy right now and unless you can clearly beat him out in this last month, you are the back-up. Sorry. I understand your position as well, but things have changed here.BF: OK, I'll bow out and not show up to camp as long as you guys agree to shop me and quickly.MM: Will do, hope you understand where I'm coming from.BF: I do, but hope you understand where I'm coming from as well.MM: I do. Sorry again we couldn't work it out, but it's tough for both of us.I think it's as simple as that. No heat between them just 2 guys that want to move on and do what's best for each other and the team.I know most wont agree, but I think Brett is doing a classy thing right now even though I thought it wasn't very classy to put the team in a spot to begin with.However, this turns out for the team is unsure, but all I know is that if Rodgers wants to avoid losing the team in a hurry he must win early and often. That part is not fair to him and I blame Favre and the Management for that. Now it is what it is and both have to move on.

But do you think they're both outright lying about being ok to compete for the spot? McCarthy said that was the case and McCarthy said Favre had no problem with that and even said Rodgers should be the starter right now.J

Yes, I do. I think Brett never had any intentions of competing for the job that was his in the first place. I think Brett is saying that because if he says otherwise it doesn't look good and the media will run with it. I think it's ridiculous to think that Brett should have to compete at this point. He came back for one reason and that's to play and if there is any possibility that he'll have to ride the bench for anyone he will stay out. I think he's at least earned that.I think he really, really wants to stay in GB, but the Packers have dug their feet in and are not budging.I think he also feels bad for Aaron because he's the big loser in all this. No matter what he does now it wont be good enough. I don't think he meant to wrong Aaron and he's saying AR should be the starter right now because AR has been there and BF has not. Past that, BF wants that job, but he's not willing to make AR and the team divided to do it, I believe.As for Aaron saying he'll compete, I think he also has to say that for the same reasons. It looks arrogant if he doesn't. Inside though he has to feel slighted if they let BF play in GB. I think BF wants to compete again badly and will strongly consider a deal to Tampa or somewhere with a chance for the SB, but right now I think it really hurts him to know that GB Management doesn't want him there after all the years he gave them. I know it's a business, but GB is a little different than most teams when it comes to that. Usually all that ugly stuff happens to big market teams and not "family" teams like GB.again, JMO

 

[sho nuff]

I am just wondering what the reasoning was for not allowing Favre on the field during the scrimage game, or in the locker room afterwards.If he was truely welcome back to the team why not allow him at least in the locker room around the players after the game.

He was not a member of the Green Bay Packers at that point.Why should he be allowed on the field?He claims to not want to be a distraction but shows up during family night and might have wanted to be on the field?Really?