Farve to Report this Weekend (2 Viewers)

[T Bell]

A good article by Jay Glazer

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8387530?MSNHPHMA

Trying to make sense of the Favre fiasco

By Jay Glazer

Jay Glazer is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com on MSN and also appears every week on FOX NFL Sunday as the network's NFL Insider.

Updated: July 28, 2008, 12:37 PM EST

Titletown is starting to look awful lot like Tinseltown.

The fine folks in Hollywood who make millions writing dirty plots and creating cunning villains could be proud of the muck the Brett Favre soap opera has raked up. The only thing missing from this divorce are a few slimy lawyers.

As the annual Glaze Across America training camp tour-slash-debacle shifts into high gear, one thing is clear — there is no escaping the Favre Files.

From the Bears to Rams to Chiefs to my damn cell phone, it's Favre 24/7. I'm trying to cover the other 31 teams as well as the Packers, but with each sitdown with a player, every beer with a coach, conversation after conversation, the question I've now grown to dread usually takes all of one second to be launched ... "OK, what's really going on with the Favre thing?"

So, we're going to try to weed through the murky waters of two sides, the truths, the lies and everything in between.

I do not believe there is any right answer here and when the smoke clears, I believe there will be no winner. The Packers, Favre, tradition, legacy — all thrown under the bus. Admittedly, I am a huge Favre fan. When he throws TD passes like the one he launched against Denver to start overtime last year, it produces chuckles, the same type of laughs that you can't help when Devin Hester returns yet another punt or Tiger Woods drops another 50-footer.

However, legend or no legend, if in any other business an employee, even the top sales manager of all time, calls his boss a liar three times on national television, and then reveals conversations with his boss that were believed to be private and then threatens his bosses ... seriously, how many of those folks would still be employed? How many players in this league would come through unscathed, especially in the wallet?

Now imagine if Mr. Johnny Cool Salesman, it turns out, took such a path for the sole purpose of bolting to a rival company, what does his boss do at this point?

Favre is clearly trying to gain his release, an option the Packers, sources have told FOXSports.com, told Brett as late as two days ago absolutely will NOT happen. In fact, those same sources say that GM Ted Thompson never told Favre he'd get fired for letting him back in the building. Instead, he joked that even the people who don't want Brett back would want him fired if he released the famed gunslinger.

But how in the world does one of the most beloved sports figures of all time, a man who epitomized toughness and grit turn so soap opera-ish so fast? His PR tactics have gained him little if any sympathy, even from his peers. In my travels through camp so far, not one coach I've talked to agrees with his stance and the players have been split 50 percent somewhat sadly against Favre, 25 percent adamantly for Favre and 25 percent absolutely blasting him for the PR route he's taken.

"I don't care, it's Brett Favre, give him his helmet back," said one Bears player over beers the other night. "I don't care what happened or how it's gotten here, it's freakin' Brett Favre!"

"Don't let him back in the building," said a Rams veteran after practice on Sunday. "He's made it all about Brett. I'd be pissed if I was in that locker room and he's made it all about him all this time. Man, I'd want to move on. Enough already, it's been about is he coming back or not for damn near four years. I'd be sick of it."

Then there's the case of their own locker room. Packers players told FOXSports.com that head coach Mike McCarthy was very moved in his speech to the team Sunday afternoon, emphatically praising them for the way his players have handled the most difficult of situations.

Favre is welcome back into the locker room by the front office and coaches, albeit not as the starter. However, if he thought he'd walk in and the locker room would run to his defense, it may not be as clear cut as he'd like to believe.

Remember, 21 of the players in that locker room have never met Favre. Their only experience has been with young Aaron Rodgers and this storm of controversy. Additionally, because of the youth of the team, there's a high percentage of second- and third-year players.

Didn't Favre say just two short weeks ago that he probably wasn't going to force the Packers' hand and show up for fear of something just like this? Didn't he say he didn't want to be a distraction ... but now he wants to be?

The Bucs and Jets are still alive in trade talks, although how strong depends upon the hour you check. Both teams have asked for and received permission to speak with Favre. Favre has not talked to the Jets at this point, although his agent has. The Bucs, oddly, have yet to act and have even publicly denied asking for permission.

The trade is not for a first-round pick, as had been reported, nor for a first-round pick plus other compensation, as is now the latest word on the rumor mill. The Packers, several sources have told FOXSports.com, have based their compensation upon an escalating scale that could go as high as a first-rounder based upon certain performance benchmarks Favre would have to hit.

However, negotiations on the compensation is far from firm as the parties involved are still in serious talks regarding what it would take to make this move. The Packers do not have a firm asking price, as they are trying to trade their formerly beloved player.

So where do we go from here so the rest of us can happily get back to our NFL training camp tours and actually acknowledge that there are 31 other teams in this league? Is Brett Favre great for this league? No doubt, especially when he played like he did last year. The Favre who threw pick after pick in the two previous years? Not so much.

But maybe we all didn't have to come down this road in the first place. In talking with some Chiefs vets last night, they didn't understand why he never came out with, "Look, I made a mistake. I know I've flip-flopped on the organization a lot and for that I truly am sorry. I love this game and I truly realize how much I miss it. I know I've put the organization and especially Aaron in a tough spot and again, I apologize. I made the decision to retire but that itch has returned. What do I need to do to prove I'm fully committed and how can I help the Packers and Aaron?" Would it have worked? Who knows, but it sure would have been better than blasting his boss as a liar and putting the fans he says he loves in a must-choose position.

The fans of Green Bay are like family to the team. But they've been brought into the center of a divorce, being pushed to choose between mom and dad. It's simply not fair.

If Brett truly wants to play football, has that itch, then he should push for a trade to the two teams that have shown interest. Based on my conversations with personnel men and coaches throughout the league, the Packers have called every team in the league aside from those within their own division and those who already have a star QB (Patriots, Colts, etc.). They are working it.

Or, better yet, he can always stay home, quietly apologize for this PR disaster and, should something happen to Aaron Rodgers, gallop in on his white horse and save the day!

We don't like to see our sports stars struggle in their twilight, don't like to hear chants for their hook or boos surrounding their latter-years performances. But we love when they defy the odds and create magic when time tells them they shouldn't.

Only Favre can end this now.

Not shocking the vocal bashers have pretty much ignored this.

Not shocking the Favre bashers have pretty much ignored the Wojo article either, huh?

This "pro-Favre/anti-Favre" labeling is simplistic thinking. I think the dividing point here isn't so much whether you like or dislike Favre, it's whether you think the team owes Favre the opportunity to simply sign on with the team of his choosing (including a division rival poised to win playoff games but for its QB position) or whether you believe that the Packers should have some say in where Favre ends up. The latter is a legitimate position to take, and simply labeling someone who holds it as being blindly pro-Favre is a cop out as far as directly addressing its merits.

 

[gruecd]

Why do you think its in the best interest of the franchise to trade him to Minny or release him?

He has explained why that is not in the best interest of the team and makes no business sense...it has been said over and over why that would be a bad idea...so why would you think it would be best for his team?

Really, what other options do they have? We've established that Brett essentially has veto power over any trade, so they can't trade him someplace that he doesn't want to do. He could report to camp, but everyone knows (OK, assumes) that he'd outplay Rodgers, and Ted wants no part of the media circus that would obviously ensue. I guess they could bring him to camp and release him just before the start of the season, but that would be a PR nightmare, and I doubt Goodell (or the player's union, for that matter) would let it happen, since they've already gone on record as saying that they're won't be an open competition.IMO, the team's best bet right now is to simply release the guy and move on, like the team said it's committed to doing.

Can you unpack this? How on earth could Goodell or the union dictate whether there'd be an open competition between Favre and Rodgers if the Packers were willing to simply stash Favre on their roster this year?

I guess I just can't envision a scenario where the runner-up in last year's MVP voting would be (a) denied an open competition with and (b) "stashed" on a roster in favor of a guy who's thrown a grand total of 59 passes in his NFL career. Thompson has already told Goodell that the Packers are ready to move on without Favre, and he's told them to make it happen. With this in mind, do you really think he'd be OK with the Pack letting Brett rot on their bench?

 

[Chachi]

Packers don't need to do anything. It's rediculous to think they will just cut him, and they shouldn't. Green Bay OWNS his rights. They don't want him going to a divisional rival so they will attempt to trade him.The only stickler is if Brett wants to play and he isn't traded, what can you do? PUP him until week 6 and then release him? I think salary implications come in to play here, though GBay has 30+mil of cap room right?

It's obvious that you're right, the Packers don't have to do anything and I don't think they're trying, they are just stalling and hoping he decides to retire yet again. Here is what Favre needs to do tomorrow (He will have given the couple of days to TT):1. Send in his papers ASAP2. Show up to Packers camp Tuesday3. Practice4. Don't speak with mediaFavre can say NO to the Jets, NO to the Bucs. He can force their hand, the Packers think Rogers is the better QB for their team anyhow, just release him.So they don't release him, here's what happens.1. They pay him $12 Million to be a backup2. He outplays Rodgers in Training camp and pre-season but doesn't win the job because Ted Thompson has an ego the size of J-Lo's rear.3. Rodgers has an incomplete pass - Fans Boo4. Rodgers throws a pick six, Fans chant to fire ThompsonYes, Favre has this team by the balls and they are lucky so far he has treated them with the respect that he has, I think it's because he cares about his former teammates and the Packer fans. It's time for him to play chicken with Ted Thompson.

 

[sho nuff]

Why do you think its in the best interest of the franchise to trade him to Minny or release him?

He has explained why that is not in the best interest of the team and makes no business sense...it has been said over and over why that would be a bad idea...so why would you think it would be best for his team?

Really, what other options do they have? We've established that Brett essentially has veto power over any trade, so they can't trade him someplace that he doesn't want to do. He could report to camp, but everyone knows (OK, assumes) that he'd outplay Rodgers, and Ted wants no part of the media circus that would obviously ensue. I guess they could bring him to camp and release him just before the start of the season, but that would be a PR nightmare, and I doubt Goodell (or the player's union, for that matter) would let it happen, since they've already gone on record as saying that they're won't be an open competition.IMO, the team's best bet right now is to simply release the guy and move on, like the team said it's committed to doing.

I don't think it matters what Favre does as far as outplaying Rodgers...it appears Thompson has communicated to Favre they are going in Rodgers direction regardless of what Favre does.They have plenty of options and I am glad the GM is not of your same opinion that releasing him is the best option.

And not sure it helps them move on when game 1 is vs. Minnesota.

 

[sho nuff]

Again, if you're so sure of Rodgers, then cut Favre.

Why does one make the other true? In other words, why if the Packers believe that Rodgers is the best starter for them in 2008, must they also act like Favre would not be an improvement over Tarvaris Jackson for a good division rival whose only weak spot is QB? This sounds like a stupid argument to me. I don't see why the Packers should be expected to allow a player whose rights they still have to simply go to a division rival that could desperately use the upgrade that Favre would provide at QB. Can someone explain that to me?

Then why tell him that he'll be a backup to Rodgers, and then ask him to stay away from camp? I'm trying to find some justification for what Ted Thompson is doing and I can't find any. You tell the guy he'll be the backup (which is crazy for a guy with Favre's credentials and starting streak), then you tell him to stay away from camp, then you won't cut him or trade him (minus a ridiculous incentive, like if Favre starts every game the draft pick is a 2nd or 1st or something? Come on). What is Thompson doing?

I don't understand your question. If you assume that TT and McCarthy believe that Rodgers has earned the starting job (which I believe is their position), then of course they'd tell Favre that that's the case and that he's the backup. I don't see a mystery there. What I was addressing with my previous post that you were responding to was the challenge to the Packers to simply release Favre if he was going to be the backup. I don't see why that should necessarily happen if Favre is (as I believe he clearly is) still a good enough QB to improve a good NFC North team like the Vikings at a critical weak spot for them. Why should the Packers just accept that?

We're always told that these sorts of maneuverings are just business, and yet the arguments for the release of Favre all seem to gravitate back to moralistic themes - "you owe it to him after all he's given the franchise", etc., etc., etc. Favre has had no problems being selfish about his interests the last several offseasons, so I don't see what's so unfair about the team getting selfish about its interests with respect to Favre's status.

You make good points, but I think it would be just as good for your team and your QB's confidence to wash their hands of Favre (for now, not forever) and just release him. So what if he joins the Vikings? Aren't you confident enough that you can beat them anyway? Plus taking the higher road while Favre goes to play for your biggest rival just makes your organization look a lot better by comparison. I think my problem is that Thompson's statements (We've moved on, Aaron's our QB, we don't want a media circus) do not match his actions, all because he isn't confident his team can beat the Vikings if Favre is the QB. The business decision is to move on.

Its not just about whether GB can beat Minny with or without Favre...its if other teams can do so. Again...I am glad people of your opinion are not in charge of running the GB Packers...IMO, the franchise would be run into the ground with some of this thinking in these threads.

 

[gruecd]

Here is what Favre needs to do tomorrow (He will have given the couple of days to TT):

1. Send in his papers ASAP

2. Show up to Packers camp Tuesday

3. Practice

4. Don't speak with media

Favre can say NO to the Jets, NO to the Bucs. He can force their hand, the Packers think Rogers is the better QB for their team anyhow, just release him.

So they don't release him, here's what happens.

1. They pay him $12 Million to be a backup

2. He outplays Rodgers in Training camp and pre-season but doesn't win the job because Ted Thompson has an ego the size of J-Lo's rear.

3. Rodgers has an incomplete pass - Fans Boo

4. Rodgers throws a pick six, Fans chant to fire Thompson

Yes, Favre has this team by the balls and they are lucky so far he has treated them with the respect that he has, I think it's because he cares about his former teammates and the Packer fans. It's time for him to play chicken with Ted Thompson.

 

[Phurfur]

Packers don't need to do anything. It's rediculous to think they will just cut him, and they shouldn't. Green Bay OWNS his rights. They don't want him going to a divisional rival so they will attempt to trade him.

The only stickler is if Brett wants to play and he isn't traded, what can you do? PUP him until week 6 and then release him? I think salary implications come in to play here, though GBay has 30+mil of cap room right?

It's obvious that you're right, the Packers don't have to do anything and I don't think they're trying, they are just stalling and hoping he decides to retire yet again. Here is what Favre needs to do tomorrow (He will have given the couple of days to TT):

1. Send in his papers ASAP

2. Show up to Packers camp Tuesday

3. Practice

4. Don't speak with media

Favre can say NO to the Jets, NO to the Bucs. He can force their hand, the Packers think Rogers is the better QB for their team anyhow, just release him.

So they don't release him, here's what happens.

1. They pay him $12 Million to be a backup

2. He outplays Rodgers in Training camp and pre-season but doesn't win the job because Ted Thompson has an ego the size of J-Lo's rear.

3. Rodgers has an incomplete pass - Fans Boo

4. Rodgers throws a pick six, Fans chant to fire Thompson

Yes, Favre has this team by the balls and they are lucky so far he has treated them with the respect that he has, I think it's because he cares about his former teammates and the Packer fans. It's time for him to play chicken with Ted Thompson.

This is satire, right?

 

[Kiddnets]

Jets are releasing PSL numbers next week - think they would like to make a big splash to counter that PR disaster?

 

[sho nuff]

A good article by Jay Glazer

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8387530?MSNHPHMA

Trying to make sense of the Favre fiasco

By Jay Glazer

Jay Glazer is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com on MSN and also appears every week on FOX NFL Sunday as the network's NFL Insider.

Updated: July 28, 2008, 12:37 PM EST

Titletown is starting to look awful lot like Tinseltown.

The fine folks in Hollywood who make millions writing dirty plots and creating cunning villains could be proud of the muck the Brett Favre soap opera has raked up. The only thing missing from this divorce are a few slimy lawyers.

As the annual Glaze Across America training camp tour-slash-debacle shifts into high gear, one thing is clear — there is no escaping the Favre Files.

From the Bears to Rams to Chiefs to my damn cell phone, it's Favre 24/7. I'm trying to cover the other 31 teams as well as the Packers, but with each sitdown with a player, every beer with a coach, conversation after conversation, the question I've now grown to dread usually takes all of one second to be launched ... "OK, what's really going on with the Favre thing?"

So, we're going to try to weed through the murky waters of two sides, the truths, the lies and everything in between.

I do not believe there is any right answer here and when the smoke clears, I believe there will be no winner. The Packers, Favre, tradition, legacy — all thrown under the bus. Admittedly, I am a huge Favre fan. When he throws TD passes like the one he launched against Denver to start overtime last year, it produces chuckles, the same type of laughs that you can't help when Devin Hester returns yet another punt or Tiger Woods drops another 50-footer.

However, legend or no legend, if in any other business an employee, even the top sales manager of all time, calls his boss a liar three times on national television, and then reveals conversations with his boss that were believed to be private and then threatens his bosses ... seriously, how many of those folks would still be employed? How many players in this league would come through unscathed, especially in the wallet?

Now imagine if Mr. Johnny Cool Salesman, it turns out, took such a path for the sole purpose of bolting to a rival company, what does his boss do at this point?

Favre is clearly trying to gain his release, an option the Packers, sources have told FOXSports.com, told Brett as late as two days ago absolutely will NOT happen. In fact, those same sources say that GM Ted Thompson never told Favre he'd get fired for letting him back in the building. Instead, he joked that even the people who don't want Brett back would want him fired if he released the famed gunslinger.

But how in the world does one of the most beloved sports figures of all time, a man who epitomized toughness and grit turn so soap opera-ish so fast? His PR tactics have gained him little if any sympathy, even from his peers. In my travels through camp so far, not one coach I've talked to agrees with his stance and the players have been split 50 percent somewhat sadly against Favre, 25 percent adamantly for Favre and 25 percent absolutely blasting him for the PR route he's taken.

"I don't care, it's Brett Favre, give him his helmet back," said one Bears player over beers the other night. "I don't care what happened or how it's gotten here, it's freakin' Brett Favre!"

"Don't let him back in the building," said a Rams veteran after practice on Sunday. "He's made it all about Brett. I'd be pissed if I was in that locker room and he's made it all about him all this time. Man, I'd want to move on. Enough already, it's been about is he coming back or not for damn near four years. I'd be sick of it."

Then there's the case of their own locker room. Packers players told FOXSports.com that head coach Mike McCarthy was very moved in his speech to the team Sunday afternoon, emphatically praising them for the way his players have handled the most difficult of situations.

Favre is welcome back into the locker room by the front office and coaches, albeit not as the starter. However, if he thought he'd walk in and the locker room would run to his defense, it may not be as clear cut as he'd like to believe.

Remember, 21 of the players in that locker room have never met Favre. Their only experience has been with young Aaron Rodgers and this storm of controversy. Additionally, because of the youth of the team, there's a high percentage of second- and third-year players.

Didn't Favre say just two short weeks ago that he probably wasn't going to force the Packers' hand and show up for fear of something just like this? Didn't he say he didn't want to be a distraction ... but now he wants to be?

The Bucs and Jets are still alive in trade talks, although how strong depends upon the hour you check. Both teams have asked for and received permission to speak with Favre. Favre has not talked to the Jets at this point, although his agent has. The Bucs, oddly, have yet to act and have even publicly denied asking for permission.

The trade is not for a first-round pick, as had been reported, nor for a first-round pick plus other compensation, as is now the latest word on the rumor mill. The Packers, several sources have told FOXSports.com, have based their compensation upon an escalating scale that could go as high as a first-rounder based upon certain performance benchmarks Favre would have to hit.

However, negotiations on the compensation is far from firm as the parties involved are still in serious talks regarding what it would take to make this move. The Packers do not have a firm asking price, as they are trying to trade their formerly beloved player.

So where do we go from here so the rest of us can happily get back to our NFL training camp tours and actually acknowledge that there are 31 other teams in this league? Is Brett Favre great for this league? No doubt, especially when he played like he did last year. The Favre who threw pick after pick in the two previous years? Not so much.

But maybe we all didn't have to come down this road in the first place. In talking with some Chiefs vets last night, they didn't understand why he never came out with, "Look, I made a mistake. I know I've flip-flopped on the organization a lot and for that I truly am sorry. I love this game and I truly realize how much I miss it. I know I've put the organization and especially Aaron in a tough spot and again, I apologize. I made the decision to retire but that itch has returned. What do I need to do to prove I'm fully committed and how can I help the Packers and Aaron?" Would it have worked? Who knows, but it sure would have been better than blasting his boss as a liar and putting the fans he says he loves in a must-choose position.

The fans of Green Bay are like family to the team. But they've been brought into the center of a divorce, being pushed to choose between mom and dad. It's simply not fair.

If Brett truly wants to play football, has that itch, then he should push for a trade to the two teams that have shown interest. Based on my conversations with personnel men and coaches throughout the league, the Packers have called every team in the league aside from those within their own division and those who already have a star QB (Patriots, Colts, etc.). They are working it.

Or, better yet, he can always stay home, quietly apologize for this PR disaster and, should something happen to Aaron Rodgers, gallop in on his white horse and save the day!

We don't like to see our sports stars struggle in their twilight, don't like to hear chants for their hook or boos surrounding their latter-years performances. But we love when they defy the odds and create magic when time tells them they shouldn't.

Only Favre can end this now.

Not shocking the vocal bashers have pretty much ignored this.

Not shocking the Favre bashers have pretty much ignored the Wojo article either, huh?

Thats why it has been posted twice and several did comment and bump it up right?

 

[sho nuff]

Packers don't need to do anything. It's rediculous to think they will just cut him, and they shouldn't. Green Bay OWNS his rights. They don't want him going to a divisional rival so they will attempt to trade him.The only stickler is if Brett wants to play and he isn't traded, what can you do? PUP him until week 6 and then release him? I think salary implications come in to play here, though GBay has 30+mil of cap room right?

It's obvious that you're right, the Packers don't have to do anything and I don't think they're trying, they are just stalling and hoping he decides to retire yet again. Here is what Favre needs to do tomorrow (He will have given the couple of days to TT):1. Send in his papers ASAP2. Show up to Packers camp Tuesday3. Practice4. Don't speak with mediaFavre can say NO to the Jets, NO to the Bucs. He can force their hand, the Packers think Rogers is the better QB for their team anyhow, just release him.So they don't release him, here's what happens.1. They pay him $12 Million to be a backup2. He outplays Rodgers in Training camp and pre-season but doesn't win the job because Ted Thompson has an ego the size of J-Lo's rear.3. Rodgers has an incomplete pass - Fans Boo4. Rodgers throws a pick six, Fans chant to fire ThompsonYes, Favre has this team by the balls and they are lucky so far he has treated them with the respect that he has, I think it's because he cares about his former teammates and the Packer fans. It's time for him to play chicken with Ted Thompson.

Favre has the team by the balls? Not really...the team does not seem worried with some media circus.Respect? You mean like airing private conversations and calling the GM a liar? Yeah...lots of respect he has shown.I think you simply dislike Ted Thompson and would bash him no matter what he does.As for your options for what could happen.1. Yup, they could do this.2. Thompson does not ultimately make that decision, but it has been made clear by both Thompson and McCarthy that they are moving in Rodgers direction and Favre is aware oft his.3. Why would the fans boo an incomplete pass...did #4 never throw one?4. Nah...It will happen...as it will with Peyton Manning and Tom Brady...as it did with Favre more times than any other QB (INTs...not necessarily run back for a TD). Again...its not like he is replacing Mr. Careful out there at QB.

 

[T Bell]

Why do you think its in the best interest of the franchise to trade him to Minny or release him?

He has explained why that is not in the best interest of the team and makes no business sense...it has been said over and over why that would be a bad idea...so why would you think it would be best for his team?

Really, what other options do they have? We've established that Brett essentially has veto power over any trade, so they can't trade him someplace that he doesn't want to do. He could report to camp, but everyone knows (OK, assumes) that he'd outplay Rodgers, and Ted wants no part of the media circus that would obviously ensue. I guess they could bring him to camp and release him just before the start of the season, but that would be a PR nightmare, and I doubt Goodell (or the player's union, for that matter) would let it happen, since they've already gone on record as saying that they're won't be an open competition.IMO, the team's best bet right now is to simply release the guy and move on, like the team said it's committed to doing.

Can you unpack this? How on earth could Goodell or the union dictate whether there'd be an open competition between Favre and Rodgers if the Packers were willing to simply stash Favre on their roster this year?

I guess I just can't envision a scenario where the runner-up in last year's MVP voting would be (a) denied an open competition with and (b) "stashed" on a roster in favor of a guy who's thrown a grand total of 59 passes in his NFL career. Thompson has already told Goodell that the Packers are ready to move on without Favre, and he's told them to make it happen. With this in mind, do you really think he'd be OK with the Pack letting Brett rot on their bench?

I think Thompson's preferences are, in order:1) Favre stays retired;

2) Favre is traded to an AFC team for reasonable compensation;

3) Favre is traded to an extra-divisional NFC team for reasonable compensation;

4) Favre sits on the bench as a backup to Rodgers;

5) Favre returns to the Packers and engages in an open competition with Rodgers for the starting QB job;

6) Favre is traded to a NFC North team for more-than-reasonable compensation.

I'm not convinced that 3) and 4) shouldn't be swapped, but otherwise I've got to believe that that's Thompson's list of preferences, and I would point out that trading him to an AFC team doesn't seem like that bad of a fallback position. The issue with that one (option 2) ) is whether Favre will agree to it.

What I've found amusing about Goodell supposedly riding in on his white horse and saving the day here is, what if the Packers and, for example, the Jets work out a legitimate deal for a trade of Favre, but Favre refuses to go along with it? Is Goodell going to "force" Favre to say "yes"?

 

[Captain Quinoa]

Why do you think its in the best interest of the franchise to trade him to Minny or release him?

He has explained why that is not in the best interest of the team and makes no business sense...it has been said over and over why that would be a bad idea...so why would you think it would be best for his team?

Really, what other options do they have? We've established that Brett essentially has veto power over any trade, so they can't trade him someplace that he doesn't want to do. He could report to camp, but everyone knows (OK, assumes) that he'd outplay Rodgers, and Ted wants no part of the media circus that would obviously ensue. I guess they could bring him to camp and release him just before the start of the season, but that would be a PR nightmare, and I doubt Goodell (or the player's union, for that matter) would let it happen, since they've already gone on record as saying that they're won't be an open competition.IMO, the team's best bet right now is to simply release the guy and move on, like the team said it's committed to doing.

Can you unpack this? How on earth could Goodell or the union dictate whether there'd be an open competition between Favre and Rodgers if the Packers were willing to simply stash Favre on their roster this year?

I guess I just can't envision a scenario where the runner-up in last year's MVP voting would be (a) denied an open competition with and (b) "stashed" on a roster in favor of a guy who's thrown a grand total of 59 passes in his NFL career. Thompson has already told Goodell that the Packers are ready to move on without Favre, and he's told them to make it happen. With this in mind, do you really think he'd be OK with the Pack letting Brett rot on their bench?

I think Thompson's preferences are, in order:1) Favre stays retired;

2) Favre is traded to an AFC team for reasonable compensation;

3) Favre is traded to an extra-divisional NFC team for reasonable compensation;

4) Favre sits on the bench as a backup to Rodgers;

5) Favre returns to the Packers and engages in an open competition with Rodgers for the starting QB job;

6) Favre is traded to a NFC North team for more-than-reasonable compensation.

I'm not convinced that 3) and 4) shouldn't be swapped, but otherwise I've got to believe that that's Thompson's list of preferences, and I would point out that trading him to an AFC team doesn't seem like that bad of a fallback position. The issue with that one (option 2) ) is whether Favre will agree to it.

What I've found amusing about Goodell supposedly riding in on his white horse and saving the day here is, what if the Packers and, for example, the Jets work out a legitimate deal for a trade of Favre, but Favre refuses to go along with it? Is Goodell going to "force" Favre to say "yes"?

no means no, Roger

 

[monessen]

If Brett loves football so much and just wants to play someplace, according to the Mortensen and Schefter stories (not to mention the biased Fox News forum for Brett to kvetch for his big fan Greta), why is he so particular about a destination? What is all this about going to a "competitive" team? Don't most competitive teams already have good QBs? That usually accounts for why they are competitive.

Oh, wait! Neither Chicago nor Minnesota have a top QB. Well, no way that is going to happen. Has Brett considered the CFL? Too late for the Arena league.

He announced his retirement months ago. Now he wants to come back. They've moved on. They don't want his shadow cast over the guy picked to succeed him. Favre wants to play somewhere. Fine. He shouldn't necessarily have a say in trade negotiations. If he doesn't like where they ship him, then I have to question his sincerity of how much he really just wanted to play more football. And if he doesn't like the destination, he can stay retired. If he loves football as much as he claims, he shouldn't dictate terms to the Pack about a release. They ought to be entitled to send him to Buffalo if they feel like it.

 

[fatness]

Chris Morteson ESPN.com

"I asked Ted [saturday], 'Am I welcome in the building if I report?' and Ted was just about shattered," said Favre in a telephone interview. "He said, 'Brett, you can't do that -- you'll get me fired.' I told him I'm not trying to get anybody fired. So Ted asked me to let the guys report and let's try to resolve this over the next two or three days."

Awful nice of Favre to let the players report.

Seriously???? You have to know that he was asking Brett to let the guys report [without the distraction of him being there]. Talk about a fishing trip....

Calm down Beavis. I'm making fun of Brett Favre.

 

[fatness]

Favre wants to play somewhere. Fine. He shouldn't necessarily have a say in trade negotiations. If he doesn't like where they ship him, then I have to question his sincerity of how much he really just wanted to play more football. And if he doesn't like the destination, he can stay retired. If he loves football as much as he claims, he shouldn't dictate terms to the Pack about a release. They ought to be entitled to send him to Buffalo if they feel like it.

Yeah, but it's about more than Favre's destination team. It's about who makes player moves for the team --- Favre or Thompson. Favre is still unhappy about Thompson not signing Randy Moss and about other personnel moves/non-moves. This is Favre's last chance to force Thompson to make a move he doesn't want to make (trade Favre to a team that Favre wants for less than fair value, for example). Think of how Brett's legacy will be tarnished (in his own mind) if he's traded to a team that wasn't his choice.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

A good article by Jay Glazer

http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/8387530?MSNHPHMA

Trying to make sense of the Favre fiasco

By Jay Glazer

Jay Glazer is a Senior NFL Writer for FOXSports.com on MSN and also appears every week on FOX NFL Sunday as the network's NFL Insider.

Updated: July 28, 2008, 12:37 PM EST

Titletown is starting to look awful lot like Tinseltown.

The fine folks in Hollywood who make millions writing dirty plots and creating cunning villains could be proud of the muck the Brett Favre soap opera has raked up. The only thing missing from this divorce are a few slimy lawyers.

As the annual Glaze Across America training camp tour-slash-debacle shifts into high gear, one thing is clear — there is no escaping the Favre Files.

From the Bears to Rams to Chiefs to my damn cell phone, it's Favre 24/7. I'm trying to cover the other 31 teams as well as the Packers, but with each sitdown with a player, every beer with a coach, conversation after conversation, the question I've now grown to dread usually takes all of one second to be launched ... "OK, what's really going on with the Favre thing?"

So, we're going to try to weed through the murky waters of two sides, the truths, the lies and everything in between.

I do not believe there is any right answer here and when the smoke clears, I believe there will be no winner. The Packers, Favre, tradition, legacy — all thrown under the bus. Admittedly, I am a huge Favre fan. When he throws TD passes like the one he launched against Denver to start overtime last year, it produces chuckles, the same type of laughs that you can't help when Devin Hester returns yet another punt or Tiger Woods drops another 50-footer.

However, legend or no legend, if in any other business an employee, even the top sales manager of all time, calls his boss a liar three times on national television, and then reveals conversations with his boss that were believed to be private and then threatens his bosses ... seriously, how many of those folks would still be employed? How many players in this league would come through unscathed, especially in the wallet?

Now imagine if Mr. Johnny Cool Salesman, it turns out, took such a path for the sole purpose of bolting to a rival company, what does his boss do at this point?

Favre is clearly trying to gain his release, an option the Packers, sources have told FOXSports.com, told Brett as late as two days ago absolutely will NOT happen. In fact, those same sources say that GM Ted Thompson never told Favre he'd get fired for letting him back in the building. Instead, he joked that even the people who don't want Brett back would want him fired if he released the famed gunslinger.

But how in the world does one of the most beloved sports figures of all time, a man who epitomized toughness and grit turn so soap opera-ish so fast? His PR tactics have gained him little if any sympathy, even from his peers. In my travels through camp so far, not one coach I've talked to agrees with his stance and the players have been split 50 percent somewhat sadly against Favre, 25 percent adamantly for Favre and 25 percent absolutely blasting him for the PR route he's taken.

"I don't care, it's Brett Favre, give him his helmet back," said one Bears player over beers the other night. "I don't care what happened or how it's gotten here, it's freakin' Brett Favre!"

"Don't let him back in the building," said a Rams veteran after practice on Sunday. "He's made it all about Brett. I'd be pissed if I was in that locker room and he's made it all about him all this time. Man, I'd want to move on. Enough already, it's been about is he coming back or not for damn near four years. I'd be sick of it."

Then there's the case of their own locker room. Packers players told FOXSports.com that head coach Mike McCarthy was very moved in his speech to the team Sunday afternoon, emphatically praising them for the way his players have handled the most difficult of situations.

Favre is welcome back into the locker room by the front office and coaches, albeit not as the starter. However, if he thought he'd walk in and the locker room would run to his defense, it may not be as clear cut as he'd like to believe.

Remember, 21 of the players in that locker room have never met Favre. Their only experience has been with young Aaron Rodgers and this storm of controversy. Additionally, because of the youth of the team, there's a high percentage of second- and third-year players.

Didn't Favre say just two short weeks ago that he probably wasn't going to force the Packers' hand and show up for fear of something just like this? Didn't he say he didn't want to be a distraction ... but now he wants to be?

The Bucs and Jets are still alive in trade talks, although how strong depends upon the hour you check. Both teams have asked for and received permission to speak with Favre. Favre has not talked to the Jets at this point, although his agent has. The Bucs, oddly, have yet to act and have even publicly denied asking for permission.

The trade is not for a first-round pick, as had been reported, nor for a first-round pick plus other compensation, as is now the latest word on the rumor mill. The Packers, several sources have told FOXSports.com, have based their compensation upon an escalating scale that could go as high as a first-rounder based upon certain performance benchmarks Favre would have to hit.

However, negotiations on the compensation is far from firm as the parties involved are still in serious talks regarding what it would take to make this move. The Packers do not have a firm asking price, as they are trying to trade their formerly beloved player.

So where do we go from here so the rest of us can happily get back to our NFL training camp tours and actually acknowledge that there are 31 other teams in this league? Is Brett Favre great for this league? No doubt, especially when he played like he did last year. The Favre who threw pick after pick in the two previous years? Not so much.

But maybe we all didn't have to come down this road in the first place. In talking with some Chiefs vets last night, they didn't understand why he never came out with, "Look, I made a mistake. I know I've flip-flopped on the organization a lot and for that I truly am sorry. I love this game and I truly realize how much I miss it. I know I've put the organization and especially Aaron in a tough spot and again, I apologize. I made the decision to retire but that itch has returned. What do I need to do to prove I'm fully committed and how can I help the Packers and Aaron?" Would it have worked? Who knows, but it sure would have been better than blasting his boss as a liar and putting the fans he says he loves in a must-choose position.

The fans of Green Bay are like family to the team. But they've been brought into the center of a divorce, being pushed to choose between mom and dad. It's simply not fair.

If Brett truly wants to play football, has that itch, then he should push for a trade to the two teams that have shown interest. Based on my conversations with personnel men and coaches throughout the league, the Packers have called every team in the league aside from those within their own division and those who already have a star QB (Patriots, Colts, etc.). They are working it.

Or, better yet, he can always stay home, quietly apologize for this PR disaster and, should something happen to Aaron Rodgers, gallop in on his white horse and save the day!

We don't like to see our sports stars struggle in their twilight, don't like to hear chants for their hook or boos surrounding their latter-years performances. But we love when they defy the odds and create magic when time tells them they shouldn't.

Only Favre can end this now.

Not shocking the vocal bashers have pretty much ignored this.

Not shocking the Favre bashers have pretty much ignored the Wojo article either, huh?

Thats why it has been posted twice and several did comment and bump it up right?

I only saw it once. You are way too sensitive about this topic.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

Again, if you're so sure of Rodgers, then cut Favre.

Why does one make the other true? In other words, why if the Packers believe that Rodgers is the best starter for them in 2008, must they also act like Favre would not be an improvement over Tarvaris Jackson for a good division rival whose only weak spot is QB? This sounds like a stupid argument to me. I don't see why the Packers should be expected to allow a player whose rights they still have to simply go to a division rival that could desperately use the upgrade that Favre would provide at QB. Can someone explain that to me?

Then why tell him that he'll be a backup to Rodgers, and then ask him to stay away from camp? I'm trying to find some justification for what Ted Thompson is doing and I can't find any. You tell the guy he'll be the backup (which is crazy for a guy with Favre's credentials and starting streak), then you tell him to stay away from camp, then you won't cut him or trade him (minus a ridiculous incentive, like if Favre starts every game the draft pick is a 2nd or 1st or something? Come on). What is Thompson doing?

I don't understand your question. If you assume that TT and McCarthy believe that Rodgers has earned the starting job (which I believe is their position), then of course they'd tell Favre that that's the case and that he's the backup. I don't see a mystery there. What I was addressing with my previous post that you were responding to was the challenge to the Packers to simply release Favre if he was going to be the backup. I don't see why that should necessarily happen if Favre is (as I believe he clearly is) still a good enough QB to improve a good NFC North team like the Vikings at a critical weak spot for them. Why should the Packers just accept that?

We're always told that these sorts of maneuverings are just business, and yet the arguments for the release of Favre all seem to gravitate back to moralistic themes - "you owe it to him after all he's given the franchise", etc., etc., etc. Favre has had no problems being selfish about his interests the last several offseasons, so I don't see what's so unfair about the team getting selfish about its interests with respect to Favre's status.

You make good points, but I think it would be just as good for your team and your QB's confidence to wash their hands of Favre (for now, not forever) and just release him. So what if he joins the Vikings? Aren't you confident enough that you can beat them anyway? Plus taking the higher road while Favre goes to play for your biggest rival just makes your organization look a lot better by comparison. I think my problem is that Thompson's statements (We've moved on, Aaron's our QB, we don't want a media circus) do not match his actions, all because he isn't confident his team can beat the Vikings if Favre is the QB. The business decision is to move on.

Its not just about whether GB can beat Minny with or without Favre...its if other teams can do so. Again...I am glad people of your opinion are not in charge of running the GB Packers...IMO, the franchise would be run into the ground with some of this thinking in these threads.

Never said I was a NFL GM. Just know one screwing up when I see it.

 

[3nOut]

Favre can say NO to the Jets, NO to the Bucs. He can force their hand, the Packers think Rogers is the better QB for their team anyhow, just release him.

So they don't release him, here's what happens.

If they don't release or trade him, I don't see how he is forcing their hand

1. They pay him $12 Million to be a backup

They need one

2. He outplays Rodgers in Training camp and pre-season but doesn't win the job because Ted Thompson has an ego the size of J-Lo's rear.

You are assuminng he does outplay Rodgers

3. Rodgers has an incomplete pass - Fans Boo

What happens if Favre throws an incomplete pass? What happens if Rodgers makes a good play or throws a TD?

4. Rodgers throws a pick six...

What if Favre forces their hand and starts then HE throws a pick six? Why are you assuming that Rodgers will play poorly and Favre will play well?

...Fans chant to fire Thompson

If Thompson accepts Favre back, is it up to him who starts? I thought the HC does.

Yes, Favre has this team by the balls and they are lucky so far he has treated them with the respect that he has, I think it's because he cares about his former teammates and the Packer fans. It's time for him to play chicken with Ted Thompson.

IMO Favre is thinking only about himself. One person who is affected that noone is thinking about is the player that ends up getting cut from the team in order to make for him on the roster. Some kid might have a chance to say he played i the NFL for acouple of years may never get a chance to do so and earn a decent and fun living. Granted this player may not last in the NFL vey long anyway but give the guy a chance. Favre had his chance, noone forced him to retire. He doesn't need the money so he should go fishing and spend some time with his family while he has a chance and give someone else a chance to live out their dream.

 

[Irish]

Packers don't need to do anything. It's rediculous to think they will just cut him, and they shouldn't. Green Bay OWNS his rights. They don't want him going to a divisional rival so they will attempt to trade him.The only stickler is if Brett wants to play and he isn't traded, what can you do? PUP him until week 6 and then release him? I think salary implications come in to play here, though GBay has 30+mil of cap room right?

It's obvious that you're right, the Packers don't have to do anything and I don't think they're trying, they are just stalling and hoping he decides to retire yet again. Here is what Favre needs to do tomorrow (He will have given the couple of days to TT):1. Send in his papers ASAP2. Show up to Packers camp Tuesday3. Practice4. Don't speak with mediaFavre can say NO to the Jets, NO to the Bucs. He can force their hand, the Packers think Rogers is the better QB for their team anyhow, just release him.So they don't release him, here's what happens.1. They pay him $12 Million to be a backup2. He outplays Rodgers in Training camp and pre-season but doesn't win the job because Ted Thompson has an ego the size of J-Lo's rear.3. Rodgers has an incomplete pass - Fans Boo4. Rodgers throws a pick six, Fans chant to fire ThompsonYes, Favre has this team by the balls and they are lucky so far he has treated them with the respect that he has, I think it's because he cares about his former teammates and the Packer fans. It's time for him to play chicken with Ted Thompson.

Favre has typically not been a great teammate over the years. Brett Favre cares about Brett Favre period. That has not changed at all.

 

[malaka]

Favre can say NO to the Jets, NO to the Bucs. He can force their hand, the Packers think Rogers is the better QB for their team anyhow, just release him.

So they don't release him, here's what happens.

If they don't release or trade him, I don't see how he is forcing their hand no he sits on the bench, and he becomes a distraction, because Rodgers will make mistakes, and everyone will be bigger then they would be, because fans will think Favre would of never done that rather that is true or not

1. They pay him $12 Million to be a backup

They need one

2. He outplays Rodgers in Training camp and pre-season but doesn't win the job because Ted Thompson has an ego the size of J-Lo's rear.

You are assuminng he does outplay Rodgers I think its a pretty good assumption that Favre will out play Rodgers

3. Rodgers has an incomplete pass - Fans Boo

What happens if Favre throws an incomplete pass? What happens if Rodgers makes a good play or throws a TD?

4. Rodgers throws a pick six...

What if Favre forces their hand and starts then HE throws a pick six? Why are you assuming that Rodgers will play poorly and Favre will play well? I recall every time Favre threw a pick, the fans screaming for Rodgers (sacrasm)

...Fans chant to fire Thompson

If Thompson accepts Favre back, is it up to him who starts? I thought the HC does. You really believe the GM has no say?

Yes, Favre has this team by the balls and they are lucky so far he has treated them with the respect that he has, I think it's because he cares about his former teammates and the Packer fans. It's time for him to play chicken with Ted Thompson.

IMO Favre is thinking only about himself. One person who is affected that noone is thinking about is the player that ends up getting cut from the team in order to make for him on the roster. Some kid might have a chance to say he played i the NFL for acouple of years may never get a chance to do so and earn a decent and fun living. Granted this player may not last in the NFL vey long anyway but give the guy a chance. Favre had his chance, noone forced him to retire. He doesn't need the money so he should go fishing and spend some time with his family while he has a chance and give someone else a chance to live out their dream.

What happen to the Pack needed a backup QB? Which is it? ........You are right no one forced Favre to retire, yet you think its ok to force him to stay retired.

 

[fatness]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

 

[malaka]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Favre should honor his contract then, show up in camp, collect his 12 million and be the backup qb.

 

[FunkyPlutos]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Favre should honor his contract then, show up in camp, collect his 12 million and be the backup qb.

I agree. In the end, it is a JOB! Who could make easier money than that?! I know he probably doesn't need the money, and he would like to go out on top, but wow, passing up a chance like that would be tough to do.

 

[T Bell]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Favre should honor his contract then, show up in camp, collect his 12 million and be the backup qb.

I agree. In the end, it is a JOB! Who could make easier money than that?! I know he probably doesn't need the money, and he would like to go out on top, but wow, passing up a chance like that would be tough to do.

Brett Favre is passing it, however, and it looks like it'll be intercepted.

 

[amnesiac]

so, did he show up?

 

[malaka]

so, did he show up?

latest rumor is he will show up Wednesday.....thats when the grace period for TT to find a trade will be up....

 

[NoFBinLA]

so, did he show up?

latest rumor is he will show up Wednesday.....thats when the grace period for TT to find a trade will be up....

He still hasn't filed the reinstatement paperwork, last I heard.Of course he can fax that in anytime.....

 

[JamesTheScot]

Schefter specifically acknowleges that the Favre contract does not have a "no-trade" clause:"Without having an official no-trade clause in his contract, Favre has an unofficial no-trade clause in the leverage he has."The "unofficial" leverage he has is the fact that every team knows he doesn't have to report ala the Jake Plummer and Keith Jackson examples listed above. Schefter is implicitly recognizing that any team that trades for Favre will want to talk with him first, and if they can't get his agreement they won't do the deal. The other (unlikely) option is they will do the deal anyway (as Ron Wolf did for Jackson), but will include a clause that negates the compensation owed if Favre doesn't report (similar to what Tampa did - providing that the comp. for Plummer went from a 4th round to a 7th round pick if he did not report by a certain date).

I don't think Favre and the Packers agreement is completely binding on a third party team that trades for Favre.Say the Jets trade for Favre's rights. If he reports, GB gets a 2009 3rd round pick. If he doesn't, they don't give the Packers anything. If Favre doesn't report, GB doesn't get anything, Favre doesn't get paid, and the Jets simply hold his rights until he dies or decides to play for them.In other words, Favre can't make the Jets send his rights back to GB since the Jets (or any other team) weren't a party to the original contract. It's an unofficial no-trade clause simply because it's unlikely a team would be willing to pay GB if there was chance that Favre wouldn't show up. However, if GB is willing to take nothing/most anything to move his rights to another team, I think it will pretty much nullify Favre's leverage.If I was TT, I'd be calling all my contacts and trying to get this done.I can tell you one thing. Favre isn't going to report and go through the motions for a team he doesn't want to play for. He'll retire again before he does that. TT should trade him to a stinker in the AFC for next to nothing.

 

[fatness]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Favre should honor his contract then, show up in camp, collect his 12 million and be the backup qb.

Or he should honor his retirement. But he shouldn't be trying to play Packers GM like he's presently doing.

 

[T Bell]

so, did he show up?

latest rumor is he will show up Wednesday.....thats when the grace period for TT to find a trade will be up....

He still hasn't filed the reinstatement paperwork, last I heard.Of course he can fax that in anytime.....

For those defending Favre, consider that by not doing that applying for reinstatement, he's creating an obstacle to trading him because he's making his intentions that much more ambiguous. In other words, potential trading partners are left to wonder whether he really will go along with what Thompson does and will report to a new team, versus simply making a power play with the Packers.

 

[NoFBinLA]

so, did he show up?

latest rumor is he will show up Wednesday.....thats when the grace period for TT to find a trade will be up....

He still hasn't filed the reinstatement paperwork, last I heard.Of course he can fax that in anytime.....

For those defending Favre, consider that by not doing that applying for reinstatement, he's creating an obstacle to trading him because he's making his intentions that much more ambiguous. In other words, potential trading partners are left to wonder whether he really will go along with what Thompson does and will report to a new team, versus simply making a power play with the Packers.

Not that I am defending him - I've disliked his approach to this from the getgo - but I would assume any trade would include provisions that it's null and void if the Brett doesn't come back before x amount of time.Although perhaps teams didn't learn a thing from the Jake Plummer fiasco...

 

[Darker Knight]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Favre should honor his contract then, show up in camp, collect his 12 million and be the backup qb.

Or he should honor his retirement. But he shouldn't be trying to play Packers GM like he's presently doing.

Really.....he can't change his mind and want to play? He should be able to play if he wants. If the Packers want to move on From Favre they should release him.

 

[GreenNGold]

so, did he show up?

latest rumor is he will show up Wednesday.....thats when the grace period for TT to find a trade will be up....

He still hasn't filed the reinstatement paperwork, last I heard.Of course he can fax that in anytime.....

For those defending Favre, consider that by not doing that applying for reinstatement, he's creating an obstacle to trading him because he's making his intentions that much more ambiguous. In other words, potential trading partners are left to wonder whether he really will go along with what Thompson does and will report to a new team, versus simply making a power play with the Packers.

TT asked him to hold off reinstatement for a few days to try to resolve the situation. Favre has made his intentions clear: He wants to play this year.Trading partners still need to worry about if Favre would accept a trade to their team or not, but please everyone stop bringing up the reinstatement papers -- those are nothing more than a formality that the commish has already said he will instantly approve.

 

[T Bell]

so, did he show up?

latest rumor is he will show up Wednesday.....thats when the grace period for TT to find a trade will be up....

He still hasn't filed the reinstatement paperwork, last I heard.Of course he can fax that in anytime.....

For those defending Favre, consider that by not doing that applying for reinstatement, he's creating an obstacle to trading him because he's making his intentions that much more ambiguous. In other words, potential trading partners are left to wonder whether he really will go along with what Thompson does and will report to a new team, versus simply making a power play with the Packers.

TT asked him to hold off reinstatement for a few days to try to resolve the situation. Favre has made his intentions clear: He wants to play this year.Trading partners still need to worry about if Favre would accept a trade to their team or not, but please everyone stop bringing up the reinstatement papers -- those are nothing more than a formality that the commish has already said he will instantly approve.

Wrong. TT told him to hold off on reporting for a few days. They're related of course, but there's an important difference.

 

[T Bell]

so, did he show up?

latest rumor is he will show up Wednesday.....thats when the grace period for TT to find a trade will be up....

He still hasn't filed the reinstatement paperwork, last I heard.Of course he can fax that in anytime.....

For those defending Favre, consider that by not doing that applying for reinstatement, he's creating an obstacle to trading him because he's making his intentions that much more ambiguous. In other words, potential trading partners are left to wonder whether he really will go along with what Thompson does and will report to a new team, versus simply making a power play with the Packers.

Not that I am defending him - I've disliked his approach to this from the getgo - but I would assume any trade would include provisions that it's null and void if the Brett doesn't come back before x amount of time.Although perhaps teams didn't learn a thing from the Jake Plummer fiasco...

I agree with you, however all the lack of application for reinstatement does is put a chill on enthusiasm that any potential trade partners might have. Trade talks require an investment of time and effort by a general manager and his staff. You have to adjust cap space, adjust roster moves to account for a new player, etc., over and above actually negotiating the deal. Seeing a guy repeatedly in the media attacking his GM, insisting he wants to return, then not filing for reinstatment just adds ambiguity here.

 

[NoFBinLA]

Really.....he can't change his mind and want to play? He should be able to play if he wants. If the Packers want to move on From Favre they should release him.

He can certainly change his mind.But when will people recognize that releasing him is akin to career suicide for Thompson?WHY would the release him when it's pretty darn clear he would go to a Division rival? How does that make sense for anyone but Favre?Somewhere in here is a compromise that will leave everyone unsatisfied - which is the definition of a compromise....

 

[sho nuff]

so, did he show up?

latest rumor is he will show up Wednesday.....thats when the grace period for TT to find a trade will be up....

He still hasn't filed the reinstatement paperwork, last I heard.Of course he can fax that in anytime.....

For those defending Favre, consider that by not doing that applying for reinstatement, he's creating an obstacle to trading him because he's making his intentions that much more ambiguous. In other words, potential trading partners are left to wonder whether he really will go along with what Thompson does and will report to a new team, versus simply making a power play with the Packers.

TT asked him to hold off reinstatement for a few days to try to resolve the situation. Favre has made his intentions clear: He wants to play this year.Trading partners still need to worry about if Favre would accept a trade to their team or not, but please everyone stop bringing up the reinstatement papers -- those are nothing more than a formality that the commish has already said he will instantly approve.

IIRC, TT's trasncript yesterday indicated it was Brett's idea to hold off on reporting for a few days.Again...the truth probably lies somewhere in between the two of them.

 

[T Man]

Favre wants to play somewhere. Fine. He shouldn't necessarily have a say in trade negotiations. If he doesn't like where they ship him, then I have to question his sincerity of how much he really just wanted to play more football. And if he doesn't like the destination, he can stay retired. If he loves football as much as he claims, he shouldn't dictate terms to the Pack about a release. They ought to be entitled to send him to Buffalo if they feel like it.

Yeah, but it's about more than Favre's destination team. It's about who makes player moves for the team --- Favre or Thompson. Favre is still unhappy about Thompson not signing Randy Moss and about other personnel moves/non-moves. This is Favre's last chance to force Thompson to make a move he doesn't want to make (trade Favre to a team that Favre wants for less than fair value, for example). Think of how Brett's legacy will be tarnished (in his own mind) if he's traded to a team that wasn't his choice.

 

[fatness]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Favre should honor his contract then, show up in camp, collect his 12 million and be the backup qb.

Or he should honor his retirement. But he shouldn't be trying to play Packers GM like he's presently doing.

Really.....he can't change his mind and want to play? He should be able to play if he wants. If the Packers want to move on From Favre they should release him.

It's not that simple. If that's all there is to it, multiple players every year would "retire" to get out of their current contracts, then would "unretire" and sign with whatever team they wanted, either for more money, chance at playing time, or any other reason. Brett Favre is no different than any other player. Imagine Terrell Owens doing exactly what Favre is doing now. There would be 75% less support for it among fans, but it would be the same thing.

 

[T Man]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Do as I say, not as I do. Favre says that TT tells him one thing and the fans and media another. Well, it appears he does too.

He apparently tells TT (and now the world) who he wants to play, yet he tells the fans and media he is not in the front office and does not talk to them.

He wants to be a leader, but how is his actions leading.

Look, TT has said some things that don't add up. But he has not attacked Favre in the press. He has taken the high road to some extent. The same cannot be said about Favre.

IIRC earlier in the offseason, Favre's relative made it clear that Favre was not playing for the Pack because of his distaste for TT. Favre's actions over the past three weeks support that. This is all about Favre sticking it to TT.

Favre was a great player. He still probably is a good QB, but the actions over the past few years have been a bit distracting.

He says he understands that the Packers want to move on but that he wants to play football. He also refuses to give the GM a list of teams to which he would accept a trade. How are these consistent positions? They only make sense if this is about Favre sticking it to TT. And that is why I think Favre is wrong.

The high road for Favre is to say he wants to play for the Packers; however, he understands that the Packers want to move on and as such if the Packers deem it necessary to trade him so that he can play, here is a list of teams that I would consider. Heck, it can be a one team list. He can name several teams including the Vikings. But give them a list. To refuse to do so is simply inconsistent with everything he is saying.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Favre should honor his contract then, show up in camp, collect his 12 million and be the backup qb.

Or he should honor his retirement. But he shouldn't be trying to play Packers GM like he's presently doing.

What??? Look, I know it makes it all nice and neat for you TT fans if he stays retired, but come on. If he wants to play again, for another team and possibly look like a fool, then that's his right. "Honoring his retirement" is a ridiculous phrase.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Favre should honor his contract then, show up in camp, collect his 12 million and be the backup qb.

Or he should honor his retirement. But he shouldn't be trying to play Packers GM like he's presently doing.

Really.....he can't change his mind and want to play? He should be able to play if he wants. If the Packers want to move on From Favre they should release him.

It's not that simple. If that's all there is to it, multiple players every year would "retire" to get out of their current contracts, then would "unretire" and sign with whatever team they wanted, either for more money, chance at playing time, or any other reason. Brett Favre is no different than any other player. Imagine Terrell Owens doing exactly what Favre is doing now. There would be 75% less support for it among fans, but it would be the same thing.

Huh? Favre isn't trying to get out of his contract. He wants to play again. As I understand it, he told the Packers that, they told him that Aaron was the starter and they'd moved on, and so he wants to go somewhere else, preferably a team with a good shot at the SB. Do you, or any of the other folks in this thread against Favre, think that if TT said sure, come on back, you're our starting QB, that Favre would have stayed retired or demanded to be released?

 

[T Bell]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Do as I say, not as I do. Favre says that TT tells him one thing and the fans and media another. Well, it appears he does too.

He apparently tells TT (and now the world) who he wants to play, yet he tells the fans and media he is not in the front office and does not talk to them.

He wants to be a leader, but how is his actions leading.

Look, TT has said some things that don't add up. But he has not attacked Favre in the press. He has taken the high road to some extent. The same cannot be said about Favre.

IIRC earlier in the offseason, Favre's relative made it clear that Favre was not playing for the Pack because of his distaste for TT. Favre's actions over the past three weeks support that. This is all about Favre sticking it to TT.

Favre was a great player. He still probably is a good QB, but the actions over the past few years have been a bit distracting.

He says he understands that the Packers want to move on but that he wants to play football. He also refuses to give the GM a list of teams to which he would accept a trade. How are these consistent positions? They only make sense if this is about Favre sticking it to TT. And that is why I think Favre is wrong.

The high road for Favre is to say he wants to play for the Packers; however, he understands that the Packers want to move on and as such if the Packers deem it necessary to trade him so that he can play, here is a list of teams that I would consider. Heck, it can be a one team list. He can name several teams including the Vikings. But give them a list. To refuse to do so is simply inconsistent with everything he is saying.

I think this is dead on correct.

Favre's refusal to provide a list of approved teams to which he could be traded is a dead giveaway in this regard.

 

[Phurfur]

so, did he show up?

latest rumor is he will show up Wednesday.....thats when the grace period for TT to find a trade will be up....

He still hasn't filed the reinstatement paperwork, last I heard.Of course he can fax that in anytime.....

For those defending Favre, consider that by not doing that applying for reinstatement, he's creating an obstacle to trading him because he's making his intentions that much more ambiguous. In other words, potential trading partners are left to wonder whether he really will go along with what Thompson does and will report to a new team, versus simply making a power play with the Packers.

TT asked him to hold off reinstatement for a few days to try to resolve the situation. Favre has made his intentions clear: He wants to play this year.Trading partners still need to worry about if Favre would accept a trade to their team or not, but please everyone stop bringing up the reinstatement papers -- those are nothing more than a formality that the commish has already said he will instantly approve.

You are wrong, it is more than a formality. Until he applies for reinstatement he CANNOT play. This guy is making TO of a few years ago look like a saint.

 

[SuperJohn96]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Do as I say, not as I do. Favre says that TT tells him one thing and the fans and media another. Well, it appears he does too.

He apparently tells TT (and now the world) who he wants to play, yet he tells the fans and media he is not in the front office and does not talk to them.

He wants to be a leader, but how is his actions leading.

Look, TT has said some things that don't add up. But he has not attacked Favre in the press. He has taken the high road to some extent. The same cannot be said about Favre.

IIRC earlier in the offseason, Favre's relative made it clear that Favre was not playing for the Pack because of his distaste for TT. Favre's actions over the past three weeks support that. This is all about Favre sticking it to TT.

Favre was a great player. He still probably is a good QB, but the actions over the past few years have been a bit distracting.

He says he understands that the Packers want to move on but that he wants to play football. He also refuses to give the GM a list of teams to which he would accept a trade. How are these consistent positions? They only make sense if this is about Favre sticking it to TT. And that is why I think Favre is wrong.

The high road for Favre is to say he wants to play for the Packers; however, he understands that the Packers want to move on and as such if the Packers deem it necessary to trade him so that he can play, here is a list of teams that I would consider. Heck, it can be a one team list. He can name several teams including the Vikings. But give them a list. To refuse to do so is simply inconsistent with everything he is saying.

I think this is dead on correct.

Favre's refusal to provide a list of approved teams to which he could be traded is a dead giveaway in this regard.

I read in another thread that Favre just wants a release so he is 100% in control of where he goes (like Minny, where he probably won't get traded).He might fear that if he gives a list of teams, that he will be traded right away instead of released.

Stupid, but it sort of makes sense.

 

[T Man]

“I sure hope the Packers don’t give in to him,” he said. “I don’t sit up in the front office, and I don’t talk to them — regardless of what people might think — and tell them who to draft and who not to draft. They don’t ask me, and it’s not my job. My job is to throw passes and be a leader.

“That’s why I decided to speak up. I need to be a leader and even though I may not like having to do it, I think some things needed to be said.”

Brett Favre about Javon Walker, 2005

Do as I say, not as I do. Favre says that TT tells him one thing and the fans and media another. Well, it appears he does too.

He apparently tells TT (and now the world) who he wants to play, yet he tells the fans and media he is not in the front office and does not talk to them.

He wants to be a leader, but how is his actions leading.

Look, TT has said some things that don't add up. But he has not attacked Favre in the press. He has taken the high road to some extent. The same cannot be said about Favre.

IIRC earlier in the offseason, Favre's relative made it clear that Favre was not playing for the Pack because of his distaste for TT. Favre's actions over the past three weeks support that. This is all about Favre sticking it to TT.

Favre was a great player. He still probably is a good QB, but the actions over the past few years have been a bit distracting.

He says he understands that the Packers want to move on but that he wants to play football. He also refuses to give the GM a list of teams to which he would accept a trade. How are these consistent positions? They only make sense if this is about Favre sticking it to TT. And that is why I think Favre is wrong.

The high road for Favre is to say he wants to play for the Packers; however, he understands that the Packers want to move on and as such if the Packers deem it necessary to trade him so that he can play, here is a list of teams that I would consider. Heck, it can be a one team list. He can name several teams including the Vikings. But give them a list. To refuse to do so is simply inconsistent with everything he is saying.

:IBTL: I think this is dead on correct.

Favre's refusal to provide a list of approved teams to which he could be traded is a dead giveaway in this regard.

I read in another thread that Favre just wants a release so he is 100% in control of where he goes (like Minny, where he probably won't get traded).He might fear that if he gives a list of teams, that he will be traded right away instead of released.

Stupid, but it sort of makes sense.

Another inconsistency. He says he does not want to be a distraction. So he refuses to give them a list in fear that he will be quickly traded to a team he lists -- thus avoiding the distraction. Instead, he wants to be "released with no strings attached".Taking an objective view, one can only think that Favre is sticking it to TT. But in doing so, he is also sticking it to his former teammates. Otherwise give a list or accept the release you covet "with strings attached".

 

[NoFBinLA]

I read in another thread that Favre just wants a release so he is 100% in control of where he goes (like Minny, where he probably won't get traded).He might fear that if he gives a list of teams, that he will be traded right away instead of released.Stupid, but it sort of makes sense.

It still strikes me as incredibly selfish or arrogant that he thinks he can force a release so he can play potentially in the division. If I were he, I would be working with TT closely to figure out where he can go so he can play in a decent situation - rather than just sit at home and make the process slow.

 

[Flash]

I read in another thread that Favre just wants a release so he is 100% in control of where he goes (like Minny, where he probably won't get traded).He might fear that if he gives a list of teams, that he will be traded right away instead of released.Stupid, but it sort of makes sense.

It still strikes me as incredibly selfish or arrogant that he thinks he can force a release so he can play potentially in the division. If I were he, I would be working with TT closely to figure out where he can go so he can play in a decent situation - rather than just sit at home and make the process slow.

What should he do? They basically want to deny him any right to play this year unless it's under THEIR terms.What would you do?

 

[NoFBinLA]

I read in another thread that Favre just wants a release so he is 100% in control of where he goes (like Minny, where he probably won't get traded).He might fear that if he gives a list of teams, that he will be traded right away instead of released.Stupid, but it sort of makes sense.

It still strikes me as incredibly selfish or arrogant that he thinks he can force a release so he can play potentially in the division. If I were he, I would be working with TT closely to figure out where he can go so he can play in a decent situation - rather than just sit at home and make the process slow.

What should he do? They basically want to deny him any right to play this year unless it's under THEIR terms.What would you do?

He's UNDER CONTRACT. He can only play on their terms. What is unclear about that? Why should he get to say 'I know it would be a bad idea for you to let me play for another team in our division but I really want to...'? Why should the team bow to him? Why is he more special than say, the left tackle? Because he's Brett Favre? I don't get you guys at all. He has made his choice - repeatedly - and the choices he makes are nothing but self serving and myopic. He's like my pre-schooler - he wants what he wants when he wants it and if he doesn't get it, he just keeps asking or pushing in the hopes he'll get it anyway. Doesn't work for my kid, shouldn't work for Favre.What would I do? Quit (stay retired) or play out my contract then move on. THOSE ARE HIS CHOICES.He doesn't get to dictate to his employer - that's not how it works. The Packers tried to give him a shot - He retired. He wanted to come back in March. They welcomed him by all accounts. He flip flopped again! And here we are.But now he's being wronged?Tell me - are you honestly saying that the Pack should release him - even if itmeans he plays against them - just because he is Brett Favre? Do you really believe that? How does that makes sense at all?

 

[Flash]

I read in another thread that Favre just wants a release so he is 100% in control of where he goes (like Minny, where he probably won't get traded).

He might fear that if he gives a list of teams, that he will be traded right away instead of released.

Stupid, but it sort of makes sense.

It still strikes me as incredibly selfish or arrogant that he thinks he can force a release so he can play potentially in the division. If I were he, I would be working with TT closely to figure out where he can go so he can play in a decent situation - rather than just sit at home and make the process slow.

What should he do? They basically want to deny him any right to play this year unless it's under THEIR terms.What would you do?

He's UNDER CONTRACT. He can only play on their terms.What is unclear about that? Why should he get to say 'I know it would be a bad idea for you to let me play for another team in our division but I really want to...'? Why should the team bow to him? Why is he more special than say, the left tackle? Because he's Brett Favre?

I don't get you guys at all. He has made his choice - repeatedly - and the choices he makes are nothing but self serving and myopic. He's like my pre-schooler - he wants what he wants when he wants it and if he doesn't get it, he just keeps asking or pushing in the hopes he'll get it anyway. Doesn't work for my kid, shouldn't work for Favre.

What would I do? Quit (stay retired) or play out my contract then move on. THOSE ARE HIS CHOICES.

He doesn't get to dictate to his employer - that's not how it works.

The Packers tried to give him a shot - He retired. He wanted to come back in March. They welcomed him by all accounts. He flip flopped again! And here we are.

But now he's being wronged?

Tell me - are you honestly saying that the Pack should release him - even if itmeans he plays against them - just because he is Brett Favre?

Do you really believe that? How does that makes sense at all?

Exactly, but they won't let him play with their team.Yes he is now being wronged. He's UNDER CONTRACT, so he should be allowed to compete for the job, and if not they should let him play elsewhere.

I have come a full 360 on this. Favre caused this, he did. The Packers handled it the way they should have, in the beginning...... But now Thompson has totally dropped the ball. Favre said he would come in and compete, that's the best you could hope for. But nooooo, TT said no way to that. Not only is that ignorant but it just shows you how big of an EGO TT really has. I as a Packer fan want the best damn QB out there on opening day, I don't care who it is. TT doesn't want that, he wants HIS guy in there. That's total BS.

This might very well be what takes TT down. It's a total lack of leadership. If Ron Wolf was there, no chance this cluster..... happens.