WTF? Packers offer Favre 20m to stay retired. (1 Viewer)

[Eric Stratton]

They were trying to do something that was in the best interest of Favre and the Packers 4-5 months ago. Remember, they had no problems with Favre un-retiring the end of March and were ready to take him back.

Had they completed the agreement at that time? Had they drafted yet? Had they started the minicamps, told everyone that they were choosing to go forward with Aaron Rodgers and not looking back anymore? No, sounds like they hadn't completed the talks and were, for the last time, going to consider Favre back on their squad. Then Favre spurned the idea one last time, so they went forward as noted.Now the contract comes back up as one of the very last measures they have at keeping him at bay.

I'm glad you have seen the light on this. The Packers did move on after Favre CHANGED HIS MIND AGAIN THE END OF MARCH! Thus they did move on and drafted two quarterbacks and stated that Rodgers was the starter. They went back to discuss the "marketing' contract that they discussed originally as a way to move forward since Favre decided to change his mind AGAIN. If Favre doesn't want that then he can choose to not accept it and see what happens.

 

[Craig_MiamiFL]

From PFT: REPORT: FAVRE TO TAKE THE MONEY

Adam Schefter of NFL Network reports that Packers quarterback Brett Favre currently plans to accept the Packers’ shameless bribe marketing deal and un-unretire from the NFL. Schefter points out that the decision isn’t final, and that it could change and has changed already. As of right now, however, Favre’s inclination is to take the money and not run. Or throw.

Meanwhile, Chris Mortensen of ESPN recently reported that Commissioner Roger Goodell asked for a resolution of the situation by the end of the day on Saturday, and that the Packers are hoping that Favre doesn’t report in time for a Sunday night scrimmage at Lambeau Field. Mort says that family members are urging Favre to get on a plane for Green Bay on Sunday.

As we see it, it’s possible that Favre is putting out the word that he’s taking the money so that he can call a press conference on Sunday and declare that it’s not about the money, it’s never been about the money, and he wants to play football.

We’re told that, if Favre shows up, the team’s plan is to put him at the bottom of the depth chart, continue to try to trade him, and if they can’t they’ll cut him on the eve of the regular season opener

Well I for one am staying up all night awaiting the news. Goodell pushed this back long enough to let the Hall of Famers have their time in the sun today. Ok Rodge, it's over. Let Brett back now.Or we going to keep hearing for another 2 weeks that "positive progress" is being made. The only reason I can see Goodell holding this up is if Brett STILL doesn't know if he really wants to play (and has wasted month+ of our lives stating he wants back). If that's the case, reinstate him & make him look like a buffoon if he decides to retire again.

 

[Despyzer]

You throw out more ad hominem attacks. I'm not stooping down to your level anymore. Enjoy your weekend.

That might be the first time...but my post stands...it shows in your posts that you let your Vikings fanhood interfere with normal logic.

 

[ScottyFargo]

This entire premise is wrong. If the Packers were trying to keep him "out of their hair for good" when they discussed it soon after his retirement why were the Packers ready to take him back the end of March?I really hope you stick to Viking threads from now on because you bring nothing to these.

He didn't sign it, so he kept his options open.Consider exactly who Favre is. He's shown in the past that he has wavered on the decision. They thought he might retire sooner than he actually did, which shows in their drafting and in the attitudes and reports we've read all offseason. After what they thought was their best shot with him, they wanted to make sure they really were able to move on, thus this marketing payoff. Why else would such a contract be contingent on whether or not he plays football again? I already stated a theory to answer your question: We all know that at some point Brett Favre broke his last straw with the Packers. You can nitpick over exactly where that was, but the idea presented in the contract is awkward and shocking, and Brett Favre said as much himself just the other day. The contract is their silver bullet now, and it was just as much a means to an end in March as it is now.They wanted a definite answer, and it would have brought one had they agreed to it in March, and avoided all the problems they've had with him from before the start of camp. But he didn't sign it, so they gave him his very last shot. If he wasn't interested in it in March perhaps it is because he didn't want to close the door forever on his return, even if he wasn't willing at that time to say he was 100% ready to return. But by the time he was sure, it was too late for the Packers, and now they're trying it again.

 

[twistd]

I'll repeat what I posted earlier - I'm embarrassed to be a Packers fan. I'm embarrassed by what I've seen from Thompson and the team's management and I'm embarrassed for Favre that he has done so much damage to his reputation. The sad thing is it never ever had to come to this point but when you have both parties acting like spoiled little babies who are mad they aren't getting their way I guess it's unavoidable.

I sure hope Thompson knows what he's doing. As I posted earlier, his resume is impressive to date. And when it comes to his hardline stances with players he's yet to be wrong. But none of those players were as good as Brett Favre. Not even close. I sure as hell hope Rodgers is the next big thing because it isn't going to be pretty for him (or Thompson or the team) if he isn't.

This is what I don't understand. The guy is the freakin' reigning NFL Executive of the Year. It's not like we are talking about Matt Millen here. Do people honestly think that Thompson is willing to jeopardize his job and career because of stubbornness? He is going to do what he feels is in the best interest of the team, regardless of what the fans, media, etc. think. We've gone through all this before with his early drafts and every year with his lack of activity in the free agent market. Fans get up in arms about who they should've drafted or picked up. Of course people like to play armchair GM, but I prefer to believe in a guy who cleaned up the mess of the previous regime and put together the team that was an OT away from another Super Bowl.Brett Favre is certainly a different case than the other hardline stances Thompson has taken, but in his opinion, Rodgers is the guy he wants running the offense. Maybe he thinks Favre has the physical tools, but has lost something mentally, who knows. All I know is that I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, no matter what us armchair wannabes think.

The problem, as I see it, is that although Thompson is doing what he believes to be in the best interest of the team long term, he isn't doing what can help them win now. The windows of opportunity in the NFL are relatively small. The Packers have the pieces in place to make a serious run at the Super Bowl. But I think their chances are significantly better with Farve under the center. By starting Rodgers now it may make them better three years from now at QB, if Rodgers develops. (I'm saying three years because that seems to be the learning curve for QBs. They tend to get it in their third year of starting.) In three years you might have a couple players retire, lose a couple to free agency, and a couple to injury. Suddenly, what looked like a Super Bowl contender is now in the middle of the pack again. Two years ago the Jets made the playoffs. Last year they were pretty bad. Two years ago the Bears went to the Super Bowl. This year they are probably going to battle Detroit for last in the division. Ask Dan Marino about this. He played in a Super Bowl his rookie year, and never got back there. He thought he'd be in many Super Bowls, and it never happened again. I think the Pack would be better off playing for now, and let the future take care of itself.

The problem is...people gave that criticism of TT last year...that he was not trying to win now...just for the future.

Do you honestly believe that the Packers have a better shot this year with Rodgers at QB? That is the crux of the matter. Are they better with Rodgers, this year, than with Farve.

I honestly believe they have a good shot with Rodgers...I have never once claimed they have a better shot with him.Do you honestly believe they cannot win with Rodgers?

They will not win a Super Bowl with Rodgers this year. First year QBs do not win Super Bowls. TT has everything riding on this now. The way he handled this whole situation leaves his future riding on Rodgers. A lot of highly touted QBs fail miserably. If Rodgers doesn't at least take them deep in the playoffs TT is done. And imagine what Packerland would be like if Farve does play for the Vikings and they win a Super Bowl. It would get ugly in Green Bay.

 

[ookook]

If Favre takes the deal, it does not discredit what he has said in my eyes at all.

Clearly he wants to play football. That is his first choice.

But it has proven much more difficult than he thought. I sincerely believe that in June his first choice was to play for the Packers. Even recently, he said he just wants to compete for his old job.

If not, he would like to be released. But they have said over and over that will not happen (of course, much of what the Packers have said has been "untruthful").

Perhaps he has decided they really will not release him or let him even play back-up, which is their current position.

Personally, I think they release him right before the season starts if he comes to camp.

The guy wants to play. They do not want him to. Anyone who thinks taking the deal reflects a lack of desire to play has ridden the short bus to school one time too often.

But he may prefer that than going to a crappy team, okay.

 

[Beergogglz]

If Favre takes the deal, it does not discredit what he has said in my eyes at all.Clearly he wants to play football. That is his first choice.But it has proven much more difficult than he thought. I sincerely believe that in June his first choice was to play for the Packers. Even recently, he said he just wants to compete for his old job.If not, he would like to be released. But they have said over and over that will not happen (of course, much of what the Packers have said has been "untruthful").Perhaps he has decided they really will not release him or let him even play back-up, which is their current position.Personally, I think they release him right before the season starts if he comes to camp.The guy wants to play. They do not want him to. Anyone who thinks taking the deal reflects a lack of desire to play has ridden the short bus to school one time too often.But he may prefer that than going to a crappy team, okay.

...and in doing so it's quite evident that Favre wants what HE wants and nothing else, regardless of what collateral damage it may cause others. I liken it to dealing with an insolent 2-year-old, whining and crying over and over and over until she gets her way. The parents either hold their ground, in the process teaching the kid that life ain't all about doing/getting what you want all the time, or else they acquiesce to get some peace and quiet. Bottom line, just because he's Brett Favre does not mean he gets to dictate how the Packers organization conducts their business and/or utilize their assets. That's been the problem for quite a while now - after years of being revered and deemed a God walking amongst men, he believes he's bigger than the team, entitled to what he wants whenever he wants it. His actions during this whole dog-and-pony show is prime evidence of that. I'm glad GB is playing hardball with him. A kick to the groin of his ego (as well as those who believed he walked on water) was way, waaaaaaaaaaaay overdue.

 

[fatness]

You throw out more ad hominem attacks. I'm not stooping down to your level anymore. Enjoy your weekend.

That might be the first time...but my post stands...it shows in your posts that you let your Vikings fanhood interfere with normal logic.

 

[fatness]

Sources: Goodell likely to act on Favre reinstatement by Monday

And another: NFL gives Favre a Monday deadline

Goodell made it clear Saturday that Monday needs to be the deadline.

"I think we have to force it," Goodell said. "I think it's come to the point where there needs to be some decisions made on the behalf of the Packers, on behalf of Brett and on behalf of all the fans."

Goodell clearly didn't want the Favre situation to overshadow the Hall of Fame weekend, so he made no decision on Favre's reinstatement application. He will not make a decision on it Sunday either.

 

[Sabertooth]

They will not win a Super Bowl with Rodgers this year. First year QBs do not win Super Bowls. TT has everything riding on this now. The way he handled this whole situation leaves his future riding on Rodgers. A lot of highly touted QBs fail miserably. If Rodgers doesn't at least take them deep in the playoffs TT is done. And imagine what Packerland would be like if Farve does play for the Vikings and they win a Super Bowl. It would get ugly in Green Bay.

Umm, yeah.....Tom Brady....so.....

 

[ookook]

If Favre takes the deal, it does not discredit what he has said in my eyes at all.Clearly he wants to play football. That is his first choice.But it has proven much more difficult than he thought. I sincerely believe that in June his first choice was to play for the Packers. Even recently, he said he just wants to compete for his old job.If not, he would like to be released. But they have said over and over that will not happen (of course, much of what the Packers have said has been "untruthful").Perhaps he has decided they really will not release him or let him even play back-up, which is their current position.Personally, I think they release him right before the season starts if he comes to camp.The guy wants to play. They do not want him to. Anyone who thinks taking the deal reflects a lack of desire to play has ridden the short bus to school one time too often.But he may prefer that than going to a crappy team, okay.

...and in doing so it's quite evident that Favre wants what HE wants and nothing else, regardless of what collateral damage it may cause others. I liken it to dealing with an insolent 2-year-old, whining and crying over and over and over until she gets her way. The parents either hold their ground, in the process teaching the kid that life ain't all about doing/getting what you want all the time, or else they acquiesce to get some peace and quiet. Bottom line, just because he's Brett Favre does not mean he gets to dictate how the Packers organization conducts their business and/or utilize their assets. That's been the problem for quite a while now - after years of being revered and deemed a God walking amongst men, he believes he's bigger than the team, entitled to what he wants whenever he wants it. His actions during this whole dog-and-pony show is prime evidence of that. I'm glad GB is playing hardball with him. A kick to the groin of his ego (as well as those who believed he walked on water) was way, waaaaaaaaaaaay overdue.

If by this you mean he does not want to play for a crappy team, then okay.But lots of players, and nearly all of the successful ones, do noT. So I disagree that he is different than 75% OR MORE the successful NFL.

 

[ookook]

I disagree that a guy wanting to return to his team after retiring is "selfish" or indicative of ego.

Just you bias, hater.

 

[Andy Herron]

They will not win a Super Bowl with Rodgers this year. First year QBs do not win Super Bowls. TT has everything riding on this now. The way he handled this whole situation leaves his future riding on Rodgers. A lot of highly touted QBs fail miserably. If Rodgers doesn't at least take them deep in the playoffs TT is done. And imagine what Packerland would be like if Farve does play for the Vikings and they win a Super Bowl. It would get ugly in Green Bay.

Umm, yeah.....Tom Brady....so.....

Not piling on here, but didn't Kurt Warner do it too?Name just came to mind in this regard.

 

[Beergogglz]

If Favre takes the deal, it does not discredit what he has said in my eyes at all.

Clearly he wants to play football. That is his first choice.

But it has proven much more difficult than he thought. I sincerely believe that in June his first choice was to play for the Packers. Even recently, he said he just wants to compete for his old job.

If not, he would like to be released. But they have said over and over that will not happen (of course, much of what the Packers have said has been "untruthful").

Perhaps he has decided they really will not release him or let him even play back-up, which is their current position.

Personally, I think they release him right before the season starts if he comes to camp.

The guy wants to play. They do not want him to. Anyone who thinks taking the deal reflects a lack of desire to play has ridden the short bus to school one time too often.

But he may prefer that than going to a crappy team, okay.

...and in doing so it's quite evident that Favre wants what HE wants and nothing else, regardless of what collateral damage it may cause others. I liken it to dealing with an insolent 2-year-old, whining and crying over and over and over until she gets her way. The parents either hold their ground, in the process teaching the kid that life ain't all about doing/getting what you want all the time, or else they acquiesce to get some peace and quiet. Bottom line, just because he's Brett Favre does not mean he gets to dictate how the Packers organization conducts their business and/or utilize their assets. That's been the problem for quite a while now - after years of being revered and deemed a God walking amongst men, he believes he's bigger than the team, entitled to what he wants whenever he wants it. His actions during this whole dog-and-pony show is prime evidence of that. I'm glad GB is playing hardball with him. A kick to the groin of his ego (as well as those who believed he walked on water) was way, waaaaaaaaaaaay overdue.

If by this you mean he does not want to play for a crappy team, then okay.But lots of players, and nearly all of the successful ones, do noT.

So I disagree that he is different than 75% OR MORE the successful NFL.

Of course he doesn't want to play for a crappy team. We've seen instances in the past of how he handles adversity when it comes to losing. It is ironic, though, since his whole larger-than-life persona has been built on wails of, "He just LOVES the game! He plays like a kid having fun out there!" I think the caveat missing is he loves the game when he's winning. When the chips are down, I guess the love of the game just ain't that strong, eh?That said, him wanting to win does not give him the ultimate say in dictating where he will play if not for the Packers. He is a commodity, don't forget, and GB owns his rights. They can do whatever they want to with him within the parameters of their contractual agreement. If he does not like that, well, then he can resort to what he's doing right now - trying everything possible (integrity be damned) to dig his heels in and get what he wants. He is, by no means, guaranteed an outcome to his liking, however. And GB is not bound to kow-tow to his every request, either.

 

[ConstruxBoy]

There's no reason I should. Just because I'm a diehard Packers fan doesn't mean I have to agree with every decision the team makes. Lord knows I disagreed with a lot of the garbage that went on in the 80s.

You stated yourself that you are embarrassed to be a Packer fan. Sounds pretty fair weathered to me. Don't change your avatar though.

Whether you want to call it a bribe or not, it is embarrassing that the Packers resorted to offering Favre money to stay retired, which is what that "marketing" deal is, bottom line. It certainly is nothing to be proud of. I felt differently when I thought there was a chance he could take the deal AND play this year, but it's looking like that isn't the case and it's contingent on him not playing...for anybody. It's cold, heartless and desperate.

Why? This makes no sense. The Packers started discussions with Favre on this "marketing" deal soon after he announced his retirement. It's not like they came up with this suddenly to try and stop this. The Packers knew from the beginning they wanted to try and keep Favre tied to the organization for his legacy and the Packers legacy. It isn't cold, heartless and desperate. It is trying to keep the best interests of both parties in tact, and it can't be desperate when it was talked about 4-5 months ago.

They were trying to keep him from un-retiring 4-5 months ago when they started the negotiation.

They were trying to do something that was in the best interest of Favre and the Packers 4-5 months ago. Remember, they had no problems with Favre un-retiring the end of March and were ready to take him back.

I don't think there's much point is discussing this with you.

 

[Beergogglz]

I disagree that a guy wanting to return to his team after retiring is "selfish" or indicative of ego.

Just you bias, hater.

The way this latest drama has transpired certainly speaks to ego, whether you want to acknowledge it or not. There's a big difference between a guy retiring, having second thoughts, and coming back to a team to play. Is that how this latest mess unfolded? I thought not.....TT refused to kiss his ring as often as Favre was previously accustomed, hence the, "Well, I might retire this year, I really might!" softshoe of the past 3 or 4 offseasons. Think that wasn't done to appease his ego? Refrains of "Wait, Brett! We LOVE you! You are the GREATEST! Don't leave! For the love of God, DON'T LEAVE!" to validate his feelings of self-worth and need for adulation are quite apparent, even to the most adoring of Favre fans. Hell, Favre's own momma said as much a while back. It's all about ego, son. Previous regimes, coupled with the media and fans, created a monster (of sorts), and, well, we see how that's working out for them now.

 

[uwgb96]

TT has everything riding on this now. The way he handled this whole situation leaves his future riding on Rodgers. A lot of highly touted QBs fail miserably. If Rodgers doesn't at least take them deep in the playoffs TT is done. And imagine what Packerland would be like if Farve does play for the Vikings and they win a Super Bowl. It would get ugly in Green Bay.

That's the point. Thompson feels the Packers best chances lie with Rodgers. Whether you, the media, or anyone else disagrees doesn't matter. His job depends on it, and I highly doubt he is going to jeopardize that on a grudge against Favre.

 

[gruecd]

Per Ed Werder on SportsCenter, Favre has been reinstated and will fly to Green Bay immediately. I'm pumped that he's not taking the buyout!

 

[T Bell]

Per Ed Werder on SportsCenter, Favre has been reinstated and will fly to Green Bay immediately. I'm pumped that he's not taking the buyout!

Really? Goodell said that he wouldn't reinstate him until Monday.

 

[Master of Past and Present]

Per Ed Werder on SportsCenter, Favre has been reinstated and will fly to Green Bay immediately. I'm pumped that he's not taking the buyout!

Really? Goodell said that he wouldn't reinstate him until Monday.

It's being flashed at the bottom on ESPN News also as breaking news. I'm guessing Favre asked him to do it immediately or he changed his mind due to some recent lack of progress or a step back.

 

[The Dude]

I saw it also at 10:05 or so - what was actually said was Favre believes he's been reinstated and is preparing to join GB. Apparently he has been talking to Goodell directly (not sure what is up with that).

 

[sho nuff]

I'll repeat what I posted earlier - I'm embarrassed to be a Packers fan. I'm embarrassed by what I've seen from Thompson and the team's management and I'm embarrassed for Favre that he has done so much damage to his reputation. The sad thing is it never ever had to come to this point but when you have both parties acting like spoiled little babies who are mad they aren't getting their way I guess it's unavoidable.

I sure hope Thompson knows what he's doing. As I posted earlier, his resume is impressive to date. And when it comes to his hardline stances with players he's yet to be wrong. But none of those players were as good as Brett Favre. Not even close. I sure as hell hope Rodgers is the next big thing because it isn't going to be pretty for him (or Thompson or the team) if he isn't.

This is what I don't understand. The guy is the freakin' reigning NFL Executive of the Year. It's not like we are talking about Matt Millen here. Do people honestly think that Thompson is willing to jeopardize his job and career because of stubbornness? He is going to do what he feels is in the best interest of the team, regardless of what the fans, media, etc. think. We've gone through all this before with his early drafts and every year with his lack of activity in the free agent market. Fans get up in arms about who they should've drafted or picked up. Of course people like to play armchair GM, but I prefer to believe in a guy who cleaned up the mess of the previous regime and put together the team that was an OT away from another Super Bowl.Brett Favre is certainly a different case than the other hardline stances Thompson has taken, but in his opinion, Rodgers is the guy he wants running the offense. Maybe he thinks Favre has the physical tools, but has lost something mentally, who knows. All I know is that I'm willing to give him the benefit of the doubt, no matter what us armchair wannabes think.

The problem, as I see it, is that although Thompson is doing what he believes to be in the best interest of the team long term, he isn't doing what can help them win now. The windows of opportunity in the NFL are relatively small. The Packers have the pieces in place to make a serious run at the Super Bowl. But I think their chances are significantly better with Farve under the center. By starting Rodgers now it may make them better three years from now at QB, if Rodgers develops. (I'm saying three years because that seems to be the learning curve for QBs. They tend to get it in their third year of starting.) In three years you might have a couple players retire, lose a couple to free agency, and a couple to injury. Suddenly, what looked like a Super Bowl contender is now in the middle of the pack again. Two years ago the Jets made the playoffs. Last year they were pretty bad. Two years ago the Bears went to the Super Bowl. This year they are probably going to battle Detroit for last in the division. Ask Dan Marino about this. He played in a Super Bowl his rookie year, and never got back there. He thought he'd be in many Super Bowls, and it never happened again. I think the Pack would be better off playing for now, and let the future take care of itself.

The problem is...people gave that criticism of TT last year...that he was not trying to win now...just for the future.

Do you honestly believe that the Packers have a better shot this year with Rodgers at QB? That is the crux of the matter. Are they better with Rodgers, this year, than with Farve.

I honestly believe they have a good shot with Rodgers...I have never once claimed they have a better shot with him.Do you honestly believe they cannot win with Rodgers?

They will not win a Super Bowl with Rodgers this year. First year QBs do not win Super Bowls. TT has everything riding on this now. The way he handled this whole situation leaves his future riding on Rodgers. A lot of highly touted QBs fail miserably. If Rodgers doesn't at least take them deep in the playoffs TT is done. And imagine what Packerland would be like if Farve does play for the Vikings and they win a Super Bowl. It would get ugly in Green Bay.

Again...I am not comparing him to Tom Brady....not at all...but you cannot say 1st year QBs do not win them.It has been done.

And Im not saying Rodgers will do it either. But to just say it can't be done is pretty much ignoring that it has been done.

I have agreed that if he ends up on the Vikings TT is done...I havesaid that is why they would not trade him there...because no draft pick is worth the possiblity that he ends up lifting the Lombardi wearing the purple and yellow.

 

[sho nuff]

I disagree that a guy wanting to return to his team after retiring is "selfish" or indicative of ego. Just you bias, hater.

No...but the going on about the guards, and Moss, and other moves makes it seem rather selfish.It was more..why did you not do enough for me talk.That talk is what bothered me.It bothered me when they took Justin Harrell and Steve Young basically was crying saying they were not doing enough for Favre because they did not take Greg Olsen or some offensive player in the first.Its ridiculous.That part of it anyway.

 

[sho nuff]

I saw it also at 10:05 or so - what was actually said was Favre believes he's been reinstated and is preparing to join GB. Apparently he has been talking to Goodell directly (not sure what is up with that).

Yeah...some of this Goodell going directly to Favre is getting a bit ridiculous in this.Deal with the team...and inform the team of this before you even inform Favre of it in the first place.

Work with the agent maybe and the union...but I think Goodell has been a bit messed up with his involvement in what is a personnel issue with the team...

 

[ScottyFargo]

What a hero, like Frodo Baggins before him Brett Favre has avoided the temptation of untold riches to take the hard road.