Brett Favre

[EarlJam]

Will he come back to play in the NFL next season (per rumors)?

[UVaAmbassador]

I voted no, but I think the rumors are justified. I have little doubt that Farve "has the itch," so to speak. I think the Packers are going to play this close to the vest unless/until Farve formally demands reinstatement. I think Farve will ultimately decide not to play in the end.

Its interesting to me how Farve has achieved sainthood status in the media in an age where Americans are so widely disillusioned with their sports icons. I'm not saying Farve is a bad guy, but this is the latest in a pattern of what I think is bad behavior. He keeps jerking the Packers, their fans, and particularly Aaron Rodgers around, and its pretty selfish, IMHO. No doubt he can still play at a high level, but Green Bay has instituted a new system for Rogers, spend their second round pick on a new QB, etc., and unless Green Bay thinks bringing back Farve gets them a Superbowl next year (which I strongly feel would be incorrect), they need to let their otherwise young team begin the Aaron Rogers era. In the end though, I think he looks at his legacy, and decides not to put the pads back on for another hoorah.

[Bluedawg]

I voted no, but I think the rumors are justified. I have little doubt that Farve "has the itch," so to speak. I think the Packers are going to play this close to the vest unless/until Farve formally demands reinstatement. I think Farve will ultimately decide not to play in the end.

Exactly what i was going to say. I think he will ask to be reinstated, but when the packers release him he will decide not to go to another team.

the Packers know it is time to move on, they will go ahead and retire his number and not take him back.

[FireOgilvie]

Ted: What about Brett Fav... ruh?

[rockymtn devil]

If Peter King is right, then Favre is a just about set on coming back.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/writers/peter_king/07/07/favre/index.html

If he decides to come back, I think it can do nothing but hurt his legacy, and not in the MJ-as-a-Wizard sense. Favre coming back will be viewed--rightfully--as a power play against the Packers and he'll come off looking like a spoiled brat.

As King discusses, what are GB's options? If they accept him back, they are forever burning bridges with Aaron Rogers (and mortgaging their future; in this scenario, they better win a Super Bowl next year). If they attempt to trade him, given what we're seeing about his personality through this, there's no reason to think he won't manipulate the trade to land exactly where he wants (and it isn't with non-contending teams like the Jets or Ravens that will make a play for him). If they release him, the Vikings look like the best landing spot. GB has to be mortified at the prospect of one of the faces of its franchise bullying his way back into the NFL to play for its hated divisional rival.

[Matches]

He'll be back.

[killerleft]

I just HOPE he's in the tv booth next year. At least he can still walk.

[wilko]

That Brett is a passionate guy.

I dont think he looking at things like a "legacy".
What stikes others as whimsy and fickleness... I think hes just conflicted and wants to play.

Did his past retirement = disappointment in a playoff loss... maybe.
Does he have a grudge against Aaron?... doutful.
Does he need the money?.... doubtful.
Is he worried about inj? ... no moreso that any other player on a given day.
Is he competitive... Yes
Does he still have skills... Yes
Is he a footballplaher... yes

I think hes' playing this from the heart and not following a script.
If he does comeback, I'll be wishing him well.

[UVaAmbassador]

That Brett is a passionate guy.

I dont think he looking at things like a "legacy".
What stikes others as whimsy and fickleness... I think hes just conflicted and wants to play.

Did his past retirement = disappointment in a playoff loss... maybe.
Does he have a grudge against Aaron?... doutful.
Does he need the money?.... doubtful.
Is he worried about inj? ... no moreso that any other player on a given day.
Is he competitive... Yes
Does he still have skills... Yes
Is he a footballplaher... yes

I think hes' playing this from the heart and not following a script.
If he does comeback, I'll be wishing him well.

I don't disagree in the abstract, but what he's doing to the Packers (not to mention poor Aaron Rogers) is more than a little selfish. They've materially changed their position for this season based on his retirement (new system for Rogers, spending 2nd round pick on another QB, etc.), and, obviously, releasing him (potentially to a division rival) is a really bad option for the Packers as well. Aren't there also salary cap issues for this? I'm pretty sure that retirement takes a salary off the books but a trade or release leaves the signing bonus portion of the contract, which continues to count against the team's cap space.

The Packers need to find that man a hobby. Model airplanes perhaps.

[wilko]

I don't disagree in the abstract, but what he's doing to the Packers (not to mention poor Aaron Rogers) is more than a little selfish. They've materially changed their position for this season based on his retirement (new system for Rogers, spending 2nd round pick on another QB, etc.), and, obviously, releasing him (potentially to a division rival) is a really bad option for the Packers as well. Aren't there also salary cap issues for this? I'm pretty sure that retirement takes a salary off the books but a trade or release leaves the signing bonus portion of the contract, which continues to count against the team's cap space.

The Packers need to find that man a hobby. Model airplanes perhaps.

I cant argure for Aaron and the Packers front office. But I do agree this puts them in a tight spot. The cap and financial considerations aside... (what if he played for 1 dollar?)


To flip it around.... Lets say (for sake of discussion) Dean retired and then backed out after his backfill was in place and midstream in recruiting... Would the Carolina Faithful turn him away? I think they'd welcome the icon back..

If K had left to go to the Celts or Lakers as he had ample opportunity to do so.. suppose on the flight back to Durham; he reversed position and pulled a switcheroo at the last minute...

Would we then welcome him back. I think we would gladly forgive him his temporary loss of sanity and welcome him back with big smiles and open arms.
No questions asked. EVEN if this drama too several months to unfold.

So is it unfortunate for Aaron and the front office.. undoubtedly.
But how do they refuse him and PO the fan base who cant envison the Packers w/o Brett?

at least he is doing this BEFORE camp... and not dodging the team building exercise and drills, so he will be as sharp as can be when he hits the field...

Plus if he gets his bell solidly rung, he may yet have another change of heart.

[rockymtn devil]

I cant argure for Aaron and the Packers front office. But I do agree this puts them in a tight spot. The cap and financial considerations aside... (what if he played for 1 dollar?)


To flip it around.... Lets say (for sake of discussion) Dean retired and then backed out after his backfill was in place and midstream in recruiting... Would the Carolina Faithful turn him away? I think they'd welcome the icon back..

If K had left to go to the Celts or Lakers as he had ample opportunity to do so.. suppose on the flight back to Durham; he reversed position and pulled a switcheroo at the last minute...

Would we then welcome him back. I think we would gladly forgive him his temporary loss of sanity and welcome him back with big smiles and open arms.
No questions asked. EVEN if this drama too several months to unfold.

So is it unfortunate for Aaron and the front office.. undoubtedly.
But how do they refuse him and PO the fan base who cant envison the Packers w/o Brett?

at least he is doing this BEFORE camp... and not dodging the team building exercise and drills, so he will be as sharp as can be when he hits the field...

Plus if he gets his bell solidly rung, he may yet have another change of heart.

Your analogies don't really hold up. Favre doesn't have a lot of time left to play. K, on the other hand, at the time he was talked about for the Laker's job, was not near an age that mandated he walk away in the near future (and still isn't today). As such, taking K back wouldn't put the future of Duke basketball in jeopardy in exchange for one last go of it.

When Favre walked away (6 weeks after the season ended--that's a lot of time to think about it) the Packers made fundamental changes aimed at putting that franchise in a position to win in the future. A Favre comeback throws that entire plan down the drain. Aaron Rogers will almost certainly walk away after the 2009 season if Favre comes back (and who can blame him?; the other top QB in his draft class has already started 3 seasons in the NFL) leaving GB without its QB of the future/present. A complete waste of a 1st-round draft pick.

In terms of him not doing this during training camp, I simply don't buy that. The Packers start camp three weeks from today. Instead of knowing what their situation is going to be, they have to deal with rumors and innuendo from the Favre camp (we've heard more from his mother than Favre himself on this issue) and this mess will carry over into camp and preseason.

Finally, according to the Peter King story linked above, word around the league is that Favre does have an ax to grind with the Packers front office (apparently he feels they rushed him into making the decision; again, 6 weeks is a long time). That could explain why he's jerking them around. While I don't doubt he has a true desire to play and that this drive is pure, I'm not so sure the way he's handling it is so innocent.

[UVaAmbassador]

Your analogies don't really hold up. Favre doesn't have a lot of time left to play. K, on the other hand, at the time he was talked about for the Laker's job, was not near an age that mandated he walk away in the near future (and still isn't today). As such, taking K back wouldn't put the future of Duke basketball in jeopardy in exchange for one last go of it.

When Favre walked away (6 weeks after the season ended--that's a lot of time to think about it) the Packers made fundamental changes aimed at putting that franchise in a position to win in the future. A Favre comeback throws that entire plan down the drain. Aaron Rogers will almost certainly walk away after the 2009 season if Favre comes back (and who can blame him?; the other top QB in his draft class has already started 3 seasons in the NFL) leaving GB without its QB of the future/present. A complete waste of a 1st-round draft pick.

In terms of him not doing this during training camp, I simply don't buy that. The Packers start camp three weeks from today. Instead of knowing what their situation is going to be, they have to deal with rumors and innuendo from the Favre camp (we've heard more from his mother than Favre himself on this issue) and this mess will carry over into camp and preseason.

Finally, according to the Peter King story linked above, word around the league is that Favre does have an ax to grind with the Packers front office (apparently he feels they rushed him into making the decision; again, 6 weeks is a long time). That could explain why he's jerking them around. While I don't doubt he has a true desire to play and that this drive is pure, I'm not so sure the way he's handling it is so innocent.

Sorry wilko, but I really have to agree with rockymtn here. It isn't just a question of moving on. If it were really that simple, then sure, I suspect the Packers and their fans would welcome him back. The Packers have made significant changes in reliance upon Farve's decision, though. They've installed an entirely new offensive scheme that better suits Rogers. They used their second round pick on another QB, who would now be less than useless. Farve coming back throws the entire offense back into chaos, and that doesn't even count the downside of the team having to constantly deal with the speculation between now and then. How also do you fill the locker room leadership void? The Packers are counting on Rogers to take the reins, but being constantly jerked around by Farve undermines the leadership credibility of both of them. The Packers are an extremely young team, and they have an opportunity now to begin the Rogers era and let that team develop together.

If you really thought that Farve was the difference between another Superbowl and not, then maybe, MAYBE you bring him back again. I really don't think thats the case here. Even assuming the Packers could beat Dallas to make the Superbowl (which would really surprise me), its hard for me to imagine them beating any of the big three AFC teams. Give this team the opportunity to grow together.

As a lifelong Broncos fan, I was extremely sad when John Elway retired. That being said, it was clearly the right time and I'd have been pretty upset if he kept pulling this retire/unretire act. And unlike the Broncos at that time, the Packers actually have a legitimate succession plan in place. As I said, I just see this as Farve being selfish. I wish more people in the MSM would call him on it, but for some reason its herasy to speak ill of the great Brett Farve.:(

[wilko]

I never used to be an NFL guy. Couldnt care less... but then a buddy gave me some crack (err.) invited me to participate in a Fantasy Football league. That was all it took, I was addicted.

So Im not especially faithful to a team, city or player.

I dont think Farve is a bad guy, I dont know him. If some of you have more info to his motivations then thats cool, too. I was unaware his mom was making comments..

BUT who do you want on your FF team Farve or Rogers? Farve gives that backfield some value. With Rogers... those guys drop a couple of notches..

[hurleyfor3]

Where's the "please stop talking about Brett Favre" option?

[EarlJam]

Where's the "please stop talking about Brett Favre" option?

It's up your oriface; that's where the option is! :D

Come on man. It's Brett Mo-Freakin' Favre! How can you not love Brett Favre?

-EJ

[Shammrog]

I love Brett Favre, but I gotta admit to losing some respect for him after all this (what is it, 4 years in a row?) jerking the Packers around. It is kinda silly.

[UVaAmbassador]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3483521

And there it is.

What a load of crap this "lets make it an amicable, mutal parting" nonsense is.

[rockymtn devil]

http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3483521

And there it is.

What a load of crap this "lets make it an amicable, mutal parting" nonsense is.

If I'm the Packers, I'd tell Favre there's is absolutely no way I'll release him. You don't part with a Hall of Fame QB coming off a Pro Bowl year and get nothing in return. If he wants to come back, he can show up at Packers training camp and be Aaron Rogers's backup or he can be traded to a team not on GB's 2008 schedule. Perhaps someone should remind him that he is under contract for two more years.

[mph]

If I'm the Packers, I'd tell Favre there's is absolutely no way I'll release him. You don't part with a Hall of Fame QB coming off a Pro Bowl year and get nothing in return. If he wants to come back, he can show up at Packers training camp and be Aaron Rogers's backup or he can be traded to a team not on GB's 2008 schedule. Perhaps someone should remind him that he is under contract for two more years.

I think your prediction that Favre will end up tarnishing his legacy is proving to be prescient. He's got some long-time fans scratching their heads and he's jeopardizing his status as the most beloved Green Bay Packer since Lombardi.

P.S. Can you imagine how Packers fans are going to feel about Favre if he ends up playing for the Vikings? (http://myespn.go.com/blogs/nfcnorth/0-2-39/Black-and-blue-all-over--Favre-reaction.html?post=true)

[mph]

If I'm the Packers, I'd tell Favre there's is absolutely no way I'll release him. You don't part with a Hall of Fame QB coming off a Pro Bowl year and get nothing in return. If he wants to come back, he can show up at Packers training camp and be Aaron Rogers's backup... [SNIP]

Looks like that's exactly what they told him (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3484473).

[brevity]

I hate this story, not because Brett Favre is thinking about un-retiring and risking his legacy. It's because he's screwing up his legacy RIGHT NOW.

I believe people who retire should stay retired -- at least from the exact profession they were in. He's welcome to dabble in something else, or even start a second career, but he shouldn't put his fans and teammates (and yeah, employers) through the emotional ringer just to change his mind and inevitably do it again.

Obviously, Favre doesn't care about his legacy or what I think. Which is fine. But he's also wrong in thinking that he's somehow above the league and can get released from a contract commitment that he signed. I don't know or care about the Packers ownership, but I'm 100% with them on this one. Keep him, trade him, or send him a followup retirement card. Those are really their only options.

[mph]

I may have jumped the gun (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3485351) on how Packers fans are going to respond to Favre's demands.

[UVaAmbassador]

I may have jumped the gun (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3485351) on how Packers fans are going to respond to Favre's demands.

One of the interesting little twists in this saga is that IIRC, the Packers are publicly held. While I'd like to think that most Packers fans could see what was going on here, I have no doubt that sentimentality will push a sizable percentage of the fans into supporting a comeback. It will be interesting to see how popular opinion shapes the decision making of the Board of Directors (and thus the GM) as the Board is, of course, accountable to the shareholding public.

[greybeard]

Hmm, guy with unbelieveable injuries early in his career makes it that far, had to go into rehab for overindulging in "pain killers" at one point in his career, has a terrific, injury-free season last year during which he performed better, as in hugely better, than in any preceding year in memory, and, then, in the wake of Mr. Roger et al, announces before his uniform is dry from his last game that he is retiring.

Is there a story within a story here, or is everybody just thinking that he was lucky?

[Bluedawg]

One of the interesting little twists in this saga is that IIRC, the Packers are publicly held. While I'd like to think that most Packers fans could see what was going on here, I have no doubt that sentimentality will push a sizable percentage of the fans into supporting a comeback. It will be interesting to see how popular opinion shapes the decision making of the Board of Directors (and thus the GM) as the Board is, of course, accountable to the shareholding public.

Visit the What should the Packers do (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10182)? thread. I post an article that discusses part of this.

[Mal]

As one unfortunately born into the unhappy station in life called "being a Vikings fan," I'm torn on all this. On the one hand, it pleases me to no end to see Packers fans so distraught about the Fav-ruh will he stay or will he go melodrama every offseason, and this just takes it epic. On the other hand, OMG, shut up about Brett Favre already, sports media.

There is no way the Vikes would pick him up, speculation be damned. If they're sane, that is. Not that I mind the Packers being irrationally terrified by the prospect. Chilly's been all "we have all the pieces in place" for the entire offseason, everyone's been yakkity-yakking about how ready Tarvaris Jackson is to take it the next level in his third year, and how he's taken on leadership responsibilities and matured, etc., etc., they made the biggest defensive free agent pickup of the offseason. They're potentially a perennial favorite to win the division and a deep playoff threat for the next five years if the Jackson works out, and AP and the offensive line hold up physically. They have what should easily be one of the best defensive lines in the league having added Allen to the two Williamses. Fun as it would be for Vikes fans when to drive over to Lambeau in purple No. 4 jerseys this year, to all of the sudden take a sidetrack into the Favre freak show for one season would be incredibly shortsighted. It could submarine Jackson's confidence permanently.

[EarlJam]

Hmm, guy with unbelieveable injuries early in his career makes it that far, had to go into rehab for overindulging in "pain killers" at one point in his career, has a terrific, injury-free season last year during which he performed better, as in hugely better, than in any preceding year in memory, and, then, in the wake of Mr. Roger et al, announces before his uniform is dry from his last game that he is retiring.

Is there a story within a story here, or is everybody just thinking that he was lucky?

Golly. Guess I'm being narcissistic here, but thought you were drawing a parallel to me, EarlJam. For I, EarlJam:

-Went through two surgeries and two other minor injuries
-Had a bout with overindulging / getting off of pain killers (seriously)
-Am having my best tennis season (last season and now) to date and am playing better than ever
-Am nearly Favre's age and nearly announced my "retirement" from playing sports competitively last year

Why Favre and I are practically twins! (That was joke. Be gentle.)

-EarlJam

[greybeard]

Golly. Guess I'm being narcissistic here, but thought you were drawing a parallel to me, EarlJam. For I, EarlJam:

-Went through two surgeries and two other minor injuries
-Had a bout with overindulging / getting off of pain killers (seriously)
-Am having my best tennis season (last season and now) to date and am playing better than ever
-Am nearly Favre's age and nearly announced my "retirement" from playing sports competitively last year

Why Favre and I are practically twins! (That was joke. Be gentle.)

-EarlJam

You doing roids too, EarlJam, say it ain't so. See, I wrote my man T about this as soon as Farv announced. I recall when he got all choked up, I thought he was about to come clean and caught himself.

If he was using, management found out, and with all the heat about roids in other sports, it was just too risky--thus, his retirement. Having swept it under the rug, now that he is clean, they can't exactly blow the whistle on him without blowing it on themselves. Man, I watch too much CSI; have got to stop.

[EarlJam]

You doing roids too, EarlJam, say it ain't so. See, I wrote my man T about this as soon as Farv announced. I recall when he got all choked up, I thought he was about to come clean and caught himself.

If he was using, management found out, and with all the heat about roids in other sports, it was just too risky--thus, his retirement. Having swept it under the rug, now that he is clean, they can't exactly blow the whistle on him without blowing it on themselves. Man, I watch too much CSI; have got to stop.

You don't think it was actually pain killers he was addicted to? Really?

I thought while watchinng him speak on FOX the other night that he was acting a bit like he was on pain killers again. Kind of a mellow flip-flopping love-fest with the media.

-EJ

[greybeard]

You don't think it was actually pain killers he was addicted to? Really?

I thought while watchinng him speak on FOX the other night that he was acting a bit like he was on pain killers again. Kind of a mellow flip-flopping love-fest with the media.

-EJ

Nope, roids. He does have a huge head, right. I mean, he'd give Barry a run in hat size. Come on, the good ole country boy routine, anybody buying that. The guy was juiced. No other way to explain the turn around. That's why the Packers don't want him back. They escaped once, don't want to reopen the door. If he takes again, there's the risk of testing and being found out. If he don't, he has a year like 2006-07, instead of 2007-08, and even the heads start asking questions, well no, that's too much to ask for.

So, was TO right or was he right. Brett would have been better than McNabb, yet everybody threw him under the bus because he answered a question honestly. No way after last year anybody questions that answer. The heads of all forgotten how much they vilified TO for that answer. I think that they should apologize.

However, I'm bettin none of them realizes the disconnect between the position that they took in burying TO to have had the terminerity to have gotten it right, and the fact that Bret actually proved him right. They're spending too much time trying to explain why the Packers don't want Bret back after the season he had. Roids, boys, the guy was on the juice.

Now, that "story" has about as much meat on it than their having pillaged TO. Yet, not one of them, the talking heads that is, will even suggest possible steroid use by Bret. Why the double standard? Hi How Silver away.

[UVaAmbassador]

Nope, roids. He does have a huge head, right. I mean, he'd give Barry a run in hat size. Come on, the good ole country boy routine, anybody buying that. The guy was juiced. No other way to explain the turn around. That's why the Packers don't want him back. They escaped once, don't want to reopen the door. If he takes again, there's the risk of testing and being found out. If he don't, he has a year like 2006-07, instead of 2007-08, and even the heads start asking questions, well no, that's too much to ask for.

So, was TO right or was he right. Brett would have been better than McNabb, yet everybody threw him under the bus because he answered a question honestly. No way after last year anybody questions that answer. The heads of all forgotten how much they vilified TO for that answer. I think that they should apologize.

However, I'm bettin none of them realizes the disconnect between the position that they took in burying TO to have had the terminerity to have gotten it right, and the fact that Bret actually proved him right. They're spending too much time trying to explain why the Packers don't want Bret back after the season he had. Roids, boys, the guy was on the juice.

Now, that "story" has about as much meat on it than their having pillaged TO. Yet, not one of them, the talking heads that is, will even suggest possible steroid use by Bret. Why the double standard? Hi How Silver away.

I'm no farve fan, but this probably requires some proof.

[EarlJam]

I'm no farve fan, but this probably requires some proof.

Agreed. I find Greybeard's theory very interesting and I certainly wouldn't doubt it if it came to be true (Favre did have an unusually amazing turn-around), but I believe he was addicted to pain killers. He has the surgeries and history to back it up.

And believe me, those things are INCREDIBLY addictive. And I have to think an NFL superstar would have unlimited access to them through "prescription."

-EJ

[Duke4Ever32]

I just wish Favre would give it up, and realize there are consequences to his decisions and quit acting like the galaxy revolves around him. By 2020, he will have retired and un-retired about 12 times. It's really old, and I'm tired of it. This is tarnishing his legacy.

[greybeard]

If you've read what I've written about roids in the past, you know that I think that they should be legal, especially in pro sports where they are used anyway and abhor witch hunts. That said, how come nobody looked into Farv, or said that he should be looked into, when he had the amazing turnaround. If that happens in baseball again, you can bet your whatever that the guy would be tested.

So, this situation to me screamed for testing, if one is an advocate of it, yet no one mentioned that as something that someone might maybe want to do to check out if Farv was legit. How come, is what I want to know? Not really, but I find his apparent desire to return now, and the Packer's response, more than a tad unseemly.

I say that, if the guy wants to play, he should, if somebody wants him, except if the team that owns him, won't let that happen. Football, and all the harm it does, is a testament to something, but it ain't sport.

[UVaAmbassador]

If you've read what I've written about roids in the past, you know that I think that they should be legal, especially in pro sports where they are used anyway and abhor witch hunts. That said, how come nobody looked into Farv, or said that he should be looked into, when he had the amazing turnaround. If that happens in baseball again, you can bet your whatever that the guy would be tested.

So, this situation to me screamed for testing, if one is an advocate of it, yet no one mentioned that as something that someone might maybe want to do to check out if Farv was legit. How come, is what I want to know? Not really, but I find his apparent desire to return now, and the Packer's response, more than a tad unseemly.

I say that, if the guy wants to play, he should, if somebody wants him, except if the team that owns him, won't let that happen. Football, and all the harm it does, is a testament to something, but it ain't sport.


I don't follow the Packers particularly closely, so correct me if I'm wrong, but my perception is that Farve's turnaround last season was due to the coaching staff forcing him to play a more disciplined game. While a "gunslinger" quality is desirable in a QB, rolling out of the pocket and making it up as you go along shouldn't be the first option. Farve was gunslinging first, quarterbacking second. They adjusted the offense to make Farve more of a game manager. His completion % went up 10 points because they were pushing him to focus on sticking to the script more, and ad libbing only when necessary. I don't think it was a dramatic physical ability change (he didn't become a rushing QB for example).

I think at the QB position, a dramatic turnaround is more common and less suspicious than in baseball or even in other football positions because so much of the game at that position is mental. Maybe I'm naive, but I don't rush to suspect Farve of roids.

[rockymtn devil]

If you've read what I've written about roids in the past, you know that I think that they should be legal, especially in pro sports where they are used anyway and abhor witch hunts. That said, how come nobody looked into Farv, or said that he should be looked into, when he had the amazing turnaround. If that happens in baseball again, you can bet your whatever that the guy would be tested.

So, this situation to me screamed for testing, if one is an advocate of it, yet no one mentioned that as something that someone might maybe want to do to check out if Farv was legit. How come, is what I want to know? Not really, but I find his apparent desire to return now, and the Packer's response, more than a tad unseemly.


How do you know Favre wasn't tested? The NFL tests 10 players, selected at random, from each team, every week. While it's possible that he wasn't tested, odds are he was.

[2535Miles]

ESPYS SPOILER!!! Warning, the following posts contains a mild spoiler for the ESPYS (airing on Sunday at 9:00 PM ET).







SPOILER BELOW





I warned you
Quotes (roughly accurate) from Brett Favre tonight at the ESPYS:
"Seeing that makes me wanna play again"
"We'll see what happens"

It sure seems like the guy wants to play. I'm torn. I love watching the 'gunslinger' Brett, but I admit I was also getting attached to the idea of seeing him in another Super Bowl. I disappointed in the NFC Championship game but eventually glad because the I think the right coaches and team faced up against the Pats.

Anywho, I think Brett should hang up the helmet, which makes me very sad. But it sure does seem like the guy wants to play.

[greybeard]

How do you know Favre wasn't tested? The NFL tests 10 players, selected at random, from each team, every week. While it's possible that he wasn't tested, odds are he was.

I don't, but then so too don't the talking heads, or at least they are not talking. Why wouldn't Farve or any other greybeard not be using, at least HGH. Is there a reason that baseball has suddenly gotten younger, and home runs less prevalent.

As soon as football gets in the spot light, I mean really in the spot light, you will see some of these smashing hits stop; you will see some of these guys laying flat out to receive, tackle, intercept stop. You perhaps will see some of the injuries go down.

Of course, and it is of course, you will see some of the old war horses, the Bret Farves, be out of the game much sooner, and therefore the league will have to market differently.

By the way, Farve talks about coming back and we see them start bashing Roger again. You don't think, . . . .

grey "I have been watching too much television but not that ridiculous spectacle that they call football" beard

[Bluedawg]

I'm really not sure what he is up to. This comment threw me...


Favre's agent, Bus Cook, told ESPN on Wednesday that he and Favre have "no definite plans to ask for reinstatement" and it was up to the Packers to decide what to do next.

http://www.newsobserver.com/sports/story/1144260.html

If I understand this correctly the ball is in his court. Nothing can be done until he is granted reinstatement and that won't happen until he askes for it.

[greybeard]

Bluedawg, the way the talking heads I listened to described it, the reasoning on both sides goes like this:

Management does not want Farve back and does not want him to go to another team, so says he is welcome back, but only as a back-up, tag you are it. The hope here is that Farve does not apply for reinstatement because if he does, he has to report to camp or be fined, and they know that he does not want or need to come to camp, certainly not as a back-up.

Farve's camp responds, "Fine, we can play that game too." Farve avoids having to come to camp pending his decision about whether to come back or not even though he clearly intends and wants to play. He takes the pressure off himself and leaves the Packers with the specter of having to pay him big bucks to sit on the bench, which neither he nor they really want, but if he calls their bluff, they will end up having to pay or say no to Packertown's hero, which will not play well for the locals.

Seems like there will be a trade made, and Farve will give it a run with someone else. That's what the jockying seems to be about. I do not look for much out of Farve this season; these kind of late, late career moves never work out. I can remember a few late career moves working, the former Standford guy to Oakland, YA Tittle to NY, Williams to the Skins, but late, lates like Johnny U, Nameth, Montana, nope. I'd like to see Farve hang em up.

[mph]

Favre is a couple of steps closer (http://sports.espn.go.com/nfl/news/story?id=3504613) to returning. He plans to report to training camp, putting the Packers on the hook for his salary. He also received permission to talk to the Jets.

[throatybeard]

Everybody is sick of Brett Favre and wants him to go away.

[wilson]

It's not just people in Wisconsin.

[CameronBornAndBred]

What's the question?

[rthomas]

What's the question?

Do you like Wisconsin cheese?

[rockymtn devil]

Favre moves and Packers blink.

http://sportsillustrated.cnn.com/2008/football/nfl/specials/preview/2008/08/03/favre/index.html?eref=T1

I never had anything against Brett Favre but I've become a big Aaron Rogers fan. If they ultimately choose Favre to start, they better win a Super Bowl this year because Rogers is as good as gone after 2009 (and I wouldn't blame him if he demanded a trade out prior to that).

Up until this week I really though Favre would respect the Packers and Rogers enough to stick to his word. I thought he would continue to work out casually and see if any contending teams grew interested in renting him for a few months as the season went forward (because of lackluster QB play or an injury). For example, if Brady or Manning or Roethlisberger went down, I could see the Pats, Colts, or Steelers making a move to acquire Favre to step in. I suppose that still may happen if he ends up being the backup, but my gut says if that happens Favre will either a) re-retire or b) start to look at living in Tampa more favorably.

[rockymtn devil]

So it's finally over. Favre is a Jet. One last remaining question: Does EA Sports change the cover of Madden '09, which has Favre in Packer gear?

[JasonEvans]

This thread seems to involve the time BJ (before Jets). Seeing as we have now moved on in the Favremania, all future comments about Mr. Brett should probably go in this thread (http://www.dukebasketballreport.com/forums/showthread.php?t=10529)instead.

-Jason "EA will be issuing a downloadable cover for the game with BF in a Jets uni" Evans