When The Cat's Away, The Mice Will Play _______________________________________________
Aug. 3, 2008 - Washington DC
Watching the continuous news-opera called "MisGuided Light," starring Aaron Rodgers, I happened across a “tip of the hand” from a Rodgers interview and then a Roger Goodell interview about Brett Favre’s fate; aside from today's breaking news that Favre will show up at camp on Monday, Aug. "4" at 1 PM, which disclosed that Brett would be welcomed back.
What has not been offered yet, and has not been made clear is whether Brett will be welcomed to stay and play, which is where this article comes in.
The Aaron Rodgers and Roger Goodell interviews aired on ESPNNews (Air Dates: Aug. 1& 2, ‘08). I researched the information for third-party verification to what I had just recorded, and sure enough, it was there.
Indications came from three sources about Favre’s fate; during an Aug. 2 Roger Goodell interview(aired in its entirety on ESPNNews Aug 2 and 3), during an Aaron Rodgers interview and before both, during an interview with close Favre friend and veteran wide-receiver, Donald Driver, who actually talked to Brett and all revealed Favre’s fate.
While in Buffalo, Roger Goodell said of the so-called “bribe” of $20 million offered Favre that, “it was a personal decision for Favre to make and a business decision by the Packers to offer.”
He showed his confidence in Favre's ability and more insight saying that it boils down to “whether or not Brett wants to play. He’s a great player and having him on your roster makes you a better football team.”
Realizing the strife that the off-season media circus and its reporting was causing fans, Goodell made clear the Brett Favre had asked Goodell to help guide him during the negotiation process with Green Bay, and then said that he would "reinstate Favre no later than Monday," forcing the issue towards resolution once and for all.
As early as July 31, Favre said his, “intent was to play,” and, “that is where I am.” Putting the two pieces of information together, and that Goodell is in close contact with Green Bay management; along with the Aug. 3 news that Favre is considering to reject Mark Murphy’s $20 million “grease”, one clearly can see that Favre will at least play.
Having researched what the in-house insight offered, there’s further verification regarding Favre’s future. Albeit buried at the end of the article and modified by the interviewer, Aaron Rodgers told us what “will” happen regarding Brett Favre and Green Bay.
Aaron was asked by interview-modifier, Tom Curran of MSNBC Sports, what would happen if Favre reported as early as this weekend?
Rodgers answered and made Green Bay’s intentions clear saying, "When the decision finally comes down (“I think”—as inserted by Tom Curran) we will be able to bring him in and move forward together."
After picking up and running with the news scooped here, by the Bleacher Report, Tom Curran also reported that Ari Fleischer, former Presidential Press Secretary turned media relations professional and founder of Ari Fleischer Sport’s Communications, had just left the team on Friday, Aug. 1; after prepping the team on media relations.
Fleischer had just appeared in recent months about Roger Clemens' apparent perjury trap, saying that, “In largely covered issues, honesty is always the best policy.”
Ari would not suggest anyone say, “When the decision comes down, we will welcome Favre back”, unless the Pack had made the decision already.
So, bam folks, there it is. They are apparently waiting for the decision to be formerly announced after finalization so that they can welcome No. 4 back and move forward.
After talking to Brett the week prior, Fox Sports broke that Donald Driver said, on July 30,
"He's a legend. It is just like if anybody else walked in here, and wanted to come back and play (which Favre does), then you “have to” welcome him back in. You take your hat off to him. He's one of the greatest players in Packers history, as well as the NFL."
Coupling this fact with what premiere Packer players and Packers head coach, Mike McCarthy, have just said this past week, and after having been briefed on July 30 by the media-relations professional, then one would have to deduce that Favre will be on the Packers this season, unless Ari told them to be dishonest, which isn't likely.
Trading Favre will never happen or it would have been done already, and Thompson would have never suggested that Favre would be "placed on the Packers' active roster only, but he had to filed for reinstatement first."
If Favre wasn't important to the Packers' management, then they would have never offered the cash and 10-year marketing deal to him. The fact is that Favre is the franchise's face and cannot be replaced that easily. He is too important, which may be the reason for ownership to want and "farce" him out.
Unless Thompson lied about it, the fans can expect to see Favre wear the Green and Gold made so famous by Vince Lombardi, who never minced words or misled the Packers' fans.
To further illustrate that management has had a long-term plan about Favreand how to handle his decision to maybe retire during this off-season, Mike McCarthy gave an on-the-field interview during the same ESPNNEWS airing Aug. 1, and offered this piece of critical information, saying, “The ($20 Million) offer to Favre has been on the table for months. I first heard about it during his retirement speech.”
Brett indicated in that speech to all that he “could still play and knew that, but just wasn’t 100 percent committed,” so why wasn't the $20 million offered and made public then to bring it to a pleasant resolution?
Is it because management wanted an "ace up their sleeve" to take advantage when they knew Favre would change his mind and want to come back?
That emotional outbreak for a speech occurred last March, which is now four months ago. Leading back to Favre’s announcing that he would like to return, he gave the explanation to Fox News’, Greta Van Susteren, that McCarthy had been “rushing him” about his commitment level for weeks in an apparent attempt to force, or rush the issue.
The Bleacher Report first broke that Favre had never filed official retirement documents weeks before he verified it “on the record,” and also questioned the motive for him to have to file for reinstatement when he was never technically retired to begin with.
Favre said that Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson were pressing him for a 100 percent commitment for weeks, leading up to the “March ESPN Retirement Special,” and indicated that Packers' management had not been honest with the fans regarding several points surrounding his retirement, especially about using a Packers' issued cell phone to talk it out with other members of the NFL.
How would management know whom he called and when? Did they subpoena his phone records even though there is no legal case, or was it just an invasion of privacy? It seems more likely that they were speculating in hopes of making Favre look bad to fans. Instead, it backfired.
Management had a plan to handle Favre this past off-season, and the issue of Favre playing must have been fully covered by Green Bay management. They had plans to "bribe" Favre as early as March per Mike McCarthy admitting that is when he found out about it, and they may have forced Brett's retirement to benefit themselves.
It certainly does not benefit the team by letting the better quarter back go, and it does no good to berate No. 4 in front of the fans, who, in the end, pay the bill.
Favre and his agent "Bus" Cook had not mentioned any offers "being on the table" before this past week and were obviously being widely covered in the media.
Something that is “on the table” means that it was placed on the table, or as better put, “It was tabled by committee.”
Any one that has attended a board meeting would attest to the chairman of the board (Mark Murphy-President) “tabling” an issue as outlined by Robert's Rule of Order, which simply is another way of saying that a vote occurred and the issue was agreed upon to be re-visited at a more appropriate time.
Relative a "bribe to force Favre's retirement," there is never an appropriate time for that type discussion by committee, but McCarthy made clear that it was discussed and planned well in advance of ESPN "news broadcasters" announcing it.
It does not mean that Favre was offered this “bribe” four-and-a-half months ago; it means that the CMurphy brought to attention the reality of it being an option. McCarthy gave us management's insight of its intention to force Favre to retire and turn his back on the records, the fans, and the Hall of Fame.
To support the thesis, Nancy Pelosi recently “tabled” the discussion on the U.S. Drilling for Oil on American Soil, and Congress held a revolt. The Speaker left with her loyalist, turned off the lights and the cameras, but the opposition, who wanted to at least discuss a way out of high gas prices, remained on the floor in protest, but to no avail.
That “should” give the reader a firm grasp of the term “table” as used by any board whom votes on issues.
During the same interview, McCarthy went on to say that, “This is being handled by the front office and I am grateful. Whe...whe-n, uh; IF they agree, then we will welcome Brett back.”
You have to love McCarthy because he let's slip the truth all the time with simple speech mistakes. On Aug. 3 coach McCarthy said, "Brett and I will have a conversation. After the confirma-, confirma-, uh, conversation I will then talk to all the players and public about how we will mover forward."
All this added together means one thing: Favre will be the starter. They already told Rodgers that "there will be an open competition to see who starts," thus proving that their commitment was not a strong commitment at all., or that their word of an open competition was just another lie.
Rodgers is happy to have the opportunity to earn the position, if he can, away from No. 4. Guaranteed, Brett Favre will start this year, unless you really believe that Rodgers could have done better in the playoffs last year, which very few in history could have.
Favre will get to keep the records going, display his favor towards the NFL’s rich history of legends and has shown loyalty to Green Bay and its fans.
Green Bay fans have paid the price this past off-season, by the “disinformation” used by Packer management and in concert with mass media.
ESPN obviously makes its bread and butter (profits) from the league, whom they are in contract agreement with to air their games, provide their own livelihoods, and show the cheerleader-style highlight reel to show off the same players that they oppose when scandal strikes.
ESPN wishes to keep certain scandals going because controversies increase its circulation, shock-journalism increases the parent company's profits, but only lessens their loyal market, which consist of real fans whom make no money, but spend a lot to support their teams and are the reason that the media makes its money in the end.
The ratings game in the media demands a higher price of advertising after all. Consider ESPN’s ratings during the Clemens scandal, which rated higher than the last World Series.
The Neilson rating system of recent sporting events is based on the people that chose to watch events like Congressional hearings, or the last year's NFL playoffs; where Favre took the Super Bowl Champions into, overtime which is something that even "the perfect Pats" couldn’t even do, but we have to believe that ESPN thinks that Rodgers can do better.
During these events, like the Super Bowl, advertisers spend up to $20 million for one-minute spots and it is all based on the fans that "tune-in." They may soon decide to "tune-out" and link up to watch it on the Internet in the future and avoid making the media richer and hold them to account for their own indiscretions.
Seems clear to me that the media benefits from their league-relationships and could care less about remaining loyal to their customer base—the fans that may end up making them pay the price in the same manner that they have had to regarding off-season antics and how the media chooses to cover them.
For those more “fair-weather fans” that bought into Rodgers being better than Favre, and supported ESPN's promotion of Aaron, who still stink-it-up by saying Favre only got lucky last year because of the talent around him, and that he will go back to being an average QB:
Brett had 4,000+-yards passing last year, threw 28 TD passes last year, had a QB rating of 95+ last year, which is second only to Tom Brady (who has the most talent on his offense), and had the highest yards/ pass ratio of his career.
Good thing the Pack never listened to him about making real investments for improved talent. What happened to the “talent” that was around him last year that will force him to be so average this year?
If Green Bay is so talentless, then what will Rodgers do, who can barely make it out of practice? It is the same talent, and if the Pack is worried that they wasted draft picks on QBs, it is their own fault.
Why would they need two more QBs when they wanted to commit to Rodgers? Maybe Rodgers wouldn’t commit to them after this year. He is an unrestricted free agent starting next February.
If so committed, Green Bay could trade one of the younger QB draft picks anyhow—or maybe Rodgers will give them more “value,” because certainly making $12 million while riding pine is a waste.
With those kind of numbers, Aaron has to earn that job away anyhow, or he alone will have the reputation for ending the steak and the legend’s career without ever playing a whole game, which would not reflect kindly on his own market value.
It is sad, but true.
______________Update on August 6, just before Midnight_____________________
Announced August 6, 2008 - Favre has been traded to the NY Jets. New York has a massive void in their market with the departure of Strayhan (Giant's Ex-Captain) and Jeremy Shockey (Giant All Time Best TE), so the city who relies heavily on heros, especially since 9.11, now turn to Favre to lift them up and give them the optimism that Pack fans have enjoyed for 16 long years.
As for the predictions that Green Bay will be better than the Jets - search out when the last star who won a Bowl for Green Bay was forced out of his normal postion. It is Vince Lombardi, who had the Head Coach position and was the General Manager, but was forced to the front office alone.
Vince Lombardi earned Green Bay 2 Super Bowl Championships, but after Lombardi fulfilled his "office duties" for one year, he then went back to his passion and became the Head Coach once again, but not in Green Bay. He retired a Washington Red Skin.
If you actually believe that Favre was not good becuase of 2006 ad 2007, then ask yourself what changed in 2007. They added talent that Favre could finally shine with and shine he did. He put on a clinic with surrounding talent last year, especially in the Play Offs.
If you think that Rodgers is the future, then ask yourself where Aaron will be after this year, when he becomes a Free Agent. Do you think he will stay in a place that will come to despise him, who already chant "We Want Brett?"
Good luck in Pack-Land to all the Pack-Fans, but take it one game at a time to ease your frustrations.
Of course New York has a MEDIA that will hold the OWNERS to account for the continuous lies.
The NY media understands that the massive FAN BASE butters their bread AND not owners, of course NY is a country within a state too, so ESPN has to remain beholden to other smaller market teams and their ownership.
In NY it is all about the fans and not the owners. Owners in NY call out players for performance and are not dishonest in public, especially every day.
________________________________________________________________________
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2 months ago
Patrick,
Nice article. I couldn't have said it better.
Curious do you suppose the Packers might have a negative impact on the NFL when the NFL player association collective bargaining contract expires?
Do you think the Green Bay Packer management would act this way if the NFL didn't have revenue sharing?
from 2 months ago
Hey Mike,
For starters, I think that Thompson is as good as gone in Green Bay. I would hope that the NFLPA would take steps with the NFL to deter this type scandal from occurring in the future.
Yes, what the Packers have done to a star player, and legend will undoubtedly affect the collective bargaining agreement, but one thing that will help smooth things over is the fact that the salary cap will be suspended for one year; and everyone (including most of all, the players) will make a good deal of money-hopefully they don't sell out proper standards for the players in the future to deter this type treatment in the future. Pretty interesting time that 2010 will be.
On the other hand players have to be blocked from taking advantage too - strayhan "reitred" last year too, and was then activated in late August - without controversy. He isnt Brett Favre though, so it will be a good thing that this was brought under certain scrutiny,
This scandal should have demanded the NFLPA's active involvement, instead Favre went to the "commsih" - who was voted in by the owners - not the players, to help him navigate the process (will it turn out to be that Favre was taken advantage of? I think so). Most times involving mammoth sized scandals or controversies it ends up to be "the owners" vs "the players" with the fans stuck in the middle - I am always (9 out of 10 times) on the players side - the owners make enough off players hard work and at the behest of their health, sometimes for good. Not too much into unions, they cost a lot of free market jobs by boosting the cost to emplay- but when it concerns sports- billions of dollars are made, mostly by owners at the risk of players while using the player's name to make that money to begin with....I am in sales too, can you tell? A proper commission is mandatory.
Unrestricted Free Agency was developed in the 1990s through a player filing a law suit; and has since become available in each sport country wide. I would hope that if a player retires and then un-retires, that he would be able to cancel any current contract and play again with anyone- though with financial penalties set in place to ensure both sides don't aggressively take advantage of one another- doesn't sound like Brett was taking advantage of the Pack though. In a perfect world both the owners and the players would be able to make enough money for all to be happy - but that doesnt happen.
Ahhh Revenue sharing - The NFL shares revenues profited based on anything that has the official NFL logo involved with it - not exactly everything sold though. They share revenue that is earned from broadcasts of all NFL games and anything that the NFL has rights to, in order to better comply with "the level playing field" that is demanded by the Anti Trust Exemption.
Depending on size of the market and stadium capacity, some teams make more than the average and have to pay a "luxury tax" on anything above another's market , which is of course paid to the NFL and then distributed = a level way of life regardless of talent, franchise. It is mandatory equality, which we in America dont exactly subscribe to - everyone has different qualities, some relate to a higher income, but we are not made eqaul by revenue sharing - imagine how people would react - but Pro Sports are basically monopolies and some day well be actively competed against - AFL, NFL, CFL etc...
The only way to grow a market though, is by winning. If they win then they get national, mass media exposure and are able to grow a national sized market. This is why ESPN only shows big market teams, they are not interested helping grow small market teams at all - a vicious cycle.
Sorry for the book - but that is a wide ranging question -
Hope I covered it all...owners vs players vs media and advertisers vs fans and a level playing field - stadium capacity, vending, parking etc...its a tough one.
R
PR
from 2 months ago
ted thompson is a retard-give him credit for building a good young team, but any idiot could predict this was going to happen once summer rolled around and Favre was over the emotional drain of losing that game to the g men. aaron rodgers doesnt have that it factor and will never take a team to the super bowl i'm sorry. I am not a Favre worshipper or even a packers fan for that matter. Favre is what he is -you live and die with it. Big plays and bonehead plays, but rodgers has that deer in headlights look that will only get worse when the defenses start getting film on him to exploit his weaknesses. I will say that rodgers will probably run the offense efficiently and mechanically for the pack, but will he make the play when the game is on the line? Doubtful, he doesnt strike me as that kind of clutch player, much less durable enough to even make it thru a full season
2 months ago
Mark Murphy said today that the Pack will welcome Brett back but has made clear that they will take advantage of the situation to better themselves...double talking jive again. It means that Brett will play as a Packer and will help Aaron take over his job - like any other employer in America.
The GM made clear that the reason that they were upset with Bret is b/c of their active pursuit of replacement QBs - - but I doubt they included Brett in any draft choices - is that fair to say? Other start players can basically name who they want and bam-the team does it. Pacman Jones is a great example - so is Randy Moss who Tom Brady secured in the off season too - but Brett asked for him as well
Oh Well-
Lets play some foot ball!
2 months ago
I got a text message on this before. Nice grab my friend.
from 2 months ago
Hey Mantzie
I have been working this article for 3 days. I posted it at about 1 or 2, and bam - Favre said he was going to be at camp on Mon, and then it broke that the Pack would welcome Favre back to camp at 1pm.
What they havent said is whether or not Favre would remain a Packer - and it is pretty clear by the above research that he will.
Just dont know if he will be allowed to continue the streak or not...hopefully he can still start games and properly train Aaron with more snaps until he earns it away. It is just the way it should be done, especially with Favre.
Unitas could barely run anymore, and Montana was injured and couldnt play at all when Young won the MVP and earned the job. Hostetller earned it away from Simms, and took the team to the Super Bowl - Simms was injured.
Romo was just handed the job, and Bledsoe and Garcia were both let go - Garcia is the better QB too and they could have done better with him as QB-
Hopefully the news-opera is finally over
Thanks Brother
PR
2 months ago
This just sets up an inevitably awkward scenario for the Packers, their fans, and poor Aaron Rodgers. Lets say for the sake of argument that Aaron Rodgers wins the training camp battle. The first pick he throws at home this season, fans will go apeshit and try to encourage Favre to come back out. The Packers and Brett Favre are effectively shattering Rodgers confidence in his own game, which is too bad. Listen, the kid can play, hes proven it on the college level and the only reason he hasn't got a chance to do so in the pros is because Favre's soap opera has gone on for three years now. Favre is still one of my favorite players in NFL history, but this has tarnished his image in my eyes and the eyes of a lot of NFL fans.
from 2 months ago
Aaron isn't too poor collecting 12 mill every yr. He may not sign after this yr, he's an unrestricted FA. He may not have to begin with though, who knows? Must be hard trying to replace a legendary future HOF'er. Favre isn't done. AR won't win the comp at all, you know that. Would AR have done what BF did, getting past Dallas in Dallas, beat the Rams when down 14 and he cameback to close the game by the end of the first half @ 21-14, then he took the giants to over time. No way AR can do that, or he would already be the starter. I feel bad for AR too, but being good isn't Brett's fault. AR maybe should have signed with a diff. team. College is not the Pros, GB desont even know if he can scramble or handle a Pro Defense yet. He hasnt played a full game since college, so is a unproven quantity....BF isnt.
Did the GB Packer's mangement lie about Favre or not? A ton of "Veteran Players" try to get out of camp every year..Strayahn was the Capt of NY and did it last year - he was re-segned without controversy.
from 2 months ago
Well you be so scathing in your assessment of the Packers management, who were deplorable in the scandal which they began last march before the retirement, as you have been of Favre?
Good points Ryan, he could have been less visable I guess. But I dont know how one is supposed to answer questions about tampering and cell phone calls without saying that you didnt do it...which of course means by default that Mngt Lied.
2 months ago
Exactly Ryan, they've completely ruined the career of Aaron Rodgers now... there is no way he'll be able to develop as an NFL QB. The franchise again takes a step back, while not on the field, but takes a step back in future player development because good ole country boy wants to play again. It's really annoying.
Simpletons continue to say Favre makes the Packers better, how could they not want him?! These are probably the same people saying why aren't teams signing Barry Bonds? The guy gives you a solid .400 OBP year in and year out. The point is they are missing the giant over-laying issue. Favre TEARFULLY retired, the Packers then asked him ARE YOU SURE, he said YES, so they drafted accordingly. Now that draft is negated and worthless, Brohm was a waste in the 2nd round when they got him because they could have filled dozens of other holes.
Hopefully people realize how awful Favre has made this situation for a number of people... but I fear they won't, they'll just keep bowing before him, it's sickening.
from 2 months ago
See the reply to Ryan, Re AR vs BF - how do you know that AR is any good at all, he's never played a full game in the NFL. Favre had a career yr last yr, so obviously he aint done yet. He was 2nd to Brady - who hads the best talent on his team, bar none. What could BF do if on NE?
The Packers forced BF to "retire to ESPN," asking him for 100& committment in March - hell, no one is sure at the time of yr. Favre didnt file official reitrement docs with the league, so that should have told everyone that BF was not sure at all. Instead GB pre-maturely placed him on Reserve/Reitred List.
Maybe they should have involved BF (you know, the best on the team) with what talent to get, instead of running around for 4 yrs trying to replace him -
GB should have listened to Favre, they didnt and now Moss is on the record NE Pats. Oh well.
Again, green bay dug their own hole with continuous and intentional lies.
Fans are siked to get Favre back, regardless of how other teams feel about it. It is all about GB customer base. Not mine, nor yours.
Theyre lucky they got him back, it increases theyre play-off chances.
2 months ago
I disagree with you Ryan. Favre has made the Packers the team they are today. Rodgers is a big boy and if his confidence is lacking from all of this then he needs to buck up!!! I think the only image here that has been tarnished is that of the Green Bay Packers! The fans WANT Favre back in a starting position and I have yet to meet anyone in person who disagrees! Not to say that no one disagrees it's just there are very few that do!
Sarah
from 2 months ago
good point, who wants a QB with no confidence? AR will be fine, he's loaded with cash and has never even played a full game - what if he breaks a leg against some of those defenses? He is an unknown quantity, and unproven talent...Favre isnt and just had a career yr last yr, proving he can still be the best on the team.
He was 2nd to Brady last yr, could AR do that or could AR do anything that got GB to the NFC Champ anyhow? I dont think so. maybe GB should just trade one of their 3 other QB's and keep Favre.
Well Put Sarah-
It is all about the fans
And Favre is the best on the team
R
PR
from 2 months ago
Sarah,
There is no denying Favre's impact on the Green Bay Packers. The man is a first ballot hall of famer and one of the best to ever play the game. He also gives the Packers the best chance to win every Sunday, which is why he will win this "competition". However, he has acted with little professionalism and dignity throughout this whole ordeal, which has soured some fans. Packer fans will be excited to see him return, because they can win with him, but the way he carried himself is inexcusable.
Ryan
2 months ago
It is amazing to me that Brett Favre has garnered such animus from some readers. I have been a Packer fan since the Snow Bowl - the packers were simply a football wasteland until Favre. The Packers have been pathetic in letting this get to this point and then bribing him.
from 2 months ago
No doubt some in upper-management will suffer the rath from their constant lying and mistreatment of the "franchise-face"...
How would they know who Favre talked to on his Cell Phone? Invasion of Privacy? The Fed Govt cant even get away with that one, much less make it public knowledge. Why didnt they say they asked Favre for 100% committment before he was sure, or tell anyone that they told BF that they were moving on with AR before "retiring to ESPN?"
It was disgraceful and bad PR to try and make BF out to be the bad guy
Well said my friend,
Go Pack!
R
PR
2 months ago
A football wasteland that won the first two Super Bowls?!
Favre is the pathetic one and any Packers fan that thinks for a minute he cares about you guys are absolutely nuts. Enjoy another season of limbo, followed by another offsesaon of limbo.
from 2 months ago
I think she was trying to say, "when was the last Super Bowl Win before Brett Favre?"
add to that, when was the last time GB even went to the Super Bowl before Favre; much less the play offs?
AR is not a starter, he has to earn that role from favre, who just had a carreer yr last year. 2nd best in the league...unless AR is now better than P. Manning, good luck winning with him as a starter-
he hasnt played a game in 4 years-
This is not college either
from 2 months ago
Exactly Rich,
People dont seem to understand the careers and lives that this 4 month period of indecision has impacted. Packers Management, Coaches, Players, and of course Aaron Rodgers are all directly effected with each flip flop Brett makes. If Coach names Aaron the starting QB week one, prepare for GB fans to demand his head on a stick if AR stumbles to a 2-2 start or something like that. My biggest beef with Favre is that he retired, ESPN and NFL network reacted as if the pope just died, and now he gets to come back on a whim? Like I said earlier, great player, selfish human.
Ryan
from 2 months ago
So, I take it Management Flip flopped when they told Favre in March that they were committed to moving on with Rodgers before Favre retired, becuase he wasnt 100% committed?
maybe they could trade AR or one of the other 2. Why trade Favre when he is the best QB on the team?
from 2 months ago
Patrick,
Funny, I was just telling my friend today that the only thing that could make this saga more interesting is if AR asked to get traded. I just think its a bit selfish to take so long to figure out that you want to play, especially when the team made it clear they were moving on without you. Aaron Rodgers has waited long enough, Favre is just mad his last pass was picked off.
Ryan
from 2 months ago
Great minds think alime Ryan!
Good pick up. I dont, for the life of me, see this as a "season of limbo" especially not at Lambeau, not with the Legend there taking snaps.
It could be that Favre will train AR on field, both take snaps and AR eventually earns it away
from 2 months ago
I suggest you get a life. You don't have a clue what Brett has underwent just to come back and enjoy what he loves. There are two sides to every story and you apparently are only listening to the propaganda coming from the Packers front office.
from 2 months ago
Bravo David!
Finally someone with a noggin who isn't brainwashed by ESPN. So many lies, and questionable moves by the Packers office have left fans chanting "We Want Brett" all over the place at practice -
Rodgers said, "All I know is WE had practice and HE wasnt here. So I am the starter"
Mine Mine Mine - he will be quickly despised in Green Bay
2 months ago
Will the Packer Management ever explain "how" they obtained Farve's Personal Phone records ? Who is quilty here ? Mikey, Teddy, and Marky have some questions to answer............ is such a criminal offense ?
The Players Union should look into this........... if management will do this to Farve, then what chance does a average player have ?
If the Packer Executive Committee had any "Backbone", then Mikey, Teddy, and Marky will be gone by the end of the season.
from 2 months ago
Well put indeed my friend! i've been writing for a month about the NFLPA's stagnant rep for not being involved in this. Why was the onwers rep (Goodell) negotiating for a player, and where was Gene Upshaw?
Ditka will have a field day with this one...he and ole Gene dont get along too well.
Agreed, show the faulty mangt the door-
How did Mike know that the "bribe" 4 months ago, he said "It has been on the table since Favre retired." Who told him, was it "tabled" by the exec Committee? I think it is obvious, yes. Why wasnt it made clear that Favre was asked for 100& committment in March, told GB was moving on without him and going with AR and why didnt they release the marketing offer after the so-called retirement to ESPN? SOund like tampering against the management at all? hmmmm. I think it does.
He never filed retirement docs.
Thanks for the Comments Jim, and keep 'em in the fairway my friend
Low and slow
R
Patrick Read
2 months ago
Great job Patrick - another nice write and scoop!
Lou
Let Play Play!
Let Brett Play!
Let Brett Play!
from 2 months ago
Thanks for the pick of the day Lou.
I think they have to let Brett Play, becuase he is the better QB...unless mngt is lying about the open competition, which would be consistent.
R
PR
PS -- two words
CHAD JOHNSON
nuff said about bad press and phony retirements or threats of not playing.
The Bengals are siked to have him back - and he is a real arse with what he said.....no where near as dignified as Favre.
2 months ago
You paint a picture of the old NASTY Packer org., taking advantage of the poor country boy from Mississippi. Favre and Bus Cook are smart and cunning, they set a trap for the Packers and hooked them where it hurts, public option. They divided the fans of the Packers into two camps, the Farve fans and the Packer Fans, yes there is a difference, and neither side will win. Only Favre and Cook will win and money is during the talking.
from 2 months ago
Who set the trap Jack? Sounds like Mngt did and it backfired.
Favre and Cook are "cunning boys" from..... Mississippi, yep, sure they are.
I lived in Mississippi for 3 years and that is not how the people are down there, by any means. To the contrary they are some of the most simple, honest and most pleasant people in the country. If you ever visit then you too will know it true. Favre is hero to them and after katrina, which destroyed Gulport, and Biloxi (where favre is originally from) the last thing they want to hear is how some northern, big money corp. was trying to run him out of the league because he was too good.
When you can produce Marketing Degrees from Favre and Cook, then I might consider your claim. On the other hand every Pro_sport org has about 30 lawyers and a team of marketers.
So until you can back up the emotional "alegations," then I think it is in plain ole english who lied about what - most of the proof is right up there in the article.
2 months ago
********************************NEWS Update*************************
IN grand fashion of "trying to keep the controversy going" to make more money ESPN is talking about a possible Favre trade (8.4.08).
Wouldnt that mean that T. Thompson lied to the Pack-Fans when he said "if Brett reinstates, then he wll be a Packer?" What happened to "no trades, no releases?"
According to the Tribune, the Packer GM (THOMPSON) called the Vikings on Fri-thus proving that GB Mngt DID lie and STILL IS lying.
Viking head coach ddenies having contact with GB at al...Thompson must have left a voicemail, or sent an email...which would be evidence to anyone concerned about the team lying about Favre
R
PR
2 months ago
You don't need marketing degrees, just brain power. You don't give much credit to Favre or Cook. They are not red necks from the back woods. Their are street smart and educated. They know what they want. Show me the money and or build up my ego.
from 2 months ago
just like the team of lawyers that manage the pack, right?
Who makes more, the owners or players? Who risks more?
- who's more likely guilty of lying and swindling, Favre from Gulf Port, or a room full of lawyers?
Street cred is fine but it isnt a law degree. He was pressed Jack, he was asked in March to be 100% committed and then told since he wasnt 100% that GB was going w/ AR - thus the ESPN drama. We didnt know that until Greta last month. Who isnt telling the truth, I say the Pack has lied much more than someone trying to get out of camp.
Thanks Jack
R
PR
2 months ago
Imagine if every back up had to prove himself as much as Aaron Rodgers apparently does. There's a problem, he's never had a chance to play in a game sans a 4th quarter drive last year. Yet, people are using that against him? Am I the only one not seeing the connection there.
Brett Favre continuing to come back, year after year, doing his best Roger Clemens impression, year after year has prevented Rodgers from seeing the field... yet THAT reason is why people are hating on Rodgers? Because he's barely played in the NFL. You know who barely played in the NFL before he became a starter? Brett Favre. You know who barely played in the NFL before he became a starter? Peyton Manning, Tom Brady, etc. I'm not comparing Rodgers to any of those guys, but stop with the "What has Rodgers done?" Of course the answer is nothing and it will continue to be nothing as long as Attention Whore continues to toy with the Packers organization for his own self gain.
from 2 months ago
I hear ya Rich, it is kind of a raw deal for AR, but most greats are replaced by the up-and-coming by an injury that benches the great. ie: unitas, montana and even phill simms too.
No, I would say Brett being so good cost AR his shot, but if the team was really committed to AR, where is the contract extension, why di they say Brett would not be traded nor released? Where is that committment or was that just said to force retirement and maybe a renogitiated Favre contract?
Tom Brady = over rated, pocket passer surrounded by a grewat offensive line that gives him so much time he could eat a sandwhich until someone is open.
Like I contend, why the open comp if GB has fiath that AR is better? Why not just draft one QB and not 2? Dude, GB has a better shot with Favre as QB, he has the star experience, has proven he can still play and ought to be allowed to at least make a living without being threatened for his attmpt to sjip out on summer school.
Good points man
Thanks
PR
-ps-if AR was not good at all this wouldnt be an issue, it isnt that he is bad, its just that he is unproven talent and favre isnt
2 months ago
Thompson isn't going anywhere. If anyone, its Favre who they can still trade. In fact the Packers would be wise and wait until the season starts to trade him to another team so that he can't learn their playbook fast enough.
The Packers have been doing very well ever since Thompson came around.
Favre is a blatant outright lier (his tearful retirement speech is proof of it, and it was nothing but blatant lies). Favre has a huge ego with a chip on his shoulder who thinks the world revolves around him.
Favre is also a proven traitor.... illegally talking to join the Packers arch rivals, the Viqueens. And his love affair with Moss over the past few years... the very player who stepped over the line and directly insulted the Packer fans.
If he plays for the Packers, I honestly hope he gets hurt this time around. I'd rather risk winning 0 games with Rodgers, than win every game with the traitor Favre.
from 2 months ago
Are you suggesting that the one who has lead the team for 16 yrs doesnt know the plays or hasnt wirtten most of them himself and needs to study-up on them all over again? they are engrained in the skull I would hope.
Favre isnt the one who lied to the fans about mngt, they did that about favre though...and he is the reason the GB has been an 11 time play off contender. favre puts ther butts in the seats, but hey-trade him, see how far you get without him. take a look at the team's past before favre - is that what GB wants to relive now through a trade?
I think Dallas would be greatly improved if Favre was their QB, so why not trade him there? Are they worried about the Favre affect that much and if so, doesnt that tell you that FAvre is that much better than AR?
Favre is the best scramblin QB in a very, very long time - is AR? Someone is a traitor and the Pack Fans say it is the MNGT. they sold out GB, not Favre-he has wanted to play the whole time but wanted no summer school, which is meant for girls, flunkies and rooks too. not favre.
Just curious, are you a Pack Fan or you just want Favre out to better your own chances? No offense, dont get all mean, I am just curious?
2 months ago
Said the guy in the Greg Jennings jeresey holding the fire TT sign.
from 2 months ago
:o)
2 months ago
Some facts for all of you who seem to see this situation so clearly and hate TT. Brett Favre ranked 27th and 31st in 2006 and 2005 in passer rating before an amazing come back season last year where he ranked 6th (this article says he ranked second behind Tom Brady which is untrue but it really doesn't diminish his accomplishment either way). Aaron Rodgers will be paid a base salary of $680,000 this year and $800,000 in 2009 with $2.2 Million in incentives (over the two years) available if he is named the starter this year. Favre will make around $12 Million this year as long as he is on the team whether he starts or not (which will go up to $13 Million next year if he keeps playing).
Point is Aaron Rodgers doesn't have to be better then Favre to make it worth it for the Packers to want Favre retired, he only has avoid being $10 Million dollars worse then Favre and judging by Favre's last three years the bar isn't necessarily that high. Its not the answer football fans like to hear because fans would obviously prefer the best player be on the field, however in the business of sports this the scenario (and this would be why the Packers would be willing to pay Favre $20 Million over the next 5 years to not play).
Now that Favre is back, his $12 Million contract is forced on the Packers and they have no choice but to pay him or cut him. The Packers know Favre is still pretty good (as is evidenced by they fact that they wouldn't cut him and let him go to an opposing team without getting anything in return) and it actually will cost the Packers $2.2 M over the next two years if Rodgers starts (although he could hold out for more money or demand a big contract for 2010 since his current base salary isn't even backup qb money in the NFL). Suddenly, it is worth it for the Packers to pay the best player . . . whoever that may be because there is no $10 Million dollar incentive to start Rodgers.
Ultimately my point is I think the Packers GM made a sound decision when Favre flip flopped in trying to keep him retired . . . I think Favre is better then Rodgers but I"m not convinced this is as clear as people might think and I definitely know Favre isn't $10 million better. However, I also think Favre will start now that he's back and that Rodgers will get a contract extension that will pay him accurate backup money.
from 2 months ago
What did Favre do in 2007/08? Was talent added to the team, hiow elese do you resolve his #2 ranking last year and who has left that makes or breaks the same NFC Champ Series Team? What change would keep GB out?
Rodgers has yet to play a game - - - and collects 12 million, which is exactly 1 million less than Favre , who has "TURNED GREEN BAYS FROWN, UPSIDE DOWN."
What decision has the Pack made at all?
All we have here is lie, after lie, after lie, after lie. There is one thing I dont believe, along the Pack-House, and that is Ted Thomspon.
Thank you for tuning in to As the Pack Turns - how much are they benefiting off the sports-opera,anyhow? And does anyone buy into the TnT's latest move in selling out the IRISH that surround him in community-
Murphy and McCarthy ought to know better than to keep another "indentured" in an "enslaving posture"...for their own posteriors
Signed
St Pat
from 2 months ago
Rodgers doesnt have to be better than Favre for the good of Green Bays future?!?! Wow. Nor Did Lombardi, who was also run out of town. Check that link.
Flip Flop This - Mikey The Lie McCarthy...
"I asked for 100% commitment back before the retirement and he said he couldn't say he was 100% in, so I told him our starter was Erin and he retired", "I heard about the "bribe" at the retirement speech" "Brett Favre has talked to Minnesota, they are guilty of tampering" "Let Brett file for reinstatement if he wants to "PLAY" "We asked Brett to not show up yet" "There will be an open competition for the starting role" "I told Brett he needed to follow our lead with Erin the starter"
"We had a brutally honest conversation"
How many lies will Green Bay tell? Greeners are often referred to those that hold on to famous players too long. Most times they are fans, this time it is a team.
They were allegedly talking to the Vikings about a trade, but wouldnt let Brett talk to them. Then they were not afraid of trading Brett in-league, until Brett asked them if he could talk to in-league teams?
Lies. No fan base and no more winning seasons - just like after Lombardi left, junior.
2 months ago
Nick, you hit the nail on the head.
2 months ago
http://bleacherreport.com/articles/44420-brett-favre-aaron-rodgers-the-green-bay-packer-
mismanagement-true-lies
unreal - what happened to an open competition - or is that Favre lying too?
2 months ago
Patrick SJ, are you terminally paranoid and into conspiracy theories? Your article is the longest piece of conspiracy theory fantasy I've ever seen regarding football. And you must have A LOT of time on your hands to give such a huge number of replies to every single comment. Perhaps getting a job would give you an opportunity to learn to function in the real world.
Good luck!
from 2 months ago
drink much hater-aide?
2 months ago
Guess not, he has been sent packing from Packers camp. What now?