Green Bay Packers' Favre the Real Victim

I don't know where to start sense there are so many places.  From an itch to a couple of weeks worth of drama that would make any daytime soap writer jealous, the Green Bay Packers have shown the sports world a couple of things we didn't think were a part of their character.

When Brett Favre finally determined that it was time to scratch his "itch" and return to football, his former team basically told him they didn't want to hear it.  Favre told the Packers he still wanted to play, and the team had said were moving on.  This is where it all starts for the Packers and Favre. 

I don't understand why a team who has had such success with a 3 time MVP, Super Bowl Champion, 16 year veteran proven quarterback is so eager to say goodbye.  Could it be because he had played the I'm not sure game to many times?  Perhaps it could have been, however, if Brett Favre was on a decline and was not the same gunslinger he was in the past it would make sense. 

On the contrary, Favre came off of a monstrous year and basically carried the team alone until it found the answer to the running game in Ryan Grant, whom recently signed a long-term contract, and came within on score of a Super Bowl appearance.  I understand moving on, but Ted Thompson would rather protect Favre's legacy instead of welcoming him back to pick up where they left off.

The fact that Thompson was stonewalled about letting Favre return, releasing him, or trading him tells me that he (Thompson) had the opportunity to play hardball and make a name for himself.  Ted Thompson works for the fans literally in Green Bay since it's the only publicly held NFL team. 

When Thompson said he wanted to protect Brett's legacy i'm not convinced it was just that.  I feel it was rather his way of creating his own legacy where the stubborn iron-fisted disposition would bring him notoriety to the likes of George Steinbrenner.  The way that the Green Bay Packers handled this whole saga was unprofessional.

So, Brett.  No we're not going to trade you, we're not going to release you, and when you return you are the back-up QB that practices by himself.  Yes.  We will still pay you 12 million dollars for this.  I am happy that NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell had interceded and his point was well heard.  How is this fair to the player, the fan, and the NFL?  It isn't. 

I'm surprised that Brett Favre didn't seek assistance from the Players' Association in this labour dispute.  Nonetheless, the game being played here wasn't so much Favre's game than Thompson's.  Brett just wanted to play. 

This team (Packers) wanted to move forward.  I can understand that.  If Brett Favre stayed retired they would have had to.  Aaron Rodgers was a second string QB for 3 seasons learning under Favre.  When Favre wanted back in the Packers said we have our guy.  Why?  Because they already moved ahead.  

Favre however did not.