Chapter Eight: Favre tries to win P.R. battle
The latest chapter in Brett Favre's ambling Faulknerian drama will unfold tonight on Greta Van Susteren's show, of all places. I grew to hate all the "Will he or won't he retire?" stories of the last few years. But I have to admit, I've fallen in love with the endless intrigue Favre is providing during these lazy summer days. There are a lot more angles to consider this time around.
Our Favre could once do no wrong. I love that Favre's struggle with the Green Bay front office has blurred the line between who's right and wrong. I read an article saying Favre was the "bad guy" in the situation, but why does everything have to be so black and white? The issues at play are anything but simple: Aaron Rogers' future; Favre's internal battle with irrelevance; Whether the Packers are even better off with Favre; Whether Favre will still have that 'itch' by Week 5.
I believe Favre is going on a non-Sports show because he and his agent Bus Cook are trying to take the issue National. They are trying to win a P.R. battle with the Packers that Favre "deserves" to be let free from his contract. They are misguided.
First of all, the public doesn't seem to be on Favre's side anymore. It's mixed. More importantly, the Packers are not going to simply give away all their leverage. It was Favre's choice to sign his contract and to retire. He's stuck.
The Packers have two options: Partially control where Favre ends up via trade or mend fences and let Favre "compete" for a starting job.
Judging by Favre's rhetoric, it looks increasingly unlikely he'll stay in Green Bay. But that could change after a particularly soul-searching lawnmower ride. The most likely scenario involves Green Bay allowing Favre to shop himself in a possible trade to interested teams - of their choosing. The Vikings and Bears aren't going to happen now that it's clear Favre won't be released. The Bucs remain at the top of my list, but Thompson may not trade Favre in the NFC. AFC teams (Baltimore? Miami?) would get bonus points in any possible deal.
Favre should stop worrying about the P.R. battle and do the one thing that would show how serious he is about coming back: Un-retire. Then find a place to work. It's going to be tougher than he thinks.
Comments
I agree that there is no good guy/bad guy in this saga. It is my understanding that Favre wanted to wait until training camp to make his decision to retire. The Packers wanted a decision quickly so that they knew the direction that they were going in. Both points of view are understandable. Favre gave in to the Packers and "retired" in March. That was his mistake. He should have waited until he knew what he wanted to do (although I'm not sure that even now he knows what he wants to do).
I'm still a little confused by the Packers wanting to make Rodgers the starting QB even though Favre now says that he wants to play. Rodgers has a definite injury history. I'm not sure exactly
how may games he's played, but in the last two he's started, he's been injured. The Packers are in a "win now" situation and Favre gives them the best chance to win.
Posted by: David | July 15, 2008 09:47 AM
Prior to the interview, I thought we'd be seeing Favre in green and gold. But afterwards, I think he'll be playing for another team.
Despite a "source" claiming they weren't interested, I have a gut feeling the Jets will be serious player in this before it's all said and done.
Posted by: theendzoneview | July 15, 2008 11:59 AM
I rarely side with a franchise in these situations. They have most of the control of contracts in the NFL and I'll never feel sorry for the Packers. On the other hand, Favre has been so wishy-washy it's almost unbearable. I hope that ultimately a trade can be worked out that is suitable for both sides but as of now that isn't looking likely.
I guess if the Packers prefer to move on, I would say they should go ahead and get what they can for him while still sending him to a team that can compete. Yes, I understand they don't want to trade him within the division, but they can't eliminate the entire NFC from the picture. It would be pretty cowardly to worry about whether the QB you don't want will knock you out of the playoffs.
Posted by: DJOmaha | July 15, 2008 02:53 PM
I don't think that Brett playing for another team and knocking them out of the playoffs was really the issue. It might be part of it.
As I understood it, a bigger reason was that they "couldn't see him playing for anyone else." That's pretty understandable, I think. I mean, I have to be honest, I'm a Cowboys fan, but I have (had) a special place in my heart for the Packs for one reason only - Brett Favre.
It's true that he's been really wishy-washy though, and that has tarnished my view of him somewhat, but I'd still love to see #4 starting for the Packs for one more season; doesn't look like that's happening....
I think I'd rather him not play at all than for him not to start, too....
Posted by: Stephen | July 16, 2008 01:59 AM
*addition: "a bigger reason", other than the contract....
Posted by: Stephen | July 16, 2008 02:02 AM
Go away Brett- we're sick of you and your whining. I used to love and respect you- but the respect is gone! You are ruining our season. I can only pray the Packers take you back and immediately trade you to uh...
Siberia.
Posted by: chuck | July 16, 2008 07:35 AM
I think Favre should make up his mind and realize the world doesn't revolve around him. The Packers have a right to make a plan and it shouldn't have to revolve around Brett's constant waffling. It's unfair to the team and the fans for him to sit on his lawn mower and waffle the way he has for the past few years. If he is serious about playing, he should darn well apply for reinstatement and then see what happens. The fact that he has not suggests he is still unsure about playing. Who would want a so-called professional who can't make up his mind if he wants to play or not? It's crazy of him to expect the Packers to sit around and wait for him.
On the other hand, if the does actually apply to play again, the Packers should do all they can to keep him, make amends with him, and play him. As the starter. I think THEY are being crazy and inflexible with all this "we've moved on" talk. Come on!! They can adjust if they want to. And they ought to. Favre is a better choice, even if he is only 50% committed, than Rodgers is. They all need to consider what is best for the Packers.
Posted by: Paul | July 16, 2008 10:01 AM