Just to clarify ...
One thing that probably deserves clarification following GM Ted Thompson's remarks Saturday is that he never said Brett Favre only would be welcome back as a backup.
The Associated Press originally ran a story saying that. It was a remark taken out of context. The story was adjusted, but I've seen too many stories from other papers and remarks from fans continuing to use that remark.
What Thompson indicated throughout the day in visits with various reporters was that Favre would not return as the starter. There is a difference.
If Favre tells the Packers definitively he wants to come back -- which he has not done, according to Thompson -- he would be added to the roster, since the only other option would be to release him, which the team won't do. If Favre would remain on the roster into training camp and beyond, the Packers would have to determine his role. He well could end up the starter. But the Packers never address such hypotheticals, and the mere implication that Favre wouldn't immediately reassume his old role is reason to believe he will remain to determined to play elsewhere, if he plays at all.
It's difficult to imagine a scenario in which Favre would back up Aaron Rodgers. For one, it would be awkward even having both on the same practice field in camp. It also would make no sense financially for the Packers, who would be bound to pay him his entire $12 million salary if he's on the roster for even one week. So, if he asks to be reinstated to the roster, a trade remains the most likely scenario. It doesn't seem the Packers are convinced he'll make that reinstatement request.
To summarize, Thompson never said the Packers only would have Favre as a backup. He simply indicated Favre would not be anointed the No. 1 quarterback upon his return, and even though Favre probably would be confident he could beat out Rodgers for the job, it's enough uncertainty (and, perhaps, perceived disrespect and unwelcomeness) to believe Favre will continue to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
And yes, I know a lot of you aren't happy about that.
-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
The Associated Press originally ran a story saying that. It was a remark taken out of context. The story was adjusted, but I've seen too many stories from other papers and remarks from fans continuing to use that remark.
What Thompson indicated throughout the day in visits with various reporters was that Favre would not return as the starter. There is a difference.
If Favre tells the Packers definitively he wants to come back -- which he has not done, according to Thompson -- he would be added to the roster, since the only other option would be to release him, which the team won't do. If Favre would remain on the roster into training camp and beyond, the Packers would have to determine his role. He well could end up the starter. But the Packers never address such hypotheticals, and the mere implication that Favre wouldn't immediately reassume his old role is reason to believe he will remain to determined to play elsewhere, if he plays at all.
It's difficult to imagine a scenario in which Favre would back up Aaron Rodgers. For one, it would be awkward even having both on the same practice field in camp. It also would make no sense financially for the Packers, who would be bound to pay him his entire $12 million salary if he's on the roster for even one week. So, if he asks to be reinstated to the roster, a trade remains the most likely scenario. It doesn't seem the Packers are convinced he'll make that reinstatement request.
To summarize, Thompson never said the Packers only would have Favre as a backup. He simply indicated Favre would not be anointed the No. 1 quarterback upon his return, and even though Favre probably would be confident he could beat out Rodgers for the job, it's enough uncertainty (and, perhaps, perceived disrespect and unwelcomeness) to believe Favre will continue to pursue opportunities elsewhere.
And yes, I know a lot of you aren't happy about that.
-- Tom Pelissero, tpelisse@greenbaypressgazette.com
posted by PackersNews.com at
5:33 PM
6 Comments:
It is this sort of thing that just fuels the fire for TT haters. Things are mis-reported and once it is out there, even if they are wrong,the damage is done. The stuff about the Packers telling Favre he would be a backup, and the stuff about TT never wanting Favre back and Favre's family saying Brett felt unwelcomed by TT. What a bunch of garbage by some second rate AP writing.
By
swany11, At
July 13, 2008 5:57 PM
I couldn't agree more all TT did since coming to GB was put a young,agressive selfless team around BRETT as well as an excellent coaching staff.We were one play away from the superbowl, no one expected BRETT to retire in fact everyone's comments focused on his returning.He chose to retire and if he chooses to unretire the packers will act accordingly in the best interests of the team.
By
Anonymous, At
July 13, 2008 8:11 PM
Tom - why would Favre be due his entire salary. I thought players got 1/16th of the salary for each game they play. Is his contract different.
By
Anonymous, At
July 14, 2008 12:04 AM
Darn right, whatever we have to do to pay Brett back for waffling is just fine----who needs a great quarterback anyway! I say trade Brett to some team that wants to win NOW-----some team that thinks "winning is the only thing"....do you people remember the 70's 80's, well get ready its back to the future.
By
Anonymous, At
July 14, 2008 12:39 PM
I think Ted Thompson has handled this situation very well. The Packers are in a difficult situation. The only thing that I wish Thompson had made more clearly is indicating that Favre is welcome to return to the team to "compete for the starting position".
Had he made this know unmistakeably clear from the begining it would have avoided all of the chatter going on the internet.
By
Anonymous, At
July 14, 2008 12:52 PM
Why wouldn't they say they are happy to have him back for another SB run? I would like to point out the our fans played a part in this mess too. We treated #4 like he was able to do no wrong.No that we are angry we talk about the INT's without excuses for him. So Favre,MM,TT and the Packer fans are to blame for this.
By
Anonymous, At
July 14, 2008 2:22 PM
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