Pathetic
The Never Ending Story…

By Bruce Smith

A source close to the situation says ______________________________________(fill in the blank). It doesn’t matter what you fill in, because there is no media accountability, nor hesitation for fans to make up whatever story they believe and swear it is Gospel.

A reliable source says that Childress is in Mississippi for two days of meetings with Favre… oops I guess he is not, but no retraction or apology. Nor is there any credible discussion of these unnamed sources that claim to know what is going on in Brad Childress’s head, Ted Thompson’s head, Bus Cook’s head… Brett Favre’s head – never mind that Favre often admits that he doesn’t know what is going on inside his head from day to day. After all these are credible unnamed sources.

An unnamed source says that Favre has sent x-rays of his shoulder, never mind that disclosure of the electronic transfer of medical records would be a federal crime… because of course these are credible unnamed sources close to the situation.

An unnamed source says that Favre no longer wants to stick it to Ted Thompson, rather he now wants to stick it to Packer fans… the unnamed source admits he has not talked to Favre, but Hell why let facts get in the way of this feeding frenzy???

I read pages of people bemoaning how sick they are of the Brett Favre situation, but nary a soul looks in the mirror and admits that they are the source of this Never Ending Story… Their insatiable appetite for reading about, talking about, speculating about what will Brett Favre do or what will he not do next???

Brett Favre is for the first time in his career an unrestricted free agent. A man without a contract, who is free to explore his options. Brett is betraying no one by looking at his options, but his decisions will have consequences.

Of course, at this point Brett Favre is suffering consequences for simply being Brett Favre. Favre, who hasn’t even left Mississippi at this point, but none-the-less may as well have sold nuclear secrets to Iran or had a secret affair with Michelle Obama – I am sure we could find a source close to the situation that would confirm one or both.

If people really are sick of this, there is only one way to stop it – Stop talking/reading/writing about it. Not going to happen, but of course that is because the very folks who claim to wish it would stop are the biggest perpetrators of this Pathetic Never Ending Story…

Ive tried to present posts to counter the Favre obsession but they are completely overshadowed by the non-news.

This is supposed to be a team game but apparently its not.

So much to discuss and here we STILL are discussing Brett.

Thats "pathetic".

I have read plenty of post were it has been stated "I am a fan of the team and no player is bigger then the team". So, how about we just root for our team and stop crying over spilt milk.

The man is entitled to do whatever he wants with his life or legacy. We don't pay his bills anymore. To many dilussional fans forget that this is a business and for Favre a job. He is one of the few Football players who has survived long enough in the league to be able to manipulate the system. John Elway, and Eli Manning both have done this, but they did it at the begging of their careers

Brett has paid his dues to Greenbay, and the NFL. We kicked him to the Curb. he stopped oweing Greenbay anything the day we traded him. Yet everytime his name is mentioned the Brett Birds get on here and start chirping like he still works for us

Now a good many posters need to start walking the walk of rooting for our team and not worry about the player

Bruce, once again I find myself agreeing with your opinion on this topic

He RETIRED!!!!
Chirping?? Most of us have no problem with Favre coming back. For me what is pathetic is why he wants to come back to a team he knows is a hated rival ,just to stick it to TT. Thats what I find pathetic.

Many like to blame the media for this, and they are at fault, but Brett Favre could put an end to much of this with a press conference telling where he is at this point. "Yes, Im talking to Minnesota, I may visit them, and we are looking at the health of my shoulder". Whatever the case may be, Brett Favre has as much to do with these stories as the media.

Why cant he just come out and say whats going on? Why is this such a big secret?

You paint Favre as a media victim here, and while the media is at fault. He can clear this all up in 5 minutes. He chooses not to. That is what is pathetic.

I'm guessing it's only a matter of time until this thread gets closed. Things are starting to get into the "Bashing" realm.

Bruce, thanks for contributing to the phenomena .

Comment made in jest, not bashing.

Bruce your post proves how addicting this story has become, sort of an opium for the masses.

Bruce, I like the post- and I too am heartily sick of the Favre nonsense. It was bad enough when he was a Packer- but looking from the outside, quite simply, I don't care. To me, the people pushing this story are the media, some fans that are anxious to keep the board lively (or really do care about this non-issue). However, I like the criticism of media reports that have no basis in facts. But Favre is an adult, rich beyond belief, and, when he does retire, will most likely be a first ballot HOFer. When the media goes on a rampage, and the media sharks smell blood in the water, the ensuing media frenzy can get really ugly. A very good example of this is the Duke lacrosse "rape case".

These young men were raked over the coals, while evidence that the alleged rape was a lie was ignored by some in the media. Yet, the reporters who got the story so wrong, and did so much wrong to the young men and their families simply move on. No admittance of mistakes made in good faith, or a willingness to rethink accusations, or, simply, to apologize and say "We got it wrong, and we're very sorry, and we'll try to make sure this doesn't happen again." Didn't happen in this case, and probably never will. That is sad and irresponsible. Even more so than Favre, in my opinion trying to extend his time in the limelight.

Seems somewhat simple and common sense, but that has NEVER been Brett Favre. He could have cleared a lot of things in many off-seasons but he doesn't say simple statements that answer anything. He seems to love the attention he garners, cha ching. I rooted for Favre last year as a player and I have no problem with him playing, But I think the lengths he is (seemingly) going to get back at TT is petty, and disrespectful to fans that have been loyal to HIM for years. But if I was Favre I may think Minnesota would be appealing too based on the protection he would receive on the line. I do like the notion of being happy with what we have and focus less on what we don't have.

BTW instead of making a thread to say lets all stop talking about Brett Favre Media Hype...how about ummm just stop talking about it. Period.

I agree lets root for the Packers , he IS NO LONGER a PACKER...




I AGREE with this as well, but you forget to point out the fact that there is a 25 Million Retirment Package on the table, more then what Marino and Elway got , so in a SENSE the PACKERS will still be footting his bill. And yes it is a Business so why did he not honor his contract , he demanded that Walker, McKenzie and others do the same.

See these are the points I take issue with , he demands of others and publicy criticizes them for the same garabage him and Bus Cook have pulled.

And you are correct , he did Manipulate the system in my OPINION, he got his trade, where he knew if he played his cards right he could do the same with The Jets, and force there hand, but the Jets would rather release him then go through the PR hell the Packers went through.


Just Digress for a moment and think, I have never stated Brett and or Bus were dummies, just maybe they played this like a harp, get a trade by doing what they did last summer , and Yes I know Brett stated he wanted to Play for the Packers, if he is so convincing why did he not convince Mccarthy..I know we will never know...But the fact he did not , so he got his trade, so then he asks supposedly for a realease at the end of the year after Mangini gets axed, but instead he retires..then the Jets Draft a franchise QB,,,hmmmmmm, now then within a week it comes public domain Brett asks for his release and gets it instead of staying on the RESERVED/ RETIRED list... another hmmmm..now the Vikings thing....So does he REALLY , REALLY want to Play FOOTBALL...Come one take blinders off forget the history and just really ask yourself... I kow what I am thinking.....




Yeah and we never Paid him, we kicked him to the curb, he went to drug treatment the ORG Standed behind and beside him , they supported him no MATTER what, then he RETIRED, HE UNRETIRED, he goes on National TV and airs the Dirty LAUNDRY on the Company that has PAID his Bills for 16 YEARS and the PACKERS KICKED HIM to the CURB....And yes he may not be on the Payroll now, but do you consider him to be on the payroll if he takes the retirement package...

Lets Just Say , that TT and MM take the team to another SB and WIN... then how long does TT and MM stay... I am not saying they will but TT did help build the Seahawks the years before and up to the the year they played the Steelers in the SB... and TT did learn from Wolf... So if this scenario plays out how long does Favre wait to make ammends....Not Sure...Since supposed rumors he cant stand TT...

And No I am not Saying Brett did not give his all I think he did that and then SOME.. he played sick he played hurt , he played the Night his Father passed away... I applaud him and do not deny he has been the NFL ironman of QB's and LOVED HIM AS A PACKER.... I love what he brought to the game and defended him even on his worse games...


I do walk the Walk and talk the talk, I am A PACKER FAN FIRST. Greatful and appreciative of what Brett did and Gave to the Packers, but I also know what the City and the State , the Fans and the team gave to him , undying love and gratification and endured this man into there homes and families, as many people have stated there is nothing like a PACKER FAN, and for most part they dont like to be crossed or have there TEAM blasted or thrown under the bus by anybody in any way...

My opinion is that Brett is getting some dreadful advice , I dont trust Bus Cook ,as it is clear to see what he did with McNair and the Titans , and what he did with Denver and Cutler,,( yeah say what you will but Jason Cambell was being talked about and him and his agent are just fine in DC...) and now the Packers and Favre.. Somehow my gut tells me NONE OF THESE Discussions would be happening if Irv was still around....This is no way meant disrespectful, but I feel from the past and they way Irv displayed and handled himself he was a man of Honor and integrity and in no way would have stood for Brett doing this...I just feel, it would have ended differently....in My humbled Opinion..


I cant say I know what Brett is going through, but I have empathy for him, I had to decide after 10 years in the CORPS what I wanted to do, it is very hard when you are competitive and only know one way of life for 10 or 16 years in this matter. I feel for Brett , I just wish he would stand back and really see what he had in GB not just the team but the fans and the full atmosphere..I know what I had in the CORPS , I had a family a group that was a BAND OF BROTHERS, we did many things for 10 years , and it was DOG GONE hard to give up...But I have my memories...and oh yeah SEMPER FI.....some may know what that means...


I am sorry call me a homer but no where will any Star Player get treated like they do in GB....

Sorry on being a bit long winded...but there is more then one side, Bretts, Fans, and the Packers...

Gotta Love it..JMO.....

Brett can do whatever he wants. He is no longer our problem.

Thank you . The best post I've read here in over a year.

what ever reasons BF uses to determine if he is going to come back and play, and for whom he want to play for is his business,
This game isn't played by 40 yr olds, but if he can do it why shouldn't he
If his new team(should he play)provide him an opportunity to throw the bone to TT so what
We are just Packer fans. were not the players police
Now if you want to be a Brett Bird and keep chirping about BF lack of love for TT go ahead but to me you sound just as bitter as what BF does
In either case it's sad

Nice post Bruce, but I disagree with the last part.

The story stays alive because of ESPN, and they aren't likely listening to us. They were the ones who went national with the "breaking news" about the meeting between Childress and Brett, and it is almost like they are trying to save face with the x-ray evaluation story.

It is interesting that the only thing Brett has said is that he is retired, and been consistant in that this year. When asked if he had interest in playing, he told dilfer no as recently as this week.

The reason I don't believe the x-ray story is that if his shoulder was in question, Brett could take a quick hop one state over and see Dr. Andrews in Birmingham and have whatever answer or surgery needed. Brett wouldn't likely send it to the Vikings for an opinion over what he already has.

To stop this nonsense, the fans would have to organize a boycott of the networks that are found to be making this stuff up. That's not likely to happen, so they will keep playing the ratings game and trying to hook us on the BS. I have to admit, ESPN got me going this week, and caused me to watch them a bit more than usual.

Favre thought it would heal naturally. He did not want conventional surgery.

He might consider arthroscopic surgery. Which has less rehab time involved.

True, but he's so close to the world's expert on the injury, why would he leave it to some average orthopedist in minneapolis? Story just doesn't smell right to me.

It may also help to stop starting threads about the situation.



Just a thought.

This.

News Flash - Say Brent’s name and rating go up 20%. It doesn't matter if it true or even makes sense.

Better yet, spell his name Farve and the ratings really go up.

Bruce-
I am thankful that B Favre provided an opportunity to draft C Matthews and J Merideth. Coach MM has the right idea. Wish Favre well and focus on getting the Pack back to the Super Bowl. BPF

I have no problem with Favre playing again. It is him going to the Vikings especially for revenge. He could play for many other teams not in the Packer's division. Remember he wanted to play for the Vikings last year.

See this is what I don't get. If none of these rumors are true then why isn't Favre or his agent asking for a retraction. Remember the story claiming several rookie's tested positive for steroids and pot. The agents immediately went after the website that printed the story. So why hasn't Favre, his agent, or lawyer sought a retraction. So there has to be some truth to this.

You beat me to it, Lare. The funny thing is some posters that continue to post, read, or create threads in the Favre sub-forum are the same ones that are complaining about the hype surrounding the situation without even realizing they are contributing to it.

At least I can admit that I am intrigued by the whole story, and tune in regularly to see what will happen next with the whole Favre situation.

I notice that the Favre forums are the most popular and most visited on this site. It brings discussion, and lots of it. I agree that if a poster doesn't want to read about Favre there are dozens of other threads about all aspects of the Pack, The Leauge, and other good topics to read and post in. I like having a forum for Favre. If there is a subject on another thead that I don't find particuallly intersted in, I don't post on it. If posters aren't interested in Favre sub forum, I respectfully sugest they do the same. Great site for all of us fans.

Exactly, Diesel, well said. And you too, philh.

I've seen posts criticizing the meda for creating this story. Yet, here we are, starting thread after thread (of course, with the mods shutting them down every five minutes, I guess that would explain some of it) and avidly reading each and every one of them - that's certainly not the media's doing. That's our doing. And, as phil says, we're doing it because we are interested.

I remember one post in which the poster (I don't remember whose post it was now) actually said FOUR times that he didn't care. Imagine going to one of the more out of the way forums just to make the point, repeatedly, about how much one doesn't care about the subject.

I've seen people get irritated and say they're done with the discussion. Ok, so they leave that particular thread, but sure as the sun rises, they're back within 24 hours to engage in further discussion with the same people. And like was mentioned, some of those same people are the ones who actually start new threads.

I suspect it's probably really a black hole designed to trap us here for infinity. In time we'll never leave again and firemen will break down our doors to find us frozen in our seats, stalactites of frozen drool hanging down to our chests, dead with our eyes open. (Ok, ok, I lifted the line from one of the only two episodes of Sienfeld I ever saw.)

I'll be honest. I keep dropping by and reading because I'm bored. There is nothing else to read about.

I'll be so happy when the rookies come back and OTA's start. That's what I really want to read about.

Hey, it's an "annual event". A tradition, if you will. You may not like it, but it happens year after year without fail. Some things change and the situations change, but the event happens.... annually without fail. One year, sometime soon due to age probably, it will come to an end.

I wonder what Brett's watching on TV tonight? Maybe he's listening to music, or reading a book. We need much better reporting down there in Mississippi.

Me too. It is the most boring time of the offseason. What else will be there if he really retires one day ?

Shouldn't we pay Aaron some dinners to say at the final press conference in February " I'm not sure if I'll be back..." ?

My guess is that he is studying the Vikings playbook. Just my gut feeling.

I can't believe this actually made the front page. Sure is a slow off-season.

I'll say.

I agree.

GB currently has a QB who may be good for 25+ TDs a year, a WR good for 8-12 TDs a year, an o-line to figure out, a brand new D system with some brand new talented D players.

All those things are more interesting than Brett Favrem but right now all of those things are either at home or in the weight room, or the Kentucky Derby. Favre is what's out there right now, so Favre is what I'll follow for the time being.

Yeah, me too.

Though, I must admit, even then, which each breaking new development, I've no doubt that I'll peek in here to see what people have to say.

Personally, I just hope that whatever is going to happen, that it's all decided, sewn up, talked over, and finished with by the time training camp begins. When Bedard said that no one would ever be able to convince him that the distraction last year during training camp didn't have an impact on the season, I felt like applauding him. I couldn't have agreed with him more.

Outstanding post, again, Bruce!

Like the rest, I have to tune in just to see what is going on with this story, or non story...whichever it turns out to be!

Like a car crash, just can't help but to look!

I was going to say all Brett has to do (and he should have done this during the whole retirement soap opera for how many years even when he was with the Pack) is make a statement saying what his intentions are. But the problem is that he will either flat out lie or leave some line in like "at this time". I am just glad he isn't the Packers problem anymore!