Posted on Friday, 11th July 2008 by Bruce
As some BadgerBlogger visitors have pointed out over in the open comments thread… (Hey – cut us some slack, it’s a Friday afternoon in July – who expected breaking news?) Brett Favre, via a letter received this morning by the Packers from his agent, Bus Cook, has asked the Green Bay Packers for an unconditional release from the team.
From the ESPN website:
“Favre on Friday formally asked by letter for his unconditional contractual release, sources close to Favre and the team said.
The letter was sent by Favre’s agent, James “Bus” Cook, via overnight mail on Thursday and arrived at the Packers facility Friday morning.
During the conference call on Tuesday, neither Thompson nor McCarthy was openly receptive or enthused about Favre’s desire to unretire, the sources said, prompting Favre to direct Cook to request his release from the team. Favre has three years remaining on his contract at a total of $39 million. He currently is on the reserve-retired list.
Favre prefers a mutual parting rather than have to force the Packers’ hand by writing a letter to request his reinstatement to the active 80-man roster. Under league policy, the team would have to comply or release him.”
The unconditional release, if granted by the team, would open the door for Favre to play for any team that wanted him, presumably for the rest of his career. Can you imagine our Brett playing for the Bears, the Vikings? Do you still think they’re going to retire #4 prior to the Packers’ opening Monday Night Football appearance?
Posted in Home | Comments (41)
41 Responses to “ESPN/WTMJ confirm it: Favre tells Packers “release me.””
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July 11th, 2008 at 5:28 pm
as you know, I’m not a sports fan – but geeze – could the guy make up his mind?
July 11th, 2008 at 5:32 pm
Brett’s trying to pull a Michael? Honestly, I think that’s pretty lame. He was the only football player I really liked, I never would have paid attention to the game if not for him. If he comes back on another team it will be very disappointing.
July 11th, 2008 at 6:08 pm
This brings back memories of when Joe Montana went to the Kansas City Chiefs. I don’t really think of Montana as anything but a 49er, and I think that’s the way Green Bay Packer fans will remember Brett years from now even if he goes to another team. The same can be said for my memories of Jim Taylor and Vince Lombardi.
July 11th, 2008 at 6:44 pm
What are the Packers thinking? KEEP BRETT! What are our chances of going to a Super Bowl with him, compared with Aaron Rodgers? I think Aaron Rogers is good. I know Brett is great. Now they are talking about the teams that the Packers do not want to trade Brett to. You know, Bears, Vikings, Lions – any NFC team, but especially our own division. Why? Well, apparently they do not want him to win the NFC title for another team. Gee, to me that sounds like the Packers think Brett can still play…
Fans all over the state got so excited when the Bucks and the Brewers made trades to try to win this year. Why would the Packers turn their backs on Brett (who has the best chance of taking the Packers to the Super Bowl this year) and keep Rodgers for “the future?”
July 11th, 2008 at 7:07 pm
I think if it comes down to Favre or Thompson and McCarthy the fans will pick Farve. We may see a very empty Lambeau Field if Thompson has his way.
Wake up Thompson! The bottom line is what the fans want, not what you want. Farve was here first!
July 11th, 2008 at 7:32 pm
Isn’t Brett the one who decided to retire in the first place? Why do you guys keep laying blame on other people?
July 11th, 2008 at 8:14 pm
Having jerked the fans around the last two years, and having had his sobfest farewell, the aging egomaniac should have gone quietly into the night. Having failed to do so, he should be placed on the active roster at #4 on the depth chart, relegated to the far end of the bench, and not even allowed to face the field during practice.
Let him choke on that like he was in a playoff game.
July 11th, 2008 at 8:21 pm
When he skipped all those Pro Bowls I saw the light w/this guy, let the drama queen go.
Bart Starr has more class in his ring finger…
July 11th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I had a sweet little elderly lady on my van this afternoon, and when I told her Brett wanted to play for another team, and she had this angry flash in her eyes and she yelled That-Dirty-Rotten-Son-Of-A-Seabiscuit! (all one word LOL)
Personally, I am disappointed. I hate the thought of seeing Brett in another uniform, and if he were to win a Superbowl with another team, that would kill me. I wanted Brett to stay, he clearly wasn’t ready to quit, but felt pressured by Ted Thompson and that gang… What a rotten way to go out… No one is going to look good in the end.
July 11th, 2008 at 9:56 pm
I’m kind of sick of hearing people complain about how Brett is not fair to the fans. How many people in the regular world make the decision to retire or un-retire based on anyone else’s “feelings” Give me a break! I can see poking fun of him, but for those of you taking this personal…get a life. Are Packer fans so week that not knowing if they get one of the TOP FIVE QB’s from last year is more than they can handle? How spoiled are these people to complain about this great opportunity. If the Packers don’t want him they can release him…simple as that. A small part of me actually wants to see Brett solve Chicago’s Grossman problem and do really well, while watching Rogers get hurt in the pre-season. If I had time and enough interest I would love to document everyone’s response who is critical of Farve and throw it back out if he does well. By the way everyone who said last year that he should hang it up…please stand up.
July 11th, 2008 at 10:43 pm
Green Bay had the perfect storm when they got Brett Favre and Reggie White. It’s going to be difficult to reproduce that.
I guess I hate indecision and now if Brett comes back I’m going to be disappointed. On the other hand, it’s his decision to come back and the Packers to take him.
I think with Joe Montana, it was a little different. He was injured and lost his starting spot to Steve Young. But I don’t think anyone remembers him as a Chief, sort of like Nanette.
July 11th, 2008 at 11:37 pm
The Packers gave Favre a chance to come back as the starter and further delay Aaron Rodgers’ career. Favre then waffled back to retirement, and, of course, came back to wanting to come back, after which point the Packers had already decided to move on.
July 12th, 2008 at 1:55 am
Lets be honest. Lombardi said winning is everything. So do the Packers win more games with Favre or that other guy? Obviously they win more games with Favre, so why is there any question about what the Packers should do? Bring Favre back. The Packers win more games with him than without him. Rodgers would be hurt by week three anyway. Do you really see Rodgers leading the Packers anywhere five years from now?
July 12th, 2008 at 3:49 am
jrm462, I agree with every word you wrote. Brett wanting to play for the Packers should be seen as the great opportunity it is, not “the Packers have moved on.” Like you, I do not see Rodgers staying healthy and even at his best, he sure is no Brett. All I know is that I sure enjoy watching the Packers play when they win much more than when they lose. And, as you said jrm462, the Packers odds to win more games are with Brett than Rodgers.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:00 am
First, All Season long I had to endure my wife saying that it was time for Brett to go and let someone else have a chance. She’s originally from the Michicot area.
I think Brett retired and now he’s going to do a John Unitas going to the SD Chargers, A John Hadl going to Green Bay (YES, I do remember that whole painful episode game by game.)
I think someone ought to sit down with “country” and teach him what Irv couldn’t: How to become a complete man.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:05 am
Good one Mr. Parker (#11)! I like it!
July 12th, 2008 at 9:17 am
PCD,
Become a “complete man?” I guess I do not understand your logic. Brett changed his mind. The Packers do not want him back, so why do they not just release him? Looks more like the Packers need to man-up and let Brett be released (even if I think that is the biggest mistake ever made by that organization). Of course, the Packers do not want Brett back AND they do not want him playing for the Bears, Vikings, Lions – or any NFC team. If the Packers cared one bit about the 17 years that Brett started every game for them, they would release him – not trade him. But heck, I forgot, the Packers are showing their gratititude by blaming Brett.
Too nice of a day to be inside and I am not going to change your mind, so off I go…
July 12th, 2008 at 9:45 am
Right, Susan, and no one will change your mind.
Just something for others to think about. Brandi Farve once was busted for vandalism and lamented who’d want her for a wife. Irv did his children no favors in how he raised them. Irv’s children were strangers to Irv, and now are Brett’s strangers to Brett?
It seems all Brett has is the football field to make him feel like a person. That is too sad. If Brett had some real friends, they’d teach him not only the indivicual glories of a superstar, but duty, honor, and country. Duty to family, not just when stricken by cancer. The rese all y’all can figure out for yourselves.
July 12th, 2008 at 9:57 am
Much ado about nothing. In the greater scheme of things does this really even matter?
Priorities people, try to focus on, and deal with what is truly important before allowing yourselves to be diverted by the inconsequential.
Bye Brett! It was fun while it lasted, but next time you say you’re going to do something, mean it because you are losing your credibility. Besides, you are not as great as you perceive yourself to be.
July 12th, 2008 at 10:39 am
This is tiring. Favre had one heck of a career. Made his decision to retire, after an attempt or two. Great, leave the game on a good note. No need to look like a has been. Move on, maybe get a job as a commentator, relax, whatever, but move on. Now, he’s beginning to look like a fool because he can’t make up his mind. Certainly not the way I would want to be remembered if I were in his shoes.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:13 pm
is the premadonna feeling like he is not getting enough attention in retirement? maybe living in bumbleXXXX Mississippi isn’t what an Allstar needs. let him go. if he doesn’t want to live and die a packer, let him go and let history judge.
July 12th, 2008 at 12:54 pm
Now the Packers saying he can come back as the back up. A back up to the china doll, Rogers? How long do you think baby doll Rogers can last 1 series or 2?
Thompson never liked Favre and never will. It’s a shame Thompson is the GM.
July 12th, 2008 at 1:33 pm
Commissioner,
Brett Favre has officially retired. He wants reinstatement and to move on from the Packers. There is only one fair solution.
Only reinstate Favre if the Packers want him or only if another team gives the Packers a 1st round pick in the next draft (2009) and a 3rd round pick in the draft after that (2010) if Favre plays more than 1 year. Either way, the league ought to kick in a compensatory 1st round pick, too.
Favre jerked around the Packers for years. This latest installment of Favre Place is not right. Let any team courting or drooling for Favre know there is a price to be paid for him, and that team will pay it UP FRONT.
I’ve seen too many John Unitases going on to the Chargers or John Hadl going to the Packers for the sports’ own good.
Favre ought to know there is a price to be paid for his crap, too. I think if he has to sit because he didn’t think things through (as usual), he may grow up and be a better person, father, role model, and community member.
July 12th, 2008 at 1:45 pm
What a slap in the face to the man that HAS BEEN the Green Bay Packers for a generation…
Who in their right mind thinks that Aaron “I have an owwie every time I play” Rodgers is half the man on the field that Brett Favre has proven himself to be?
July 12th, 2008 at 2:15 pm
Sorry Patrick, I’ll have to disagree with you here. I’m not a sports fan, but I agree he has been on the fence, off the fence to many times. He retired and if he still has a contract – well sorry – Be a man and uphold your part of the bargin. He is a role model and has to lead by what’s right. Just because he isn’t getting his way, doesn’t mean that he has the right to stomp off to another sandbox to play in.
On this one, I back Thompson and McCarthy 110%.
July 12th, 2008 at 2:30 pm
Favre lied, plain and simple. Whether it was intentional or not is inconsequential. I love Favre but long after he is gone I will still love the Packers. Not to mention, all this talk about him being our best chance at a Superbowl is crap! He couldn’t do it last year and he wouldn’t do it this year. Bring on Rodgers, our new star QB!!!
July 12th, 2008 at 2:58 pm
I would also like to say, hats off to Thompson and McCarthy for standing by the replacement for Farve.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:10 pm
“He retired and if he still has a contract – well sorry – Be a man and uphold your part of the bargin”
Ok, he unretired and still has a contract. So let him fulfill it. Can’t have it both ways.
July 12th, 2008 at 3:16 pm
That’s Right Dan, he can fulfill the contract by being a back up.
July 12th, 2008 at 7:13 pm
5th best QB in the league last year and you people are bitching because you will have him and not Rodgers. WTF!!!
July 12th, 2008 at 7:24 pm
Earth to Packer nation: He__doesn’t__want__to__play__for__the__Pack.
July 12th, 2008 at 7:42 pm
Ron,
He did want to play for the Pack, but they don’t want him. I think it’s a shame that half the people out there expect him to stay home just because they don’t want him. What a self centered bunch
July 12th, 2008 at 8:01 pm
Bubba thought the Packers should have drafted a quarterback 3 years ago. I don’t see Rodgers as the answer, but Favre has shown that his ego is not the answer either. Park his butt on the bench. End of story. Fine his ass the max if he’s even a minute late for anything. And delay retiring #4 at least a year each week he continues this charade.
July 13th, 2008 at 3:38 am
I have been a cubs fan my whole life and a packers fan my whole life. Reading some of these comments has opened my eyes to something. Cub’s fans are loyal, Packer Fans are not. How quickly some of you turn your back on Favre! He has earned the right to change his mind. Ted Thompson claims it is too late to change the game plan. What is he going to do when Rogers gets hurt in the second half of the first game? Will the team pack up and forfeit the rest of the games? The packers disrespected Favre when they didn’t ask him to come back and rushed him to a decision. The question that you should ask is why won’t the Packers release him if they have moved on? The answer is simple, he would go to Minnesota and they would win the NFC title. It is simple, ted thompson wants him gone so he can try to prove he did the right thing drafting rodgers. He is in the last year of his contract and he has to get on the field and re-signed to prove thompson did the right thing. Thompson wants his own team and legacy; he wants to move past Ron Wolf’s team. If the packers play Favre as a backup I say Fu@k the Pack, No Loyalty. Like I said Lombardi said winning is everything, so why would they choose a pre-madonna like Rodgers over Favre. I will cheer for what ever team he is eventually traded to and laugh when the packers are in last in the central and Rodgers is on the bench hurt.
July 13th, 2008 at 7:50 am
At least one Twin Cities newspaper columnist is associating the potential of #4 wearing purple with the Vikings ability to sell the city on a new stadium.
You’ve got to check out the comments posted in response to the columnist’s opinion. Nothing gets folks fired up more than sports speculation, hey?
July 13th, 2008 at 8:58 am
enough of the farve… i am sick of tractor watch… i am sick of the wall to wall coverage on the news…i am so done with favre…go away already
July 13th, 2008 at 9:04 am
Brett Favre is not the packers….the fans are and have always been the packers…..they are dedicated to anyone wearing the uniform regardless how good they are….Brett Farve is not the packers…..
July 13th, 2008 at 11:49 am
I can feel the love in this room! LOL
July 13th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Favre, schmavre, the last thing a team with potential needs is this type of drama… in my opinion, the Packers need to make a decision either way and be done with it… no more dancing around or playing footsy
July 13th, 2008 at 1:03 pm
I care as much about what Favre does as whether or not my last fart smelled more like beans or more like hamburger – couldn’t care less. Sports nuts need to get a (non-sports related) life.
July 13th, 2008 at 9:14 pm
Bruce, Thank you for the link to Sid’s article. Another good one is “Packers Should Embrace Favre” – in the Star Tribune.
jrm462, post #34 – once again, I agree with every word.