Packers G.M. Ted Thompson might have been feeling neglected while he watched on Monday night Part One of the Brett Favre interview. After all, it was coach Mike McCarthy and not Thompson who was mentioned most often by Brett, primarily with respect to the perceived effort to force him to decide whether to retire in March and then with respect to the attempt to persuade him not to press for a chance to return with another team in June.
But Thompson gets his share of attention, in Part Two.
According to the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel, Favre slams Thompson in the segment that will air Tuesday night on Fox News, and Favre points to three incidents that caused him to not trust Thompson.
First was Favre’s desire that the team add receiver Randy Moss in 2007. We reported, numerous times, that Favre was actively lobbying the team to acquire Moss after two failed seasons with the Raiders. There was also a rumor that the team’s failure to try to land the star receiver, who revived his career in a big way with the Patriots last season, prompted Favre to make noise about leaving the team. Though it’s still unclear whether the latter proposition is accurate, it’s now obvious that Favre wanted Moss — and that Favre didn’t appreciate Thompson’s decision not to be honest about that fact with the public.
“I worked my butt off . . . to try to get them to sign Randy Moss,” Favre told Fox News.
Second, Favre says he tried to get Thompson to re-sign guards Marco Rivera and Mike Wahle, both of whom left via free agency.
Third, Favre pushed hard for Thompson to consider hiring former 49ers and Lions coach Steve Mariucci, but Thompson rebuffed Brett, hiring Mike McCarthy instead.
“[N]one of those had anything to do with me retiring once again,” Favre says, “but, you know, it’s hard for me to trust, you know, this guy when I — either I’m told one thing and everyone else is told another, or he’s telling the public one thing and telling me another. And so — and that’s part of the reason for the [request for a] release.”
So Favre didn’t retire from the Packers because of mistrust for Thompson, but now Favre wants out in part because he doesn’t trust Thompson.
But, Brett, didn’t you say you want out because the Packers told you that they don’t want you to play?
More importantly, Brett, when did you become the quarterback/General Manager of the Packers?
Maybe we finally understand why Favre kept quiet for so long on this topic. Now that he’s opening his mouth, he’s sounding like an idiot.
Regarding this apparent effort to smear Thompson by dredging up outdated and irrelevant pisses and/or moans, Favre needs to realize that he hasn’t always been truthful, either. On July 2, for example, he said that the talk of his desire to return is “rumor” and that there’s “[n]o reason for it.”
So before Brett says “you know, it’s hard for me to trust, you know, this guy when I — either I’m told one thing and everyone else is told another, or he’s telling the public one thing and telling me another,” Favre should ask “this guy” in the mirror whether he has been doing the very same thing.
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July 15th, 2008 at 11:49 am
someone needs to push for flat screen tvs in the lambeau restrooms.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:49 am
retire? not retire? cant make a decision? throw a hail mary! INTERCEPTION!
stellar judgment in action…
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Mooch’s dependence on his qb, jeff garcia, did him in in detroit.
that, and crappy playcalling.
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bf wanted a coach who worked for him?
how does this guy cram being gm, head coach and qb all into one workaday schedule. man he must be some kind of “hall-of-famer”.
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Rating: 3.35 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:50 am
Hey fire_millen guy, look, a non-Steeler related article. Happy now?
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Rating: 2 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:54 am
Maybe all the Favre worshipers can see him for what he really is. selfish. To me he’s overrated anyway.
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Rating: 3.35 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:57 am
Classic. So, Lord Favre is upset because the GM has the gall to make personnel decisions?? Hey Brett, why don’t you let Thompson do his job and focus on, I don’t know, maybe throwing fewer INTs?
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Rating: 3.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:58 am
As re: Thompson, the trust issue is relevant if it is true, as Favre said last night, that the Packers never told him he could return to the team, and that the idea of him coming back as Rodgers’ backup was never communicated to anyone other than the press. If this is true, then Favre has a right to distrust Thompson. It’s true that Favre is not the GM, but I think what he’s getting at here is that Thompson has a history of telling Favre one thing and doing another, or telling him one thing and then telling the press something else. It’s kinda hard to gain the trust of your players if you, as a GM, are acting that way. And it’s in keeping with Thompson’s behavior this past weekend, which he spent spinning his side of the story and handing out timelines to the press. Thompson could have simply released a statement and then kept quiet; instead he did his best to put Favre in a bad light. Favre has a right to defend himself. And frankly, last night’s interview, if you watch the whole thing, was pretty kind to both Thompson and McCarthy.
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Rating: 2.5 / 5 with 6 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:58 am
If Favre wants to win a Super Bowl again, he should’ve pressured Thompson into finding a quarterback that doesn’t throw to the wrong team in the NFC championship game.
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Rating: 4 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 11:59 am
What a joke. Favre, I’m a die hard Packers fan, and I now have to say F*%# you. Exactly like cornflorio said…the more you open your mouth, the more you sound like a low life. What an idiot. Who does Brett Favre think he is?? I’m a fan of the Packers, WHOEVER the helmet wears, not whoever wears the helmet. Favre, I have news for you buddy, YOU ARE NOT BIGGER THAN THE TEAM…all he does is admit he didn’t think his current receivers were good enough and that they needed Randy Moss…well, there you go Packer receivers, eat it up…Favre didn’t “TRUST” you!! You’re a joke Brett. Now it is clear the low life arrogant jerk you are. He makes me want to barf now. I used to love this guy. I’m tired of seeing my seasons end in nonsensical INTs on important plays. The Aaron Rodgers era has begun, and I don’t care what Favre does, as long as he doesn’t have the honor of ever suiting up for the Packers again.
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Rating: 4 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I’m sorry. But if Brett Favre wants to play GM, he should retire and try to get a GM job with a team. It isn’t Favre’s decision whether to add Randy Moss or Steve Marriucci or resign Marco Rivera or Mike Wahle. Considering the Packers were a Brett Favre intercepted pass in overtime away from going to the Super Bowl, you really have a tough time questioning Thompson’s decisions in these cases.
The more Favre speaks the more he comes off as a prima donna who thinks the Packers is his team and he should be calling the shots. He should just shut up and retire before he permanently tarnishes his stellar career. Granted since most of the media are his lap dogs, it will take a lot for this to happen. Not that Favre isn’t trying his hardest to make it happen.
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Rating: 3.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:02 pm
I love how Favre gives the rest of the team no credit. The Packers have arguably one of the best recieving cores in the league and he is still whining about Randy Moss? TT has built a young team and surronded favre with talent and now he is blasting him? How about a little accountablity Brett? You yourself said this is the most talented team you’ve ever been a part of? So why would you leave? Just b/c the GM won’t bow to your every desire??
NEWSFLASH!!! When Favre has coaches that let him reign free and listen to his bullshit personnel opinions, the Packers suck. Mike Mccarthy was a way better fit than Mooch, he reigned Favre in, made him accountable for his mistakes, and gave him a system in which to work. Same as Holmgren. Favre is a great player, but he is just a QB. He isn’t a coach, he doesn’t play defense, and he doesn’t build the team. Brett Favre is not the Packers
Even by the slim chance he comes back, how do you think he teammates feel when he constantly tries to make himself bigger than the Packers?
Favre is ruining 26 years of being a Packer fan for me, and is also ruining football. The one guy who at least seemed like the team player that plays for the love of the game has now placed himself among the likes of TO, Chad Johnson, and other big mouths who just need to shut up and play.
The grass isn’t greener on the other side Brett. No other team or fanbase will ever be as committed or behind you as the Packers have been. Your personnel feud with Ted Thompson has spiraled out of control and will bring you both down.
I looked fowared to passing on the legend of Favre and what he did to my kids. I saw his entire career from start to finish and I just cannot believe that this is how it’s ending. Shame on all parties involved for not working someting out and just playing the game.
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Rating: 4.2 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:08 pm
Rules are rules - If Favre wants back in there are set rules to unretire. The Packers should not just release him. It is the Packers choice whether to keep him, trade him or whatever… I am really getting sick of his whining. He DID sign a contract, right? However good and his “contributions to the team” were, didn’t the Packers PAY for them? He needs to abide by the contract, NFL rules and pocket his $12M pittence…
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Rating: 2.35 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:09 pm
Not much of a difference between Favre and Ocho Cinco right now as far as I’m concerned. Both signed contracts that they would like to get out of. Greed and lack of foresight often leads to future problems. All athletes who sign these obscenely long and rich contracts should take note of what usually happens in the end.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:12 pm
Florio said:
“More importantly, Brett, when did you become the quarterback/General Manager of the Packers?”
I can’t agree more. What teams are lead by the QB? Make a suggestion, sure. But to expect the team to act on your every wish is stupid. Favre obviously has an overinflated sense of importance in Green Bay. Maybe there should be term limits for QBs. Can someone get Specter on the line?
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Rating: 4.2 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
This is the 3rd or 4th time Favre has bitched thru the media about GM moves. You never see him praising the job TT has done going from a no money older depleted talent team, to one of the youngest, richest, and brightest future teams out there in only 3 years…along with being the GM of the year. Brett we want you back but you are NOT above the Packers. We want our drama ON the field, not OFF.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:18 pm
right on, mike. right on…
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Rating: 3.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:21 pm
Ban him from the league. I’m so sick of hearing about him. I’d rather hear about the life and times of Chris Henry instead of Favre at this point.
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Rating: 3.4 / 5 with 5 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
I’m starting to lose all respect for Favre. This guy needs a hug then needs to STFU and either come back to Green Bay on THEIR terms or retire.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 2 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:22 pm
Just a little misunderestimation, that’s all. Nothing a few Vicodin couldn’t cure.
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Rating: 2 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:23 pm
Unless Favre is lying, he has every right to be upset at his GM. He was right about Randy Moss, and the team did lose good O line players to free agency. The GM also gave Favre the huge contract to play until he is 41 and still be among the highest paid QBs. How is Favre at fault for not being willing to commit to walk away from 12 million bucks a season on a good football team.
This is a simple issue made out to be a huge dramatic affair.
Favre is an older HOF QB who can still play at a probowl level, is on a good tram, and has a great contract. There is almost no 15 year vets in the NFL, but I bet all of them at least feel like retirement right after the season ends. Unless he gets knocked out of the NFL like Aikman or Steve Young, he will be like Vinny Testaverde.
Favre would have quit 3 years ago if he had any intention of walking away while he still had any football left in him.
This annual drama is really gtting tiresome, but Favre is not to blame, the media is. Get off his jock and wait unti camp. He will or he won’t be there, then there is an actuall Favre story that actually means something.
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Rating: 2.85 / 5 with 7 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:24 pm
Life long Packer/Favre fan here. This whole charade by Favre is utterly insane. How could they be pushing you away when they wanted you back in March? Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice, shame on me.
And why don’t you let a real journalist interview you instead of a family friend lobbing softballs all night?
His wishy-washyness is embarrassing. Don’t call others out for supposedly lying when you are doing it yourself, especially after hiding behind your brother, agent, and biased reporter/friend from Mississippi.
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Rating: 3.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:25 pm
This is the 4th or so time Favre has bitched thru the media about the GM. You never see him praise the job thats been done by TT.. going from an older, talent depleted, no money team to one of the youngest, richest, and brightest future teams out there. Brett we want you back but you are NOT above the Packers. Tell you family to shut up please. We want our drama ON the field, not OFF of it.
Thanks Florio for actually taking the GBP side for once.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 4 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:26 pm
That’s exactly what I was thinking, Favre is the QB, Thompson is the GM. Sure, they would like your input, but the decision making is up to Thompson.
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Rating: 3.65 / 5 with 3 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:28 pm
I think Brett Favre is a seasonal manic-depressive.
There’s the off-season depressed Brett Favre, who doesn’t know if he has the heart to continue playing football — remember this is a guy who called a press conference a year ago to announce he hadn’t made a decision about returning for the 2007 season.
Then there’s the manically excited Brett Favre, who wears his heart on his sleeve during the football season too the point it’s sickening to hear announcers like John Madden rave about his love of the game and the way he plays football.
You’d think after all this time Ted Thompson would have figured out a decision Favre made into March to not play wouldn’t be the one he would be ready to commit to in August. Look at how many current and former teammates who know Brett Favre went on the record to say he wouldn’t stay retired.
So Mike McCarty wants to prove the Packers didn’t win last season because of Brett Favre, but because of McCarthy’s “system” which Aaron Rogers can step into and not miss a beat. And Ted Thompson wants to prove the Packers didn’t win because of Favre, but because of Thompson’s “personnell philosophy” of building through the draft and not going after veteran free agents.
If that’s the case, let Favre play somewhere else. It’s obvious that he’s not mentally ready to quit playing, and Thompson and McCarthy are ready to prove they are the reason for the Packers success, which they cannot do if Favre is on the team.
The Packers owe it to him to let him continue playing. Have people forgot just how putrid this team was for about 20 years from the time Vince Lombardi left until Favre rescued this team (and don’t say it was Reggie White, because the Packers had turned the corner before he arrived)? Then for 17 years Favre gave the organization everything he had and played through pain.
But that effort and loyalty means nothing to Thompson and McCarthy because they took him at his word when he said he retired and they moved on without him, but now that training camp approaches and he’s ready to play again, they won’t permit him to play anywhere.
Why? Because deep down they know is still a better QB than Rogers, and letting him prove it elsewhere will show that maybe Favre was more a reason for the Packers success last year than Thompson and McCarthy want to acknowledge because that would diminish their contributions to what Green Bay did last year.
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Rating: 1.75 / 5 with 7 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:29 pm
Yes, how dare Brett Favre!! Becuase Ted Thompson has been a siant in all this, giving a timeline full on inaccuracies and half truths.
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Rating: 1.9 / 5 with 9 rating(s)
July 15th, 2008 at 12:32 pm
It is clear that Favre has taken leave of his senses. Players play, coaches coach, and GM’s field the team. Brett Favre is entitled to whatever opinion he wants but he crosses the line to suggest that Thompson should listen to him more than any of the 52 other players on the team.
This is the problem with Favre, he thinks he is above it, that the fans have loved him for so long that he thinks its time to feed everyone in the stadium with three fish and a bottle of water.
Time to ship his sorry ass out of town, a 4th round pick is looking nice right now.
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Rating: 3 / 5 with 2 rating(s)