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Mike Vandermause column: It's time for Favre to play his cards
Mike Vandermause • July 13, 2008
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It has the feel of a high-stakes poker game, and the Green Bay Packers have called Brett Favre's bluff.
It's your play, Brett, and the question is, are you going to fold or go all in?
General Manager Ted Thompson wisely declared Saturday the Packers would not comply with the ill-advised request by Favre's agent, Bus Cook, to release the 38-year-old quarterback.
Does Cook think the Packers are stupid? Why would they set him free to sign with the Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears?
The notion the Packers owe Favre a favor for all he has done for the organization is warm, fuzzy and completely out of touch with how business is conducted in the NFL.
Thompson is compelled to do what's in the best interest of the Packers, and giving Favre the freedom to sign with any team would be irresponsible. So, he chose the only viable option, which was to welcome Favre back, with no guarantees.
Thompson didn't say Favre must serve as Aaron Rodgers' backup, but he also gave no assurances Favre would get his starting job back.
The Packers are playing their cards right in what has become an offseason soap opera focusing on Favre's inability to decide about his football future.
Favre has earned the right to flip-flop about retirement, and if he changes his mind 10 more times before the start of training camp, by all means let him.
But once July 27 rolls around, when players are required to report to camp, Favre's waffling ways must end. If he's willing to suit up, Thompson seems to suggest Favre must earn a starting role, which is only fair.
If Favre takes it as a slap in the face, that's his problem. If he's better than Rodgers, it will show during training camp and preseason games, and Favre will assume his usual role directing the No. 1 offense in the regular-season opener.
The notion that an open competition at quarterback would fracture the team, with veterans favoring Favre and younger players siding with Rodgers, is misguided. The essence of football is competition, not fretting over hurt feelings and bruised egos.
This is a big-boy league where no player should be handed a free pass. Starting jobs must be based on merit, not reputation.
We don't know if Rodgers is capable of beating out Favre, but he deserves a chance to find out. If he proves himself worthy, the Packers can begin evaluating Favre trade options, because no one wants a player with a $12 million salary riding the bench.
But first, Favre has to declare his intentions. We have heard from his agent, mother, brother, friends and others with close ties. We have yet to hear directly from Favre.
The football is in his hands, and the time has come for Favre to decide what he wants to do with it.
Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.
Mike Vandermause • July 13, 2008
?
It has the feel of a high-stakes poker game, and the Green Bay Packers have called Brett Favre's bluff.
It's your play, Brett, and the question is, are you going to fold or go all in?
General Manager Ted Thompson wisely declared Saturday the Packers would not comply with the ill-advised request by Favre's agent, Bus Cook, to release the 38-year-old quarterback.
Does Cook think the Packers are stupid? Why would they set him free to sign with the Minnesota Vikings or Chicago Bears?
The notion the Packers owe Favre a favor for all he has done for the organization is warm, fuzzy and completely out of touch with how business is conducted in the NFL.
Thompson is compelled to do what's in the best interest of the Packers, and giving Favre the freedom to sign with any team would be irresponsible. So, he chose the only viable option, which was to welcome Favre back, with no guarantees.
Thompson didn't say Favre must serve as Aaron Rodgers' backup, but he also gave no assurances Favre would get his starting job back.
The Packers are playing their cards right in what has become an offseason soap opera focusing on Favre's inability to decide about his football future.
Favre has earned the right to flip-flop about retirement, and if he changes his mind 10 more times before the start of training camp, by all means let him.
But once July 27 rolls around, when players are required to report to camp, Favre's waffling ways must end. If he's willing to suit up, Thompson seems to suggest Favre must earn a starting role, which is only fair.
If Favre takes it as a slap in the face, that's his problem. If he's better than Rodgers, it will show during training camp and preseason games, and Favre will assume his usual role directing the No. 1 offense in the regular-season opener.
The notion that an open competition at quarterback would fracture the team, with veterans favoring Favre and younger players siding with Rodgers, is misguided. The essence of football is competition, not fretting over hurt feelings and bruised egos.
This is a big-boy league where no player should be handed a free pass. Starting jobs must be based on merit, not reputation.
We don't know if Rodgers is capable of beating out Favre, but he deserves a chance to find out. If he proves himself worthy, the Packers can begin evaluating Favre trade options, because no one wants a player with a $12 million salary riding the bench.
But first, Favre has to declare his intentions. We have heard from his agent, mother, brother, friends and others with close ties. We have yet to hear directly from Favre.
The football is in his hands, and the time has come for Favre to decide what he wants to do with it.
Mike Vandermause is sports editor of the Press-Gazette.