Free Updates
Navigation
Categories
| November, 2009 (11) |
| October, 2009 (18) |
| September, 2009 (18) |
| August, 2009 (19) |
| July, 2009 (23) |
| June, 2009 (17) |
| May, 2009 (15) |
| April, 2009 (22) |
| March, 2009 (19) |
| February, 2009 (22) |
| January, 2009 (19) |
| December, 2008 (25) |
| November, 2008 (18) |
| October, 2008 (22) |
| September, 2008 (11) |
| August, 2008 (2) |
Search
Archives
More Links
|
 Thursday, October 15, 2009
Beat The Blogger Picks
Posted by Tuff Stuff
This week's Beat The Blogger contest matchups are posted below
so make sure you get your picks in before the first game on Saturday to
be eligible to win. As always, good luck.
Make
sure you get your picks posted prior to the
week's first game, designate a doubler and include your tie-breaker to be eligible to win. Good luck and spread the word
and help grow the contest.
While I
enjoy giving prizes to several people vs. having just one weekly
winner, from this point forward contestants will be asked to provide a tie-breaker on the week's last game so we narrow our winner down to one. Contestants
will now be asked to predict the total score from the last game on the
list and the closest to the actual score will be deemed the winner). I'll also require contestants to post their e-mail address with their picks so I can track down the winners easier.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his  choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest so look for special prize packages.
This week's matchups with Blogger picks in parenthesis)
College FB
Saturday, Oct. 17
Oklahoma at Texas (Oklahoma)
Iowa at Wisconsin (Wisconsin)
USC at Notre Dame (USC)
NFL Football
Sunday, Oct. 18
Houston at Cincinnati (Houston)
Baltimore at Minnesota (Baltimore)
N.Y. Giants at New Orleans (NY Giants)
Kansas City at Washington (Washington)
Arizona at Seattle (Arizona)
St. Louis at Jacksonville (Jacksonville, Doubler)
Chicago at Atlanta (Atlanta)
Tiebreaker: Total points in Chicago/Atlanta game (47)
Thursday, October 15, 2009 9:45:49 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00) 
|
|
Wednesday, October 14, 2009
Not So Deep Thoughts: Limbaugh An NFL Owner, Not Bloody Likely
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The news regarding radio talk show host Rush Limbaugh attempting to become a minority owner of his hometown St. Louis Rams has set off quite the firestorm. Really?
Who knew a controversial, divisive, right-wing talk show host known for his conservative views and his racist comments would be met with opposition when trying to buy an NFL team which just happens to be made up of 2/3 Afro-Americans. What a shocker.
I guess the most surprising news to me regarding his possible acquisition is not that it was quickly opposed by Indianapolis Colts owner Jim Irsay and NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, but that Limbaugh and his massive following are outraged that  he wasn't met with open arms.
"I, myself, couldn't even consider voting for him," Irsay said at an
owners meeting. "When there are comments that have been made that are
inappropriate, incendiary and insensitive ... our words do damage, and
it's something that we don't need."
Irsay likely isn't alone on this but was the first one to speak out publicly about his opposition to Limbaugh becoming part of the NFL family. Prospective owners must be approved by 24 of the league's 32 teams.
Irsay is the first owner who has stated unequivocally he would reject
Limbaugh because he made a habit of "demonizing individuals" but my guess is that many more exist and will surface when the behind-closed-doors vote is taken.
Several NFL players have already stated publicly that they would never play for a team owned by the controversial Limbaugh and who could blame them. Limbaugh has made several derogatory comments regarding blacks during his lengthy stint as a syndicated radio talk show host and those comments didn't go unnoticed by the league or its players.
Some of the disparaging comments Limbaugh has made include:
(According to transcripts posted on his own website), in 2007 Limbaugh
said: "The NFL all too often looks like a game between the Bloods and
the Crips without any weapons. There, I said it."
During his brief stint as an analyst with ESPN in 2003 Limbaugh said (regarding Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Donavan McNabb):
"I think what we've had here is a little social concern in the NFL. The
media has been very desirous that a black quarterback do well."
Limbaugh was forced to resign from his position with ESPN shortly after the comment. One would think the experience would've gave him some indication about how his current situation would be viewed by league officials and owners, but Limbaugh threw his name in the hat nonetheless. While making statements such as those don't necessarily make Limbaugh a racist, they certainly don't add many new faces from the black community to his fan club.
But seriously folks, did anybody really believe that a guy with his history of controversy and a laundry list of racist comments attributed to him would be met with open arms? The NFL is a cash-cow juggernaut that spends millions of dollars each year to grow its marketability, polish it's already tarnished image and steer clear of anything remotely close to being considered controversial.
While Limbaugh becoming an actual owner is still just a thought at this point and an actual vote wouldn't take place for several months, judging by how quickly the commissioner, Irsay and others spoke out against the premise makes it all a moot point because it just ain't happening. The NFL takes a mob-like approach to people that can say or do things to tarnish it's well-groomed image, it eliminates them. While there will be no bounty put out on his Limbaugh's head, the idea of him becoming an owner is already dead in the water and he might as well be swimming with the fishes because in the eyes of those who will ultimately decided his fate, he's already gone.
Maybe Limbaugh misunderstood the true definition of minority ownership and believed that he had found a legal loophole that would allow him to actually own minorities. Whether that was the case or Limbaugh was trying to become a part of the league he's loved his entire life is irrelevant because his chances to succeed in this venture are about as good as slavery making a comeback. Sorry Rush, no team for you.
Wednesday, October 14, 2009 4:37:34 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
|
|
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Beat The Blogger Matchups
Posted by Tuff Stuff
This week's Beat The Blogger contest matchups are posted below so make sure you get your picks in before the first game on Saturday to be eligible to win. As always, good luck.
Make
sure you get your picks posted prior to the
week's first game, designate a doubler and include your tie-breaker to be eligible to win. Good luck and spread the word
and help grow the contest.
While I
enjoy giving prizes to several people vs. having just one weekly
winner, from this point forward contestants will be asked to provide a tie-breaker on the week's last game so we narrow our winner down to one. Contestants
will now be asked to predict the total score from the last game on the
list and the closest to the actual score will be deemed the winner). I'll also require contestants to post their e-mail address with their picks so I can track down the winners easier.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest so look for special prize packages.
This week's matchups
College FB
Saturday, Oct. 17
Oklahoma at Texas
Iowa at Wisconsin
USC at Notre Dame
NFL Football
Sunday, Oct. 18
Houston at Cincinnati
Baltimore at Minnesota
N.Y. Giants at New Orleans
Kansas City at Washington
Arizona at Seattle
St. Louis at Jacksonville
Chicago at Atlanta
Tiebreaker: Total points in Chicago/Atlanta game
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 7:42:28 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
|
|
Beat The Blogger Results
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The name of the contest is Beat The Blogger and for the first time in many weeks, nobody did. We had several ties but nobody managed to beat the Blogger's total of 8 this past week so we'll double the prize and try again this week.
This week's matchups will be posted later today so check back to post your picks. Make
sure you get your picks posted prior to the
week's first game, designate a doubler and include your tie-breaker to be eligible to win. Good luck and spread the word
and help grow the contest.
While I
enjoy giving prizes to several people vs. having just one weekly
winner, from this point forward contestants will be asked to provide a tie-breaker on the week's last game so we narrow our winner down to one. Contestants
will now be asked to predict the total score from the last game on the
list and the closest to the actual score will be deemed the winner). I'll also require contestants to post their e-mail address with their picks so I can track down the winners easier.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest so look for special prize packages.
Last week's Results (winners in parenthesis)
College FB
Saturday, Oct. 10
Alabama at Mississippi (Alabama)
LSU at Florida (Florida)
NFL Football
Sunday, Oct. 11
Cleveland at Buffalo (Cleveland)
Washington at Carolina (Carolina)
Cincinnati at Baltimore (Cincy)
Atlanta at San Francisco (Atlanta)
Jacksonville at Seattle (Seattle)
Houston at Arizona (Arizona)
New England at Denver (New England)
Indianapolis at Tennessee (Indianapolis)
Tie-breaker: Total points in Indianapolis/Tennessee game: (40)
Tuesday, October 13, 2009 3:14:56 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
|
|
Friday, October 09, 2009
Beat The Blogger Picks
Posted by Tuff Stuff
This week's matchups are posted below so make sure you get your picks
in before the deadline and here's hoping you fare better than the Blogger did with last week's selections. The blogger will look to bounce back this week, with his picks posted below.
Make
sure you get your picks posted prior to the
week's first game, designate a doubler and include your tie-breaker to be eligible to win. Good luck and spread the word
and help grow the contest.
While I
enjoy giving prizes to several people vs. having just one weekly
winner, from this point forward contestants will be asked to provide a tie-breaker on the week's last game so we narrow our winner down to one. Contestants
will now be asked to predict the total score from the last game on the
list and the closest to the actual score will be deemed the winner). I'll also require contestants to post their e-mail address with their picks so I can track down the winners easier.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest so look for special prize packages.
This week's Matchups
College FB
Saturday, Oct. 10
Alabama at Mississippi (Alabama)
LSU at Florida (Florida)
NFL Football
Sunday, Oct. 11
Cleveland at Buffalo (Cleveland)
Washington at Carolina (Carolina)
Cincinnati at Baltimore (Baltimore) (Doubler)
Atlanta at San Francisco (Atlanta)
Jacksonville at Seattle (Seattle)
Houston at Arizona (Arizona)
New England at Denver (New England)
Indianapolis at Tennessee (Indianapolis)
Tie-breaker: Total points in Indianapolis/Tennessee game: (41)
Friday, October 09, 2009 4:49:41 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
|
|
Thursday, October 08, 2009
Not So Deep Thoughts: Crabtree's cards will soar, but not for a couple years
Posted by Tuff Stuff
I recently read a story where it stated newly signed San Francisco receiver Michael Crabtree's trading cards will soar in value now that he has ended his holdout and reported to the 49ers. Only time will tell on that one but the funny part of the story is that the quote was attributed to Crabtree's agent Peter Miller.
While I applaud Miller's efforts to get in front of the situation which has seen his card values drop dramatically since his lengthy holdout that ended on Oct. 7. When I first saw the headline I was interested to know who it came from but after finding out it was his agent, all credibility went out the window and the story was a complete waste of time and print.
Miller's comments read as follows:
“Being positive, I think (his cards) are going to skyrocket because
he’s going to do great things when he gets on the field,” Miller said
Wednesday afternoon. “The team’s going to do well and he’s going to
help be part of that. I think he’s going to have a great season. “Truthfully,
it’s going to depend on what happens on the field.That’s the truth. If
he goes and ends up making the playoffs and has a catch like Santonio
Holmes did (in the Super Bowl), then his trading card values are going
to go through the absolute roof.” If you read a headline claiming "Tuff Stuff's Sports Collectors Monthly readership will soon double that of Time and Sports Illustrated combined" you'd likely be intrigued enough to take a closer look at the article, right? But, if upon closer examinination you found out the quote came from the Tuff Stuff editor, you'd likely giggle and move on.
While I understand Miller is simply doing his job. He's trying to create some hype for his client and help increase his card values in the process but there are more creative ways to do the same thing. For example, I'm sure Miller has some friends in the hobby that would be considered a much more reliable hobby source. Miller could make his claim but also add a quote from a true hobby source reitterating his point in the next sentence and his words would then hold a lot more water than they currently do. Just because someone says it doesn't make it fact. Especially when that person is in position to make significant monetary gains by saying things like that. I just hope collectors are smart enough to recognize a man with an agenda vs. a man spreading factual information.
As for how Crabtree will fair in the NFL, the jury is still out. Missing the amount of practice time that Crabtree will likely make Crabtree a non-factor for the entire season. While there are exceptions to the rule, most receivers don't make a significant impact until their third year in the league. It takes time to develop a repoire with your quarterback not to mention the 49ers propensity to run first and throw only when necessary. Through the first four games, only five teams have thrown for fewer yards than the 49ers who are averaging just 156 yards in the air.
While some could argue that Crabtree's presence will open up the passing game, let's not forget coach Mike Singletary is an old-school guy who believes in running the ball and playing defense. If Crabtree would've got his contract signed during Training Camp and was ready to go in Week 1, he might have been allowed to display his skills while star runner Frank Gore rehabs from an ankle injury. But the long holdout, coupled with his team's style of play and Gore's return coming sooner than later, Crabtree's breakout performance likely won't be seen for a long time.
I do believe Crabtree has talent and he will eventually excel in the league which will lead to success in the hobby. And for those who believe that as well, I hope you took advantage of his card values dipping from their once-revered spot among the NFL rookie elite and bought low. Because while I believe Crabtree has the potential to make his card values soar as his agent predicts they will, I just don't see it happening any time soon.
Thursday, October 08, 2009 4:24:00 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
|
|
Wednesday, October 07, 2009
Beat The Blogger Matchups
Posted by Tuff Stuff
This week's matchups are posted below so make sure you get your picks in before the deadline and here's hoping you fare better than the blogger did with last week's selections
Make
sure you get your picks posted prior to the
week's first game, designate a doubler and include your tie-breaker to be eligible to win. Good luck and spread the word
and help grow the contest.
While I
enjoy giving prizes to several people vs. having just one weekly
winner, from this point forward contestants will be asked to provide a tie-breaker on the week's last game so we narrow our winner down to one. Contestants
will now be asked to predict the total score from the last game on the
list and the closest to the actual score will be deemed the winner). I'll also require contestants to post their e-mail address with their picks so I can track down the winners easier.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest so look for special prize packages.
This week's Matchups
College FB
Saturday, Oct. 10
Alabama at Mississippi
LSU at Florida
NFL Football
Sunday, Oct. 11
Cleveland at Buffalo
Washington at Carolina
Cincinnati at Baltimore
Atlanta at San Francisco
Jacksonville at Seattle
Houston at Arizona
New England at Denver
Indianapolis at Tennessee
Tie-breaker: Total points in Indianapolis/Tennessee game
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 5:52:50 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
|
|
Not So Deep Thoughts: Twins win over a new fan
Posted by Tuff Stuff
Let me preface the following by stating that I'm nether a Detroit
Tigers or Minnesota Twins fans. In fact, I'm a Milwaukee Brewers fan
and because of our old American League days and the fact that when you
live in Wisconsin you're born to instinctively hate the boys from the
Twin Cities or any team from the land of many lakes for that matter.
But with that said, how can you dislike the Twins? After pulling out an
amazing 6-5, 12-inning come-from-behind victory over Detroit to win the
AL Central for fifth time in the last eight seasons, what's not to like.
Here's a team that stuck together despite looking up at the Tigers in
the standings since early May. Let's not forget that this is the same
team that trailed Detroit by three games with four to go just a week
ago and could've easily folded up the tents, content that they made
them sweat and congratulated each other on a job almost done. But the
Twins, ah, those pesky Twins, just kept coming and coming. And how are
they rewarded for their incredible rally? They get to race off to New
York on a red-eye to square off against C.C. Sabathia and the mighty
Yankees later today.
On the surface, it doesn't appear to be a fair fight, but then again
that's something the Twins are used to. Minnesota entered the 1987 and
1991 World Series as prohibitive underdogs and we all now how those
turned out. So before we dismiss the Twins yet again, re-examine
Tuesday's game against the Tigers and replay the entire telecast. If
you do, you'll notice something you don't often see. Whenever the
cameras found the Twins players in the dugout, you never once saw heads
hanging low and instead saw the look of a group of guys that believed
the next rally was only the next batter away. And that particular look
has alluded many a good team over the years but once you get it, it
doesn't go away. It sticks with you until the final out because you've
already proven that your team is capable.
And while the Yankees $200 million-plus payroll has afforded them the
luxury of putting at least five future Hall of Famers into their lineup
every day, the Twins and their measly $58 million payroll will likely
make them sweat out a series win as they have vitrually every series
they've competed in all season.
If I were a betting man (and I am by the way) I would stay away from
this series altogether because despite the boys from the Bronx being
the heavy favorite, you can't discount a team with the collective
hearts bigger than the Big Apple itself. My guess is the Yanks will
ultimately prevail in this series but not before being involved in a
heavyweight fight with a roster made up primarily of lightweights.
Wednesday, October 07, 2009 5:35:28 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
|
|
Tuesday, October 06, 2009
Beat the Blogger Results
Posted by Tuff Stuff
The two college matchups proved costly for many of us but several people called the updates and also connected on their NFL picks. Nobody did better than Louie Gallardo though, as he connected on all but one pick and then beat out a pair of others by virtue of his tie-breaker to claim the weekly prize.
This
week's
matchups will be posted later today along with the Blogger picks so you know what you are up against so check back and make your picks. Make
sure you get your picks posted prior to the
week's first game, designate a doubler and include your tie-breaker to be eligible to win. Good luck and spread the word
and help grow the contest.
While I
enjoy giving prizes to several people vs. having just one weekly
winner, from this point forward contestants will be asked to provide a tie-breaker on the week's last game so we narrow our winner down to one. Contestants
will now be asked to predict the total score from the last game on the
list and the closest to the actual score will be deemed the winner). I'll also require contestants to post their e-mail address with their picks so I can track down the winners easier.
For those unfamiliar with the Beat the Blogger contest,
the idea is simple. The Blogger posts 10 matchups each week and then
selects his choices for the winners of those matchups. Contestants
enter the Beat the Blogger contest by clicking on the "Comment" section below the post with the matchups and then select their own 10 winners. You can also designate one of your picks as a "Doubler"
and you will receive an extra point if you're correct so don't forget
to designate your "Doubler" pick and increase your chances of winning.
If you Beat The Blogger's total and post the high score for the week, you win. The regular weekly prize is an authentic signed 8-by-10 color photo of stars such as LaDainian Tomlinson, Drew Brees, Marshall Faulk, Santonio Holmes, Gale Sayers, Catfish Hunter
and many more. From time to time, the Blogger will sweeten the pot for
the weekly contest so look for special prize packages.
This week's Matchups with winning picks in parenthesis
College FB
Saturday, Oct. 3
LSU at Georgia (LSU)
Oklahoma at Miami (Miami)
NFL Football
Sunday, Oct. 4
Cincinnati at Cleveland (Cincinnati)
Baltimore at New England (NE)
Tampa Bay at Washington (Washington)
Tennessee at Jacksonville (Jacksonville)
New York Jets at New Orleans (New Orleans)
Buffalo at Miami (Miami)
St. Louis at San Francisco (San Francisco)
San Diego at Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh)
Tuesday, October 06, 2009 5:42:20 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
|
|
Monday, October 05, 2009
Not So Deep Thoughts: Setting The Record Straight On The Favre Saga
Posted by Tuff Stuff
It's hard to believe it's only been 48 days since Brett Favre shocked
the world and signed with the Minnesota Vikings. The amazing amount of
media attention that followed lies somewhere between the O.J. trial and
9/11. Obviously, Favre donning the uniform of the Packers' arch rival
for a game against his former teammates pales in comparison to murder
and terrorism, but you wouldn't know it based on the amount of hype
spinning out of control in the Wisconsin-Minnesota (and nationwide to a
lesser degree) area as of late.
In the midst of all the "coverage" and "analysis" leading up to
tonight's Minnesota-Green Bay game at the Metrodome, several
interesting (actually, several might be pushing it) perspectives have
come to my attention that I wasn't previously aware of. 
While listening to (far too much) sports talk radio and reading
comments from long-time Packers fans, I have learned that while it
couldn't be farther from the truth, a large percentage of
green-and-gold fans (and I'm assuming non-Packer fans as well) still
believe that Packers GM Ted Thompson forced Favre out of Green Bay.
Really people? Really?
For those who didn't follow the saga closely for the last four-plus
years, let me try and clear it up as simply as I can without all the
messy timelines and he-said, he-said accusations that have muddled up
the picture.
The Favre retirement talk began in earnest after the 2005 season when
the Packers fired Mike Sherman and hired Mike McCarthy. The hire
signaled the start of what appeared to be a rebuilding project in Green
Bay, as the new coach along with GM Ted Thompson looked to get younger
via the draft. An aging Favre contemplated retirement at the time, not
because he didn't feel he could still compete, but because at age 35,
he wondered if the team could supply him with the tools necessary to
make another title run. Favre realized that because of his age and the
general wear and tear accumulated after 12-plus seasons in the NFL, he
could no longer carry a team on his back and make an average supporting
cast Super Bowl ready.
At that point, with Favre hinting more and more seriously about
retirement, the Packers began to groom 2005 first-round pick, Aaron
Rodgers, as the aire apparent to Favre while trying to build for their
future. The team threw Favre a couple bones by selecting receivers Greg
Jennings and James Jones in the 2006 draft and running backs Brandon
Jackson and DeShawn Wynn the following year. The retirement talk would
subside after each draft only to have it resurface every January, with
Favre seemingly inching closer to calling it a career each offseason
from 2005 until 2008 when he left for good.
While the whole point of this blog is to set the record straight and
disprove the theory that Thompson is at fault for Favre's departure, by
no means was Thompson without blame. After finishing the 2006 campaign
8-8 and missing the playoffs, Favre first became irked with management
after the team failed to acquire Randy Moss from Oakland. The Patriots
landed the talented receiver for a 4th-round pick in the draft and
Favre felt Thompson and company should've made a bigger push to get him
the true weapon he'd been lacking.
Thompson's young receivers (Jennings and Jones) stepped up big in 2007
(14 TDs and nearly 1,000 yards) and all was forgotten, as Favre posted
one of the best seasons of his career and the young Packers finished a
surprising 13-3 and came within one Favre interception of taking on the
unbeaten Patriots in the Super Bowl. Two months (March) later after
leaving the Packers in limbo about his status for the 2008 season,
Favre officially announced his retirement, citing he was "mentally
drained" and could no longer play at the level he was accustomed to.
Because he had waffled with this decision several times previously, the
Packers management asked Favre if he had changed his mind prior to the
draft in April and Favre reiterated that he was in fact staying
retired. So the team looked to build for the future via the draft and
selected two quarterbacks in the in the 2008 draft assuming Favre would
stay true to his word.
In July of 2008, Favre apparently got the itch to come out of
retirement and play again. He intentionally leaked the story to ESPN's
Chris Mortenson to gauge the Packers' interest of a possible return. It
was at this time where matters became a little murky and the facts
became a little cloudy. In the time between March and July, Green Bay
handed over the
reigns to Aaron Rodgers and prepared for Rodgers to be their starter.
When the Packers informed Favre that because of what he had previously
told them in March, they had moved on. Because he had now put them in a
terrible position (both from a PR standpoint and a team unity
perspective) with his constant indecision, the Packers half-heartedly
told Favre to come into camp and compete with Rodgers for the starting
quarterback job. At that point, Favre's feelings and ego were bruised
to such a degree by this perceived lack of support that he vowed to
never return to the Packers and set forth an agenda that would
ultimately lead us to where we are today.
For all the Thompson haters out there, riddle me this: If you've gone
out of your way to accommodate a player to the degree that the team did
with Favre for so many years and then he tells that he is 100 percent
certain he's walking away from the game, how can you not start to move
on and plan for a future without him? The Green Bay Packers are a team
of 80 players and no successful team can let the fate of 79 others be
held hostage by the indecisions of one lone player no matter how great
he might be. Thompson and the Packers pampered (perhaps even coddled
and enabled) Favre like many other teams have pampered aging legends in
the past and afforded him the opportunity to regain his starting status
and allow them to save face at the same time but his ego got in the way
and the soap opera began.
After examining all of the facts and listening to both sides of the
story, it's clear what happened. Favre ultimately wasn't welcomed back
the way he felt a legend should be and his ego wouldn't allow him to
understand the Packers had no other alternative than to handle things
the way they did. Say for argument's sake that Thompson and the
Packers rolled out the welcome wagon once again when Favre changed his
mind. They tell Rodgers 'sorry, but we have to accommodate this guy
because of all he's done for this franchise.' Favre comes back, plays
well, but hangs up the cleats for good at season's end and they turn to
the oft-jilted Rodgers to take over as team leader and quarterback of
the now and of the future. My guess is Rodgers and many of his
teammates already in his corner lose all faith in management and team
chemistry, unity and cohesiveness go out the window.
When Favre told the Packers in July of 2008 that he was unequivocally
retired, all bets were off and the team switched gears and began its
journey in a new direction. Feeling disrespected and underappreciated,
Favre set in motion a plan to ultimately make the team, and Thompson
in particular, pay for their decision.
So here we are, just hours away from the first showdown between Favre's
old team and his new one. I, like many others, wished it all could've
been avoided but it is what it is and hopefully all of the Favre haters
and all of the Thompson haters can put the drama behind us and root for
a game that lives up to the incredible hype. Maybe that will be easier
now that they better understand the facts behind the drama. I for one
don't like how things played out but I do understand each side's
actions and reactions and that makes it more tolerable as of fan of
both Brett Favre and the Green Bay Packers. Hopefully it will have the
same effect on some of the haters as well.
Monday, October 05, 2009 10:03:32 PM (GMT Daylight Time, UTC+01:00)
|
|
|