The Brett Favre to the Minnesota Vikings situation now moves onto Day 11. Let's recap what we know:
* On April 29, Favre was give his release by the New Jets.
*In response, Vikings head coach Brad Childress said the Vikings haven't discussed Favre, but likely would.
Well, that's basically what we know. Those two items--a fact and a quote--have been reported, confirmed and not denied at any time during the past week-and-a-half.
Therefore, it would seem, everything else is pure speculation. And there has been plenty of it. Let's recap what we have heard and can't be sure of:
*Favre wants to play for the Vikings.
*Favre wants to stay retired.
*Favre wants to stick it to the Packers and GM Ted Thompson
*The Vikings want Favre to be their quarterback.
*The Vikings are in love with their own quarterback situation, until the next best thing comes along.
*Childress went to visit Favre in Mississippi.
*Childress was spotted at the Vikings facility in Winter Park when he was supposed to be in Mississippi.
*Favre has a slightly torn bicep.
*Favre sent an x-ray to the Vikings at Winter Park.
*Favre's agent Bus Cook knows nothing of the x-ray
*Favre has an injury that requires major surgery.
*Favre has an injury that requires minor surgery.
*Favre will play for the Vikings if his shoulder/arm needs anything less than major surgery.
*Favre hates OTAs and spring football.
*Favre likes all the media attention.
*The media likes all the Favre speculation.
**Oh, and just for good measure: Marvin Harrison is going to retire.
**Marvin Harrison denies that he wants to retire.
What in the name of Edward R. Murrow is going on here? Can anyone get this story straight or at least resist furthering it along with erroneous speculation until they have heard from the principles involved and get them to go on record with it?
About the only thing clear about this situation is that no one wants the situation to be clear. There seems to be obfuscation and subterfuge at work here. Favre has made one comment to a media person and told him "NO" when asked about coming out of retirement--but people even debated the veracity of that statement. The Vikings have not commented on their interest in Favre, and could certainly clear up few things like their interest in the near 40-year-old gunslinger, what's in the x-rays (if they exist) and whether or not they have spoken with Favre. This would all be helpful.
For Favre, it is standard operating procedure. He has reportedly done a similar dance last season with the New York Jets and with the Packers in years before that. If he or his family have any idea how bad he is getting bashed by both Packer, Viking and football fans, in general, you'd think they would want to put an end to further speculation and let people know what is going on.
I am not going to complain if he doesn't, however, because the story certainly has legs and provides copy for writers such as myself--and I am certainly guilty of commenting on it. And readers seemed to be interested in it. But it would be nice to go back to some actually legitimate football/Vikings stories that have actual verifiable facts connected to them. It is a bad sign when media people start writing stories about how the media people covering an event. A dog chasing his own tail comes to mind.
Comments
Joe.. it is just the lull between the draft and the opening day in Mankato.. Not too much happening.. so if not Favre, it would be somethng/someone else.. Enjoy the easy writing topic.. Who knows. the chemistry at winterpark should be ready to erupt with sage and Tjack not feeling valued.. That would be something to really write about.. remember the days when Randy M wouldn't finish a route.. maybe the QB's will just handoff to AP and just stand there and not finish the fake of possibly throwing.. oh wait.. the defense already knows the current Viking QB's can't throw.. I guess that leads us back to Mr Favre!!
tiresome subject, what of more happy Viking news like Carl getting released from jail
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