Yep, just a week after introducing “It Didn’t Have to be That Way Theater,” where we examine issues that happened in football that make you say, “It didn’t have to be that way,” the forces of recrimination and just plain stupidity are at it again. The theater is now open.
Is the NFL Soft on Drugs?
Well, in light of the one-game suspension and $100,000 fine (a game check) that Jets DE Shaun Ellis received for being arrested while driving under the influence, without insurance and in possession of marijuana, Donte’ Stallworth and Plaxico Burress probably think so. It’s not that Commissioner Roger Goodell condones drug use, nor we are debating the morality or legality of using drugs. It’s just that drug-related infractions are covered by a portion of the NFL Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA), which is focused on rehabilitating and helping players rather than disciplining them. Criminal or off-field infractions not related to drug use are dealt with under the league’s disciplinary policy.
APShaun Ellis
Under the drug policy, players get an outside medical review, an adversarial hearing and an appeal to a neutral third-party arbitrator -- in other words, “full-on due process.” Under the disciplinary policy, they get a hearing before the commissioner and an appeal to the same commissioner to determine if he’s feeling differently later.
On balance, Commissioner Goodell has done a more than fair job in handling disciplinary suspensions and is laying down a record that is both equitable and can serve as a reasonable deterrent to players in the future.
But were Ellis’ actions in driving while under the influence – with illegal drugs in his possession -- any less dangerous in their potential consequences than Stallworth’s, who misjudged his abilities with tragic consequences, or Burress’, whose crime hurt no one but himself? Fortunately, Ellis didn’t hurt anyone, but he could have. And it’s the presence of illegal drugs, making Ellis’ actions criminal from the outset as opposed to Stallworth’s or Burress’, which turned out that way, that shield Ellis from more severe punishment by Goodell under the disciplinary policy and put his discipline under the auspices of the league’s drug policy. The CBA bans multiple punishments, so there is clearly a loophole out there for drug-related offenses. Hopefully, it won’t be one that other players seek to exploit -- carrying some pot with you at all times to excuse your other bad behavior, as rehab is always the new last refuge of scoundrels. It didn’t have to happen that way and it shouldn’t in the future.
Lies, Damned Lies and Favre Retirements
No one wants to see an all-time great retire and leave the game. But a poem by A.E. Housman, “To An Athlete Dying Young,” contains a line worth considering now with Brett Favre’s thousandth comeback: “[a]nd the name died before the man.” Favre, in what now seems like nothing more than a calculated desire to skip two-a-days, joined the Vikings in a series of deadlines, considerations and conversations, all amounting to a pack of lies.
APBrett Favre
Brett, couldn’t you just fake an injury? That’s a time-tested way of missing sprints and hot days in the sun (my teammates will tell you that’s what I always did). Why put your reputation and good name at risk just to avoid gassers? Why tease your fans? Nobody will begrudge you the starting job, the chance to come back for one more year and to do it in Minnesota, but both you and the Vikings look like liars.
Favre could have signed and claimed a throwing problem in his shoulder; he has one, according to the physical. Or he could have said he’d like to play if and when his shoulder feels better. Similarly, the Vikings could have said, “We’d like to have Brett, but right now he has an injury that we’re monitoring.” Or both sides could have waited until one of the Vikings’ QBs came up lame and done this as an emergency signing. But no, the Vikings were happy with their quarterback situation and Favre was hanging it up. And now both sides say, “Fooled you.”
Favre isn’t the most dishonest, self-absorbed superstar out there killing his good name while piling up Hall of Fame statistics. That honor, as always, goes to Yankees third baseman Alex Rodriguez. But Favre has hurt, and allowed the Vikings to hurt, his credibility and marketability. It didn’t have to happen that way.
As a franchise, the Vikings have also undermined their credibility with their own locker room. No player will trust anything said by the coaching staff or management. If this move came from above head coach Brad Childress, it will be taken as a undercutting of Childress’ authority. If it came from Childress, it makes him look desperate, and players will react to that. And there will be grumbling about Favre rules, like the ones that surfaced after he left the Jets, unless Favre can redeem all by winning and staying healthy throughout the season. Hopefully, Brett Favre will be able to write a fitting final chapter to his great and glorious career, but based on the last week’s events, it didn’t have to happen that way.
As a Packer fan, I can't win. Either Favre takes the Vikes all the way to the Super Bowl and wins it or it blows up and Childress gets fired. If Childress gets fired you know the Wylf's will go after Holmgren (based on their obsession with the Packer organization and iplayers).
To me that would be much worse than losing a QB that his best years are clearly behind him.
so sad. my #4 stuff is already packed away. I will never forget. I will never forgive.... the Vikings, the damn Vikings.
If this game is "just a business" why is Favre taking it so personal. He is, so am I.
It sad to see the man behind the curtain
Here's a fun game: Directions: Replace "Fredo" with "Farve" and "our mother" with "the Packers."
"Fredo, you're nothing to me now. You're not a brother, you're not a friend. I don't want to know you or what you do. I don't want to see you at the hotels, I don't want you near my house. When you see our mother, I want to know a day in advance, so I won't be there. You understand?"
Brent says "It's not about revenge." I think Shakespeare said it best "me thinks the lady doth protest too much"
My take is that Brent wanted out of GB because TT and MM wouldn't kiss the ring. He says he's "100% committed" yet skips all the off season work (for the Pack, the Jets, and now the Vikes).
This brings an entirely new light on the tampering charges the Pack filed against the Vikes last year, doesn't it? I find it insulting that he thinks he's "pulled this off" Roger Goodell will turn a blind eye to this blatant garbage because he thinks it's good for the NFL.
"I don’t think anyone has played the game with as much passion and has loved it, and loved his teammates as much as me." - Brett Favre 8/18/09
what an arrogant self-absored moron.
That is a very weird disciplinary loophole in the CBA.
Just so I understand, If Ellis had hit and killed someone under the same circumstances Stallworth did, but had pot in the car, he falls under the drug policy and wouldn't get the Stallworth suspension?
I expect there are a number of agents telling their players to use the dodge you suggest and carry a small amount of pot in the car at all times if they think they may get in trouble.
That's weird.
Check your facts before you post your article. Steve Mariucci spoke with coach Childress and your story doesn't line up. Coach called Favre on monday one last time and he decided to come back. Part of the reason was his daughter Breileigh wanted him to play some more. And it isn't about revenge he is going to a quality team with a chance to win it all. As a Packer fan I didn't ever want him to leave but the man responsible is Ted EGO Thompson. Favre wanted to finish with the Packers but he wasn't given that option. Getter done Favre.
Oh, of course, Favre is playing because his daughter wanted him to. It has nothing to do with his ego. He's just a good old southern boy who loves the game and his teammates more than anyone else ever has... funny how his teammates never seem to think he gives a flying turd about them, and generally celebrate his departure.
A proven liar. An ego out of control (would not even share the same LOCKER ROOM as the rest of the team).
The guy has gone complete off the deep end. Yet the appologist line up for more kool-aid.
Paul doesn't get the article, as he still believes that Favre came back cause his daughter asked him too and that there was not contact with Favre and the Vikings until Monday. Paul, that is the point of the article, that they are just lies.
By the way, you cannot be a packer fan and still root for Brett now. As he is a Viking, if you want him to do well you are really rooting for the Vikings. You cannot be a Packer fan and root for the queens as they are in the same conference.
Again by the way, TT did not force him out, Brett retired. Even Brett admitted that he was not forced, just that he didn't get many attempts to have him come back. He's a big man to make his own decisions. Was a good decision as now the pack has focus.
Don't write back something stupid either as you are clearly delusional. Take your pills.
Paul doesn't get the article, as he still believes that Favre came back cause his daughter asked him too and that there was not contact with Favre and the Vikings until Monday. Paul, that is the point of the article, that they are just lies.
By the way, you cannot be a packer fan and still root for Brett now. As he is a Viking, if you want him to do well you are really rooting for the Vikings. You cannot be a Packer fan and root for the queens as they are in the same conference.
Again by the way, TT did not force him out, Brett retired. Even Brett admitted that he was not forced, just that he didn't get many attempts to have him come back. He's a big man to make his own decisions. Was a good decision as now the pack has focus.
Don't write back something stupid either as you are clearly delusional. Take your pills.
Oh Boy, Paul the Favre groupie bashes Ted Thompson. Still mad that Ted didn't kiss Brett's nads like Jets and Vikings have? Go kiss your Favre poster and get some sleep. It's going to be a long season of INTs.
Paul - I've got a bridge in Brooklyn I'd like to sell you!
Riddle me this, Batman - if Favre just loves the game of football so much, why does he skip all the off season stuff? That's part of football, too. That's the part where you build comraderie, teamwork, timing, etc. As Santana Dotson put it "they pay me to practice. I play on Sundays for free." So, Brent just wants to get paid, but not do the work.
Did anyone else notice that Al Harris and Charles Woodson both took part in off season stuff last year for the first time. Why? Because there no longer was a double standard in the GB locker room.
Instead, how much more reasonable must it be to assume he loves the limelight of the media circus - not to mention the statistics and the $25M dollar payoff.
Andrew Brandt hit it dead on - that same insecurity that Brent has about not coming out of a game is the same thing that is compelling him to continue this farcical retirement routine. That aw shucks good ol' boy thing he's portrayed for years has morphed into a jilted prom queen/bridezilla.
To hard-core packer fans, and those born post WWII, this equates to Patton retiring from the Army and then, two years later, becoming general of Germany's Third Reich...
..okay maybe thats taking it too far, but believe me, there are lots of Packer fans who are as emotionally tied to packer football as they would be to a world war...
I purchased a #4 Packer jersey after his second start in 1992. I had to go and get Favre's name stitched on the back. Been wearing it to games ever since...most recently the 2008 Seahawks playoff game in snow covered lambeau. When I attend the Nov 1st game, I most certainly will be wearing it with just an X through the name and number.
But I'm sure a few years from now, I will forgive; you have to still love a guy who gives you 16 years of pure intensity to watch every week! I'll just try to repress this year...
Paul,
You are not a Packers fan and apparently just as big a deuche as Favre.
Ben it is you who needs to go buy yourself a clue and some smart pills. When did I say that the first time Favre spoke to the queens was any time but monday you obviously didn't read my post or missed the point. And as far as EGO that is why anyone does most things so that is an invalid point. THompson has been bad for the short and long term prospects of the Packers and I want him out of Green Bay so I am still a Packer fan. I want them to get someone with a clue on how you run a team and treat your high level players. If seeing the Vikings win it all with Favre then that shows that thompson made a mistake by trading him away and probably costs him his job then so be it. Ted should have shown Favre the loyaly and commitment to winning he has, just like when Favre offered to take a pay cut to help get Moss. Getting Moss would have probably ended with the Pack winning the Superbowl a couple of seasons ago. We wouldn't be having any of this conversation if Thompson had a clue in getting high level players. Enjoy the new lean years brought to you by Teddy and say goodbye to the years of winning by Favre. Ben you already wrote something delusional so apply what you said to yourself first. And by the way smart pills won't help you.
Paul, do you even remember Favre's last 3 years in Green Bay?
2005
QB rating: 70.9 20 TDs 29 INTs
4-12 team record
2006
QB Rating: 72.7 18 TDs 18 INTs
8-8 Team record
2007
QB rating 95.7 28 TDs 15 INTs
13-3 Team record
Favre Chokes away the NFC championship game with an overtime INT.
If Ted Thompson did anything wrong, it was waiting too long to jettison Favre's dead weight and move on.
Hey Jack don't you remember....Ted let our best lineman (pro bowler) Mike Wahle go to Carolina breading up one of the best o-lines the pack has every had. Don't you remember he wasted a draft pick on Justing Harrell and traded corey williams who is still much better that Justin. And don't forget he didn't try to bring in Randy Moss for a cheaper price than the patriots paid him and Favre offered a pay cut to do so. ANd don't blame Favre for the lack of pass protection in the giants game...note the first point I made about the o-line. Let us not forget how Al Harris got owned by Plaxico Burress in that game and if we had the oline and moss we win the whole thing. Don't forget the years of winning and that his last year in green bay was his highest rating as a Packer. IT is a team sport so don't blame Favre for the ineptness of Ted thompson...who is a weird, classless moron of a GM. And actually I have did a much better Job on predicting First round picks than teddy boy...Something my brother and I do right before every draft is list who the pack should take. I would be batting about 800 compared to ted less than 400. All of you that have hate for Favre have been jealous of his success for years and it is because you are all insecure in your own selves...rather than appreciate a man who has given his all to this team. Remember playing after his dad died, playing after Deanna was diagnosed with breast cancer (I have family who were diagnosed with cancer and it is one of the most devistating things to go through and I wouldn't wish it upon anyone), and playing through injuries. Favre has not been linked to double homicides (Ray Lewis), shootings and other foolish acts that some of the punks in or out of the nfl have done. So lets keep this in perspective he is guilty of not knowing when to retire because when you love to play it is hard to let go. He is still better than most and before his injury to his throwing arm he had the jets 8-3 with pro bowl stats...an improvement upon their previous win total, not to mention throwing 6 touchdowns in a game with an offense he barely knew. You all don't seem to remember the years with Randy Wright, Don Majikoski, Mike Tomzak, ANthony Dilweg and Lynn Dickey...thankless insecure and classless much like your buddy Ted Thompson. I don't have anything against the players on the packers just think they could bring in a better guy than Ted thompson. So enjoy the misery ted has brought...it will continue to get worse unless he changes parts of his philosophy.
So Favre has no accountability for his own declining performance?
Give me a break. Eli Manning could QB circles around Favre, and anyone who spends time on these forums knows how little respect I have for Eli Manning.
Paul,
First off no GM could have kept Wahle in Green Bay. He got what? - $50 million or so from Carolina & we were over the salary cap. The same cap TT has managed very well since then.
Second why would any Packer fan want sh!tbag 'little randy' Moss after his a$$ wiping episode on the goal post at Lambeau??
Third, #4 held the job of QB - not GM. His little hissy fits toward Thompson are childish.
Since you are a #4 fan first, you should know that Big Irv would probably have slapped #4 upside his head at about retirement/not retired number three & told his boy 'Shup up & play!'
#4 is viQueen now,
That makes him the enemy.
I can only wish bad things for him after 16+ years of making excuses for his bonehead INTs and revelling in his incredible playmaking - too often in the same game.
As Vince said - God, country and the Green Bay Packers.
There is no #4 in TEAM.
Oh I forgot!
The story about 'Chilly' calling on Monday before #4 decided to be a 'Queen was another LIE.
The contract had to be sent to NYC for league review Monday and Jay Glazer's report on #4-to-Minnie-is-a-done-deal originated during the weekend, not Monday.
If you watch the press conference you can see Chilly struggle with the lie when he asked about the supposed 'monday' phone call to #4.
No such give away facial gesture by #4 - too good a liar.
I thought that Stallworth had admitted to smoking marijuana the night that he killed that innocent man.
If that is the case why doesn't he have the same NFL CBA shelter that Ellis has? Obviously Stallworth's infraction ended up being much worse but arguably it still occurred because of drugs.
wahle was cut genius get your facts straight and wouldn't have put us over the cap. He only turned out to be a pro bowl player for Carolina and could have helped us so your point about him is nill. And apparantly a GM in carolina did so you are again pointless. Plenty of players make suggestions to gms about who they would like to get (recently Mcnabb requesting dog killer vick and other athletes do the same) but most have the sense to get players that will help them win. So by your logic we should have never signed reggie white because he took down favre with the intention to hurt him (seperated left shoulder) and santana has hit favre before as a bucs player...and you are mentioning a player that was returning the favor of the fans in green bay that moon the oppossing teams bus on their way out. WINNING is the bottom line so you are not really a Packer fan. And get your quotes correct Vince stated God, Family and the Green bay Packers. Your jeolousy of Favre is childish especially when his requests would have helped the team and he offered to take a pay cut. And as far as how Favre ended up in Minnesota it all goes back to Ted Thompson your buddy...all of you defending thompson and his actions have no loyalty to someone here longer than ted. Favre also delivered the most wins, a superbowl win, two superbowl appearances and many awards. So enjoy the new qb who has yet to win in the fourth quarter and chase away the guy who in the previous season had at least 5 fourth quarter comeback. I want the Packers to Win every year but Thompson has derailed that because of his ego so the sooner he is gone the better off they are. I guess I dislike how thompson has run/ruined this team more than I dislike the queens so if they win and thompson is gone then the pack is better off. He made the packers the laughing stock of the nfl last year in how he handled Favre and the final record. There is a difference between managing a cap and being a cheap, ego filled creep. I think Holmgren or Cohwer woud do a much better job...at least they know how to win. Nuff Said.
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Aug 20, 2009
07:06 AM
I am putting away all of my Brett Favre books, t-shirts, etc.
Just look at the timeline of events and lies from this guy: http://msn.foxsports.com/nfl/story/9956006/The-world-according-to-Favre
Brett "T.O." Favre and the Vikings deserve each other!
And BTW... he cost the Packers several playoff game losses with his lack of discipline and wanting to be the hero.