The Packer Pundit

ARTICLE JACKED FROM THE BUFFALO NEWS

FAVRE NEEDS TO PLAY FAIR WITH PACKERS
By Allen Wilson

Brett Favre has one of the greatest fast balls in NFL history, but he showed recently that he's also pretty good at throwing a curve. April Fool's came a few days late for a horde of Wisconsin media that flocked to Tunica, Miss., to cover a news conference arranged by the Green Bay quarterback a couple of weeks ago. They didn't come to cover his charity golf tournament, but to hear what all of Packer Nation has been waiting for - that Favre would retire or return for a 16th season with the team.

Reporters didn't get either announcement.

"No change," Favre told them. "I don't know, once again. I don't know why you guys wasted a trip down here."

Let me get this straight. Favre calls a news conference and then tells the media they shouldn't have come? A waste of time is right. Just like what the Packers are doing while Favre strings them along. Most professional athletes struggle with retirement, but this waiting game is ridiculous. He's had more than three months since last season ended to make up his mind.

The Packers insist Favre isn't holding them hostage, yet they can't determine their future until Favre makes a decision on his. Green Bay contributed to this will-he-or-won't-he-return drama. It originally gave Favre a deadline to decide what he would do, but now it says there is no deadline.

I get that the Packers have to be careful how they handle this. They don't want to tell Favre to take a hike because it would create a public relations nightmare. Legions of cheeseheads would storm the gates at Lambeau Field in protest.

His adoring fans and the members of the national media that fawn all over him say he should take all the time he wants. But this has gone on long enough. And how long should the Packers have to wait? They need to know something so they can determine if last year's first-round pick, Aaron Rodgers, is Favre's heir apparent after all. At some point, they need to know if he can play.

My guess is Favre doesn't want to retire or he would have done it already. But his non-commitment has a lot to do with last season's 4-12 record. He's said in the past that he wouldn't return unless the Packers were a legitimate contender in 2006.

Well guess what?
The Packers don't look like they'll be much better than a year ago. Some big-name free agents have come in for visits, but defensive tackle Ryan Pickett is the only significant signing.

Perhaps Favre's uncertain status is hurting the Packers' ability to lure veteran talent. Not many free agents want to come into a situation where the team's offensive leader has not been determined.

In a recent interview, former Packers tight end Mark Chmura called Favre selfish and a hypocrite. Chmura is obviously bitter that Favre, a former close friend, didn't offer much support during Chmura's legal trouble a few years ago. But there's some truth to what Chmura said. Favre claims to be a team player, but he's putting himself ahead of the team. When Javon Walker held out over a contract dispute last year, Favre didn't hesitate to rip the wide receiver for trying to hold the team hostage. Sort of like what Favre is doing right now.

I've stated in the past that Favre should retire. He has nothing more to prove. He's a first-ballot Hall of Famer. I'm sure he looks around the NFL and doesn't see many quarterbacks as good as he still is at 36. But his 3,881 yards and 20 touchdowns last season couldn't offset his poor decisions that led to a career-high 29 interceptions.

Will he stay or will he go?
Favre needs to do everyone a favor and provide the answer. Now.