Wow. Brett Favre is coming out of retirement; asks for his immediate release

**Dr. Horrible** · 07-11-2008, 03:23 PM

HATTIESBURG, Miss -- Three days after a conference call with Green Bay Packers team officials on Tuesday in which quarterback Brett Favre emphatically expressed his desire to play in 2008, Favre on Friday formally asked for his contractual release from the Packers in a letter, sources close to Favre and the team said.

The letter was sent by Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, via overnight mail on Thursday and arrived at the Packers facility Friday morning.

Cook, on behalf of Favre, expressed a desire to have an amicable parting, as the Packers have been reluctant to embrace his return. Favre announced his retirement in early March.

During a conference call on Tuesday that included Packers general manager Ted Thompson, Packers coach Mike McCarthy, Favre and Cook, sources say that the quarterback stated emphatically that he wanted to play again.

Favre was reminded by the Packers' brass that it was in March when the quarterback said publicly and privately that he wasn't 100 percent committed to football, sources said. Favre acknowledged his state of mind at the time, but added that he never felt he was a 100 percent committed in March of previous years, either. Favre felt he had to make a decision to retire because the Packers were pressing him for an answer, a source said.

During the same conference call on Tuesday, neither Thompson nor McCarthy were openly receptive or enthused about Favre's desire to un-retire, the sources said, prompting Favre to direct Cook to request his release from the Packers. Favre has three years remaining on his contract for a total of $39 million. He currently is on the reserve-retired list.

Favre wants a mutual parting rather than having to force the Packers' hand by writing a letter to request his reinstatement to the active 80-man roster. Under league policy, the team would have to comply or release him.

Cook's letter did suggest that Favre's accomplishments for the franchise merited the team honoring his request to be released, also asking that the action be taken "with no strings attached." Favre does not want to be traded, sources said, because he wants the freedom of choice to play for any other franchise.

Favre has been in communication with McCarthy during the past month about his desire to play but until this week had not spoken with Thompson.

Neither Thompson nor McCarthy were available for comment on Friday.

Favre did not wish to speak publicly about his situation when approached while working out Friday morning at a local high school in Hattiesburg. He appeared to be in excellent physical condition and threw the ball with ease, even throwing a football 50 yards "on a rope" with high school receivers. He has been throwing and running with the team for more than a month.

Favre was relaxed and in a positive frame of mind, joking and telling stories about himself, former teammates and coaches. He planned to continue working out next week.

ESPN - Favre seeks unconditional release from Packers, sources say - NFL

GURU ANT · 07-11-2008, 03:26 PM

Packers need to let him go, it's Rodgers team now, and future HoF or not, he can't just hang a team's future in the balance like this whole circus was about to do.

If the Ravens are smart, they pick him up NOW.

Swordmaster Link · 07-11-2008, 04:17 PM

I'm not surprised that he changed his mind, but I am surprised that he'd be anywhere other than Green Bay.

Bomby · 07-11-2008, 04:23 PM

Great. Now I have to cheer against Favre.

**Crazyswordsman** · 07-11-2008, 05:44 PM

I'm sorry, but you don't take Brett Favre out of Green Bay. He's an institution, and in the NFL there are precious few of them. -CSM

Maynard James Keenan · 07-11-2008, 06:11 PM

I'd really like to see him play for the Bears. I would laugh for days.

Bomby · 07-11-2008, 06:53 PM

I always hated the Vikings and had few problems with the Bears.

GURU ANT · 07-11-2008, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Crazyswordsman

I'm sorry, but you don't take Brett Favre out of Green Bay. He's an institution, and in the NFL there are precious few of them. -CSM

I'm sorry, but you don't jeopardize a team's season by making them wait for you to make a decision. It's been way too long for Brett to make this decision, the team has already made their moves to make Rodgers as successful as possible. If they take Favre back, you can believe Rodgers would be ready to go. Sure you'd have Favre for a season or two, but what about after that? What do you have?

Joe Montana is an NFL icon, he went to Kansas City his last few years.

Warren Moon? Hall of Famer who was on how many teams?

Remember Emmitt Smith? If I remember correctly he was a Cardinal before he said goodbye.

And let's not forget Jerry Rice.....

Minister of Silly Walks · 07-11-2008, 10:29 PM

I'm not sure those of you who don't live in the Midwest realize how detrimental this is to the entire state of Wisconsin. If he ends up playing with the Vikings (or any other team, for that matter), the suicide rate in Wisconsin will skyrocket. I personally know at least twelve people that will cry themselves to sleep for a week.

But I can't stand Packer fans, so this is awesome.

GURU ANT · 07-11-2008, 10:48 PM

My guess is he'll be in Baltimore.

Bomby · 07-12-2008, 12:47 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Famous Mr. Horsehead

I'm not sure those of you who don't live in the Midwest realize how detrimental this is to the entire state of Wisconsin. If he ends up playing with the Vikings (or any other team, for that matter), the suicide rate in Wisconsin will skyrocket. I personally know at least twelve people that will cry themselves to sleep for a week.

But I can't stand Packer fans, so this is awesome.

Not all of us care that much.

Minister of Silly Walks · 07-12-2008, 10:30 PM

Not all of you, but enough to make me sick every time I turn on the news in Wisconsin or talk to any of my Cheesehead friends.

The Big Boo · 07-12-2008, 10:33 PM

Yeah... it's kinda annoying when everytime I turn on the news or ESPN I have to listen to "Farve comes out of retirment!!!" or some other dramatic stuff about Farve. Enough already!!!

Minister of Silly Walks · 07-12-2008, 10:39 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Microphone_Kirby

Yeah... it's kinda annoying when everytime I turn on the news or ESPN I have to listen to "Farve comes out of retirment!!!" or some other dramatic stuff about Farve. Enough already!!!

At least know his name, dude.

Swordmaster Link · 07-12-2008, 10:53 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by The Famous Mr. Horsehead

I'm not sure those of you who don't live in the Midwest realize how detrimental this is to the entire state of Wisconsin. If he ends up playing with the Vikings (or any other team, for that matter), the suicide rate in Wisconsin will skyrocket. I personally know at least twelve people that will cry themselves to sleep for a week.

But I can't stand Packer fans, so this is awesome.

Why can't people in the Midwest NOT take silly stuff seriously? I mean, I was heated when Doug Brien missed those field goals against the Steelers a few years back, but life went on.

Oh well, one of my friends at school is in man-love with Favre, I look forward to rubbing this in his face.

Bomby · 07-12-2008, 10:56 PM

Once again, this is all a massive exaggeration. I don't know anybody that takes American Football that seriously.

AND I LIVE IN WISCONSIN.

Minister of Silly Walks · 07-12-2008, 11:07 PM

Bomby, I dunno where in Wisconsin you live, then, because everywhere I've been it's been PACKERSPACKERSPACKERS. And I've been to Wisconsin a lot.

Bomby · 07-12-2008, 11:10 PM

Madison is a civilized city. Milwaukee is pretty decent, too. Racine is aiight. The rest of Wisconsin is bat**** insane.

Minister of Silly Walks · 07-12-2008, 11:13 PM

It's pretty bad in Milwaukee, actually. I mean, they have Packers News and then the rest of the Sports News.

Bomby · 07-12-2008, 11:18 PM

That has nothing to do with the people in the city; that has to do with the fact that the Milwaukee Bucks have sucked since Kareem Abdul Jabbar was traded to the Lakers and the Brewers are a bunch of Wankers that nobody likes even though they're winning this season. Frankly, the Packers are the only professional sports team in Wisconsin worth giving a damn a

07-11-2008, 03:23 PM	#1
Dr. Horrible PP&R Mod Current Events Mod Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: More important than where is when.... Gender: Posts: 6,787 Thanks: 137 Thanked 477 Times in 309 Posts Points: 6,646.82 Bank: 5,568,857.78 Total Points: 5,575,504.60 Donate	Wow. Brett Favre is coming out of retirement; asks for his immediate release HATTIESBURG, Miss -- Three days after a conference call with Green Bay Packers team officials on Tuesday in which quarterback Brett Favre emphatically expressed his desire to play in 2008, Favre on Friday formally asked for his contractual release from the Packers in a letter, sources close to Favre and the team said. The letter was sent by Favre's agent, James "Bus" Cook, via overnight mail on Thursday and arrived at the Packers facility Friday morning. Cook, on behalf of Favre, expressed a desire to have an amicable parting, as the Packers have been reluctant to embrace his return. Favre announced his retirement in early March. During a conference call on Tuesday that included Packers general manager Ted Thompson, Packers coach Mike McCarthy, Favre and Cook, sources say that the quarterback stated emphatically that he wanted to play again. Favre was reminded by the Packers' brass that it was in March when the quarterback said publicly and privately that he wasn't 100 percent committed to football, sources said. Favre acknowledged his state of mind at the time, but added that he never felt he was a 100 percent committed in March of previous years, either. Favre felt he had to make a decision to retire because the Packers were pressing him for an answer, a source said. During the same conference call on Tuesday, neither Thompson nor McCarthy were openly receptive or enthused about Favre's desire to un-retire, the sources said, prompting Favre to direct Cook to request his release from the Packers. Favre has three years remaining on his contract for a total of $39 million. He currently is on the reserve-retired list. Favre wants a mutual parting rather than having to force the Packers' hand by writing a letter to request his reinstatement to the active 80-man roster. Under league policy, the team would have to comply or release him. Cook's letter did suggest that Favre's accomplishments for the franchise merited the team honoring his request to be released, also asking that the action be taken "with no strings attached." Favre does not want to be traded, sources said, because he wants the freedom of choice to play for any other franchise. Favre has been in communication with McCarthy during the past month about his desire to play but until this week had not spoken with Thompson. Neither Thompson nor McCarthy were available for comment on Friday. Favre did not wish to speak publicly about his situation when approached while working out Friday morning at a local high school in Hattiesburg. He appeared to be in excellent physical condition and threw the ball with ease, even throwing a football 50 yards "on a rope" with high school receivers. He has been throwing and running with the team for more than a month. Favre was relaxed and in a positive frame of mind, joking and telling stories about himself, former teammates and coaches. He planned to continue working out next week. ESPN - Favre seeks unconditional release from Packers, sources say - NFL

07-11-2008, 03:26 PM	#2
GURU ANT What's this what's this a trick with a twist? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Shhhh, it's a secret right now Gender: Posts: 13,619 Thanks: 1,146 Thanked 757 Times in 438 Posts Points: 25,869.80 Bank: 1,348,323.25 Total Points: 1,374,193.05 Donate	Packers need to let him go, it's Rodgers team now, and future HoF or not, he can't just hang a team's future in the balance like this whole circus was about to do. If the Ravens are smart, they pick him up NOW.

07-11-2008, 04:17 PM	#3
Swordmaster Link Super Bodyguard & King of the Arcade Join Date: Apr 2000 Location: Wherever you want me to be Gender: Posts: 31,149 Thanks: 248 Thanked 787 Times in 557 Posts Blog Entries: 1 Points: 244.65 Bank: 2,792,377.46 Total Points: 2,792,622.11 Donate	I'm not surprised that he changed his mind, but I am surprised that he'd be anywhere other than Green Bay.

07-11-2008, 04:23 PM	#4
Bomby VGF's Resident Lennonist Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Caught beneath the landslide in a champagne supernover in the sky Gender: Posts: 15,548 Thanks: 234 Thanked 718 Times in 455 Posts Blog Entries: 4 Points: 8,213.66 Bank: 5,253,335.93 Total Points: 5,261,549.59 Donate	Great. Now I have to cheer against Favre.

07-11-2008, 05:44 PM	#5
Crazyswordsman RPG Mod Join Date: Jan 2006 Location: Booyaville (yeah!) Gender: Posts: 8,584 Thanks: 633 Thanked 471 Times in 311 Posts Points: 167,343.15 Bank: 77,775.54 Total Points: 245,118.69 Donate	I'm sorry, but you don't take Brett Favre out of Green Bay. He's an institution, and in the NFL there are precious few of them. -CSM

07-11-2008, 06:11 PM	#6
Maynard James Keenan Cooler than you and you **ing know it. Join Date: Jun 2005 Location: Somewhere, being **ing awesome. Gender: Posts: 12,537 Thanks: 690 Thanked 1,144 Times in 770 Posts Blog Entries: 15 Points: 4,202.56 Bank: 36,453.89 Total Points: 40,656.45 Donate	I'd really like to see him play for the Bears. I would laugh for days.

07-11-2008, 06:53 PM	#7
Bomby VGF's Resident Lennonist Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Caught beneath the landslide in a champagne supernover in the sky Gender: Posts: 15,548 Thanks: 234 Thanked 718 Times in 455 Posts Blog Entries: 4 Points: 8,213.66 Bank: 5,253,335.93 Total Points: 5,261,549.59 Donate	I always hated the Vikings and had few problems with the Bears.

07-11-2008, 10:29 PM	#9
Minister of Silly Walks Moderator of Awesome Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Location, Location. Gender: Posts: 23,924 Thanks: 686 Thanked 754 Times in 427 Posts Points: 84,068.56 Bank: 208,780.78 Total Points: 292,849.34 Donate	I'm not sure those of you who don't live in the Midwest realize how detrimental this is to the entire state of Wisconsin. If he ends up playing with the Vikings (or any other team, for that matter), the suicide rate in Wisconsin will skyrocket. I personally know at least twelve people that will cry themselves to sleep for a week. But I can't stand Packer fans, so this is awesome.

07-11-2008, 10:48 PM	#10
GURU ANT What's this what's this a trick with a twist? Join Date: Feb 2004 Location: Shhhh, it's a secret right now Gender: Posts: 13,619 Thanks: 1,146 Thanked 757 Times in 438 Posts Points: 25,869.80 Bank: 1,348,323.25 Total Points: 1,374,193.05 Donate	My guess is he'll be in Baltimore.

07-12-2008, 10:30 PM	#12
Minister of Silly Walks Moderator of Awesome Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Location, Location. Gender: Posts: 23,924 Thanks: 686 Thanked 754 Times in 427 Posts Points: 84,068.56 Bank: 208,780.78 Total Points: 292,849.34 Donate	Not all of you, but enough to make me sick every time I turn on the news in Wisconsin or talk to any of my Cheesehead friends.

07-12-2008, 10:33 PM	#13
The Big Boo Senior Member Join Date: Apr 2003 Location: The House in Vanilla Dome Gender: Posts: 5,532 Thanks: 324 Thanked 174 Times in 143 Posts Points: 445.11 Bank: 51,090.23 Total Points: 51,535.34 Donate	Yeah... it's kinda annoying when everytime I turn on the news or ESPN I have to listen to "Farve comes out of retirment!!!" or some other dramatic stuff about Farve. Enough already!!!

07-12-2008, 10:56 PM	#16
Bomby VGF's Resident Lennonist Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Caught beneath the landslide in a champagne supernover in the sky Gender: Posts: 15,548 Thanks: 234 Thanked 718 Times in 455 Posts Blog Entries: 4 Points: 8,213.66 Bank: 5,253,335.93 Total Points: 5,261,549.59 Donate	Once again, this is all a massive exaggeration. I don't know anybody that takes American Football that seriously. AND I LIVE IN WISCONSIN.

07-12-2008, 11:07 PM	#17
Minister of Silly Walks Moderator of Awesome Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Location, Location. Gender: Posts: 23,924 Thanks: 686 Thanked 754 Times in 427 Posts Points: 84,068.56 Bank: 208,780.78 Total Points: 292,849.34 Donate	Bomby, I dunno where in Wisconsin you live, then, because everywhere I've been it's been PACKERSPACKERSPACKERS. And I've been to Wisconsin a lot.

07-12-2008, 11:10 PM	#18
Bomby VGF's Resident Lennonist Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Caught beneath the landslide in a champagne supernover in the sky Gender: Posts: 15,548 Thanks: 234 Thanked 718 Times in 455 Posts Blog Entries: 4 Points: 8,213.66 Bank: 5,253,335.93 Total Points: 5,261,549.59 Donate	Madison is a civilized city. Milwaukee is pretty decent, too. Racine is aiight. The rest of Wisconsin is bat**** insane.

07-12-2008, 11:13 PM	#19
Minister of Silly Walks Moderator of Awesome Join Date: Aug 2001 Location: Location, Location. Gender: Posts: 23,924 Thanks: 686 Thanked 754 Times in 427 Posts Points: 84,068.56 Bank: 208,780.78 Total Points: 292,849.34 Donate	It's pretty bad in Milwaukee, actually. I mean, they have Packers News and then the rest of the Sports News.

07-12-2008, 11:18 PM	#20
Bomby VGF's Resident Lennonist Join Date: Jun 2000 Location: Caught beneath the landslide in a champagne supernover in the sky Gender: Posts: 15,548 Thanks: 234 Thanked 718 Times in 455 Posts Blog Entries: 4 Points: 8,213.66 Bank: 5,253,335.93 Total Points: 5,261,549.59 Donate	That has nothing to do with the people in the city; that has to do with the fact that the Milwaukee Bucks have sucked since Kareem Abdul Jabbar was traded to the Lakers and the Brewers are a bunch of Wankers that nobody likes even though they're winning this season. Frankly, the Packers are the only professional sports team in Wisconsin worth giving a damn a