Brett Favre: Free Agent

Is the Brett Favre situation the ultimate fall of sports journalism? I can't stand the way this is being reported. Now, we have one outlet -- the Pio Press -- citing anonymous sources, saying that Favre is meeting with Dr. Andrews this week, while another -- ESPN -- is citing its well-placed source, to refute the other report. And the only time anyone is quoted on the record -- Bus Cook -- it's to say that nothing's going on, and, of course, no one believes him.

This is awful journalism. I know I'm not breaking any new ground here. But this is F-minus stuff.

And when they're wrong on the story, which they have been, there's never any correction or retraction. Rather, there's an excuse, as to why something did or didn't happen compared to their original story.

 

The only way to avoid this stuff with Favre is to not write or report on him at all unless he or Bus go on the record or hold a press conference.

That's never going to happen.

So until there's a press conference where he's holding a purple jersey, you're going to get this, "This outlet is reporting this, but this outlet is refuting this story."

It's ridiculous and embarrassing, but that's almost inevitable when you're dealing with douchebags like Bus Cook and Brett Favre.

 

He went and saw Dr. Andrews!!

He's thinking about surgery!!

He may have it!!

He may not!!

He'll take some time to make his decision about surgery, and then he'll have it. (Or maybe not.)

After he's had the surgery, he'll decide whether he wants to come back and play.

He may come back!!

He may not!!

 

Gutter, for even SUGGESTING I buy a Favre jersey, you are SO GROUNDED!!!

I have boycotted reading any of the Favre stuff. I won't.

And if the Vikings are SO STUPID as to actually sign the prima donna puke, I will find other diversions than Vikings football this fall.

 

Perhaps even a diversion that will keep your interest all the way into January!

 

It's called Wild hockey.

Maybe I'll even start working on the manuscript gathering dust in my documents file on my computer.

 

When he re-re-retires next winter, and I happen to like those odds, the rationally-minded TV media (ESPN exempt) should treat it as the basest item on a transaction screen going out to commercial. Mugshot, along with three guys from the CFL, three-word blurb, done.

 

What will actually happen is Ed Werder will be gently cupping Favre's balls while Mort is blowing him.

 

Werder has caressed a lot of balls out at Valley Ranch in his day. To his credit, I guess.

 

In any story about any supposed Favre retirement -- OR comeback -- liberally slather each sentence with disclaimers such as "supposedly," "purportedly," "ostensibly," "apparently," "Farve claims," "Favre's agent maintains," etc etc etc.

 

Rosie, I'll trade you a Brett Favre jersey for a Fran Tarkenton jersey.

http://multimedia.790thezone.com/m/22367294/hall-of-fame-qb-fran-tarkenton-part-2.htm

“I think it’s despicable. What he put the Packers through last year was not good. Here’s an organization that was loyal to him for 17, 18 years, provided stability of organization, provided players. It just wasn’t about Brett Favre. In this day and time, we have glorified the Brett Favre’s of the world so much, they think it’s about them. He goes to New York and bombs. He’s 39 years old. How would you like Ray Nitschke in his last year (playing for) the Vikings, or I retire, and go play for the Packers. I kind of hope it happens, so he can fail. ...

“They did everything, but you get into a position, and I understand he’s been glorified so much. He’s been a great player, there’s no question about it, but it’s all about him. It is supposed to be all about your team. If you’re going to be the quarterback of your team, you need to be there in the off season workouts in March and April. Peyton Manning’s there. Tom Brady’s there. ...

“I think he has been a great flamboyant quarterback, but he has made more stupid plays than any great quarterback that I’ve ever seen. Look at his final game in a Packers uniform. He blew that game against the Giants. He’s playing against Eli Manning, I love Eli Manning, but he’s still not a great quarterback. He’s not Peyton yet, or Tom Brady. He’s just a guy. And they’re (Packers) are playing at home, and they’re in a tight situation, they went to overtime and he (Favre) throws the interception that allows them (the Giants) to come back and win the game. He has done that and driven his coaches crazy all of his career.”

 

Testify!

(Motherfucker. God how I still hate Fran Tarkenton for keeping the first time I watched -- you know them ... the unforgettable '78 Packers -- out of the playoffs by forcing a 10-10 tie with a last-minute regulation pass to the equally dickheadish Ahmad Rashad)