The Chris Townsend Show

Cooley's Contemplationsby Scott Cooley, posted on Wed, Jul. 30, 2008

AS THE FAVRE TURNS

Is anyone else tired of the Brett Favre saga that has engulfed the sports world?

This tireless soap opera has gotten completely out of control. I mean, he has his own sub header on the ESPN ticker for daily news! I think I saw this message scrolling across the bottom line of the TV this morning…Favre takes a dump in Mississippi home at 8:22 a.m.

Seriously, there are plenty of other, more pertinent things to talk about heading into the 2008 season that kicks off with a Thursday night NFC East bout between the Redskins and Giants on September 7.

I want to hear about the manimal that is Darren McFadden and how the former Razorback is going to explode onto the scene in his rookie season. I want a report on which strip clubs Adam “Don’t Call Me Pacman” Jones has obtained a VIP membership to on Harry Hines Boulevard in Dallas. Hell, I’ll even take the latest on which NFL gangsters are on the verge of being suspended by the long arm of Roger Goodell.

Just something other than all of the meaningless banter surrounding the Lambeau Field legend. If and when he gets released or traded, then let’s hear all about it and begin the dissecting, analyzing and prognosticating.

But until THEN, who gives a flying f*@k!

Please don’t take this column as a slight toward Brett Favre because I fully respect him as a person and football player. As a Cowboys fan, I grew up watching and rooting against the Packers and Favre, but through all of that have come to admire the 38-year old as the greatest quarterback I’ve seen in my lifetime.

The man dons three league MVP trophies and a Super Bowl ring. He is the all-time leader in touchdown passes (442), passing yards (61,655), completions (5,377), attempts (8,758) and has started a remarkable 275 consecutive games. Favre is no doubt a sure-fire, first-ballot Hall of Fame inductee, and worthy of being in the same conversation with the likes of Johnny Unitas and Joe Montana.

And I don’t believe that Favre has fueled this media barrage on purpose as he hasn’t been much of a drama queen during his career. Well, aside from the couple of times he broke down in tears during postgame press conferences, but everyone has a “Get Out of Crying Free” card, right T.O.?

But the man made a mistake in March. Favre prematurely shot his retirement wad and now wants a second chance. Can you blame him? Not really, but I do have a lot more respect for people that don’t recant on their statements.

Why can’t these guys just remain retired? I understand it is a publicist’s and agent’s dream for their beloved employer to return to greatness but come on. The Packers accepted his decision when he made it and are ready to move toward the future without him.

But it seems that every time a player retires, the sports world baits them for a return. How many times have we heard rumors swirling around about Michael Strahan? He has vehemently denied coming back and I applaud him for going out on top and staying true to his word.

Every professional athlete in America needs to take a lesson from Barry Sanders. Maybe the guy went out too early and I’m sure plenty attempted to persuade him to make a return, but no dice. He possibly could have reached this milestone or broken that record, but I will only remember him for his greatness.

I believe Favre’s legacy is now tainted UNLESS he doesn’t come back at all. But I don’t see that happening. He wants it, the league wants it and the fans want it. And again, can you blame them?

As I am writing this it was reported that Favre has faxed his reinstatement papers to the NFL’s front office. Perhaps we will see an end to the madness soon, but don’t count on it. If the league grants his request, the Packers will be forced to make a decision as to trade, release or welcome Favre back to the team in the coming days.

Stay tuned…or don’t.