posted under: Brett Favre, retirement
When Is A Bribe Not A Bribe?
When it’s a job.
Tom Silverstein reports at the JS Packers Blog that the $20 million payoff idea was actually a scheme proposed to Favre back in March that would pay No. 4 to make public appearances and take part in team marketing events. According to Silverstein, the Dolphins did something similar with Marino when he retired.
Bigger twist: Favre appears to be thinking seriously about accepting the deal. Ed Werder on ESPN got a text message from Favre saying in effect that it might be the best outcome. He also said he still wants to play football and if he can’t play for the Packers he wants to play against them, which doesn’t sound like the sort of thing your future goodwill ambasador should be saying, but we’ll see how this plays out.
UPDATE: Jason Wilde has more on this.
UPDATE 2: ESPN has finally published something on this (video is here). Here’s the text message Favre sent:
There isn’t a perfect solution to this, but Mark Murphy is at least trying. We know what they want and where I stand. His solution, although awkward and unsettling for most, may be the best in the end.
My intentions have been to play, and with Green Bay. They say no, so I still want to play in this division for obvious reasons, which I made clear to management. If they won’t let me play in Green Bay, let me play against you. That’s where I am.
RSS
August 1st, 2008 at 12:11 am
[...] hard not to be sympathetic to Favre after reading his text message to Ed Werder of ESPN (HT: Brats & Beer): There isn’t a perfect solution to this, but Mark Murphy is at least trying. We know what they [...]
August 1st, 2008 at 12:50 am
Bribing a HOFer, 3 time MVP to stay away how bad did management blow this. A long time ago they should have released him. This will hurt the Pack this season as well as Grant holdout.They are shooting themselves in the foot before the 1st kickoff.
August 1st, 2008 at 8:50 am
I actually think this is the best way to resolve the situation if Brett decides to take the offer. Obviously Brett should make the choice himself but if he decides to take the deal I have no problem with it. Brett can still be with the team and the Packers could move on at the same time. I don’t think of it as a bribe at all since it actually makes good business sense for both sides. The Packers get one of the biggest players in the franchises history to remain a part of the team. The Packers will benefit financially off this deal. Favre will also get to stay with the Packers, get paid, and also have something to do other than just sitting at home.
While I am not getting my hopes up I think this might be the best solution to the problem since every other solution hurts the Packers and Favre in my opinion. If this happens I think everyone will be able to regain the respect they have lost and we can all move on.