The Packers Should Move On

Move on.  Get over it.  Keep your mouth shut.  Don’t be so bitter.  This is the advice Packers fans so generously offer Brett Favre.  It seems, though, that the Packers themselves should be the ones heeding this advice.  The Packers would like everyone to believe they have moved on and gotten over the Brett Favre drama.  Their words and actions say otherwise.  Upon being questioned about Favre’s alleged coaching session with the Detroit Lions, some Packers players were quick to pass harsh judgment with complete disregard as to the story’s accuracy.  If anyone knows how quickly rumors spread within the NFL it is the players, and most players would not comment on something they know nothing about.  A team that has moved on and completely separated itself from a former controversy would not readily concern themselves with a new controversy.  A team so supposedly anxious about a media circus would not offer their services to perform as clowns in the next media circus to come to town.  Why is it that Packers’ players quickly jumped all over this, without so much as taking a breath, when they have moved on?  Why were some players so ready, willing and prepared to comment when they had already gotten over it?  Charles Woodson accused Favre of sabotage and did not hesitate to convey his disrespect for Favre’s actions. Woodson carelessly responded, “I know he’s been the greatest player around here for a long time but there’s no honor in that.” Some might find it thoughtful of Woodson to acknowledge Favre’s status as the greatest player around Green Bay. In light of his scathing words, however, it seems a bit more acidic and contemptuous. Ironically, Woodson commented on Favre’s state of mind saying, “He says he wasn’t bitter about what happened, but obviously there is a little bit of resentment there.” I will spare everyone the Pot and Kettle idiom. Further, two days later Pot reportedly stopped a couple of reporters to ask whether the story was true. Based on the reporters’ beliefs that the story was true Pot stood behind his words 100 percent. Well, by all means, if a reporter believes it’s true, don’t let your own skepticism stand in your way. Pot has moved on so much that not only is he disgorging burning commentary about Kettle without evidence of Kettle’s alleged treachery, he is pursuing reporters two days later to reiterate his commentary.

Cullen Jenkins had even more to say and did not limit his attack to the allegations regarding the Lions.  Jenkins unleashed a slew of absurd and completely irrelevant criticism on Favre. Jenkins is still quite preoccupied with Favre’s departure from Green Bay saying, “I think it’s kind of messed up how he left here.”  Jenkins unreasonably disparaged Favre for calling Tony Romo, but not calling Aaron Rodgers.  Jenkins made the wildly exaggerated claim that, “…he’s called everybody else…”  I thought the “everybody else” argument was reserved for angry, self-pitying adolescents.  Apparently, it is also a favorite among bitter 27 year old defensive ends.  Of course Jenkins threw in the disclaimer, “I don’t have nothing against Brett personally.”  Had the double negative come from someone else, I would be suspicious as to whether it was said intentionally to deliver the concealed message that he does have something against Brett personally.  Considering this comment came from someone who uses the “everybody else” argument, I can only assume it was not at all intentional and was just a feeble attempt to sound detached.  Sorry, Jenkins, you can’t make personal attacks then say it’s nothing personal.    

Ruvell Martin commented, “If it’s true, then you’ve got to question motives.  I don’t know what to say.”  You don’t know what to say?  Of course you don’t know what to say because not only were you lacking any facts, but you have not yet moved on.  Next time try the simple, safe and indifferent, “no comment.”

Coach Mike McCarthy and the team supposedly were aware of the rumors before the story was reported.  McCarthy must have anticipated the possible reporting of this story. Since he is so concerned about protecting Favre’s legacy, I am sure he told his players not to comment.  Woodson, Jenkins and Martin must have received swift and just punishment from McCarthy for their blatant disregard of his orders and for their bitter and judgmental comments.  Please note, my eyes are rolling so much I’m getting woozy.  The Packers really should follow the advice their fans give to Favre.  Move on.  Get over it.  Shut your mouths.  Don’t be so bitter.