Resolution

The Brett Favre saga is over. The Brett Favre era in Green Bay is over (again).

I'm glad that the situation finally reached some form of resolution. I'm disappointed, though, that Favre couldn't be mature and put his hurt feelings aside and stay with Green Bay. I'll be disappointed if it turns out to be true that the Packers management forced him out.

It's unfortunate that someone's reputation and legacy will be tarnished by this. Favre's is most certainly tarnished by the immature and disrespectful way he's treated the Packers organization in his push to get what he wanted. Ted Thompson's reputation will be tarnished if it comes out that he's responsible, somehow, for Favre's departure.

The proof will be in the season, though. With Favre in a Jets uniform and competing against the Patriots, he'll be in the shadow of Tom Brady. In Green Bay, Thompson and Aaron Rodgers will be under the microscope. Only a winning season in Green Bay and a lackluster season from Favre will quiet some of the dissent among the Packers faithful. Anything else and Thompson will be forever questioned over his actions. Should the opposite actually happen, Thompson's career may be over.

I feel sympathetic toward Mike McCarthy. He's been caught in the middle, to some extent, trying to move the team forward with the players he has on the roster, while trying to figure out what to do with Favre, a legendary quarterback who can't make up his mind, can't commit, and apparently can't be mature and put past events behind him. I have a great deal of respect for McCarthy, especially now, after deciding that Favre's current state isn't good for the team, and since Favre won't change, move on without him.

Perhaps Favre's tenure in New York will be brief, a last hurrah to get professional football out of his system and show him that retirement is the best thing for him. I don't wish him any ill will, really, despite my disappointment in the way he's acted, though part of me selfishly hopes that something shows him it's time to call it quits and hang up the cleats. Hopefully he'll come to realize that it's time to put the bad feelings behind him and return to Green Bay for the honors that are sure to be heaped upon him.

Mood: Thoughtful
Music: Styx: "The Grand Illusion