Associated Press
MILWAUKEE ó With Brett Favre potentially headed back to an even chillier reception than the below-zero conditions in his last game at Lambeau Field, the next step in the iconic quarterback’s plan to maneuver his way out of Green Bay is unclear.
Favre’s agent, Bus Cook, told ESPN on Wednesday that he and Favre have “no definite plans to ask for reinstatement” and it was up to the Packers to decide what to do next.
“It’s their move,” Cook said.
Reached Wednesday evening, Packers spokesman Jeff Blumb indicated no response was forthcoming from the team.
Meanwhile, a Foxsports.com report citing an anonymous source said the Packers have filed tampering charges with the NFL against the Minnesota Vikings, alleging “inappropriate dialogue” with offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, a close friend of Favre’s and a former Packers assistant.
NFL spokesman Greg Aiello said the league had no comment on the report. Packers general manager Ted Thompson declined comment on tampering rumors in an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday.
Favre currently is on the Packers’ reserve/retired list. To be reinstated, Favre must write a letter to NFL commissioner Roger Goodell. Once that request is approved ó a step considered a formality ó the Packers would have to release Favre or place him on their active roster.
For now, Favre’s growing rift with the Packers could lead to a few awkward moments this weekend.
Favre is scheduled to present former teammate Frank Winters at the Green Bay Packers Hall of Fame induction banquet at Lambeau Field on Saturday night. Winters, former Packers defensive tackle Gilbert Brown and video director Al Treml will be enshrined in the Packers’ Hall of Fame.
Should Favre keep his commitment to Winters, his close friend and former center, his return to Lambeau will come a little more than a week after formally requesting to be released from his contract ó and only days after expressing his distrust of Packers management, insisting in an interview with Fox News on Monday that the team pressured him into making his retirement decision.
Favre could see some of the same folks he criticized in his trip back to the place he played for 16 seasons. He also might run into Packers offensive line coach James Campen, a former teammate who was dragged into the middle of the controversy this week.
In an unaired portion of Favre’s interview with “On the Record With Greta Van Susteren,” Favre apparently said Campen recently made an unexpected visit to his home in Mississippi and said he had “an answer” for Favre regarding his desire to unretire.
“He says, ‘You know, I know they told you they’re moving on and playing there’s not an option,”‘ Favre said, according to a full transcript of the interview obtained by the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “Playing here in Green Bay is not an option, which that’s what they want. They want to move on. But I’m telling you, if you reinstate or you force their hand, back them in a corner, they feel like they have no other option, they’re going to accept you back.”‘
“And he said, ‘Just telling you.’ And I said, ‘OK.”‘
The Web site for Van Susteren’s show said more Favre clips could be aired Wednesday night, and the full interview eventually would be posted online.
In an interview with The Associated Press on Saturday, two days before Favre made his comments about Campen, Packers coach Mike McCarthy chastised the Favre camp for putting Campen in a “tough spot.”