Associated Press
MINNEAPOLIS ó The Minnesota Vikings took a different stance on Thursday in what has become the story of the summer in the NFL: They decided NOT to talk about Brett Favre.
The Vikings said Thursday they would not comment on allegations by the Green Bay Packers that they made inappropriate contact with Favre before or during the three-time MVP’s effort to un-retire.
“The Vikings are not commenting on the issue. These types of matters are handled by the league,” said a statement.
The Favre saga has overridden everything else going on in the NFL, turning the NFL offseason into a one-story league. Another chapter was added Wednesday night when a person familiar with the Packers’ complaint told The Associated Press that Green Bay has filed tampering charges against the Vikings.
The person, who requested anonymity because of the sensitivity of the subject, said Packers officials believe Vikings offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell had discussions with Favre that would violate league rules. Presumably, such discussions would include the possibility of Favre leaving the Packers for their NFC North rivals in Minnesota.
“They feel like Favre had something (in place), and that’s why he was so anxious to get his release all of a sudden,” the person said.
Favre and Bevell are friends going back to Bevell’s days as an assistant in Green Bay. Favre retired in March, but has since said that he wants to return, which has led to a messy back-and-forth with Packers GM Ted Thompson.
The Packers told the AP that they were ready to welcome Favre back to the team later in March when Favre expressed reservations about his decision to retire, only to be assured by the quarterback that he was finished.
Favre has said that he felt pressured by the Packers to retire and now has been told that if he returns to Green Bay, he wouldn’t necessarily get the starting job back.
Minnesota was immediately mentioned as a possible destination for Favre’s relocation. With a veteran defense and a powerful running game, inexperienced quarterback Tarvaris Jackson appears to be one of the few question marks for a team looking rise to contender status in the NFC.
The allegations have turned up the heat on what was already one of the most intense rivalries in the game.
Vikings coach Brad Childress called the situation a “soap opera,” and said Tuesday that it has been interesting to watch but he remained committed to going forward with Jackson as his starting quarterback.