By Chris Jenkins
Associated Press
GREEN BAY, Wis. ó Green Bay Packers president Mark Murphy traveled to Mississippi to meet with quarterback Brett Favre and his agent James iBusî Cook on Wednesday in an apparent attempt to talk Favre out of reporting to camp later this week.
Meanwhile, NFL commissioner Roger Goodell took no action on Favreís request for reinstatement Wednesday ó giving the two sides more time to work out a resolution.
iThe commissioner is taking no action today,î league officials said in a statement issued by NFL spokesman Greg Aiello. iHe wants to give both the Packers and Brett an appropriate amount of time to make decisions, including decisions impacting the teamís roster and salary cap. When Brett is reinstated by the commissioner, we will announce it.î
Packers coach Mike McCarthy would not discuss the nature of the talks between Murphy and the Favre camp Wednesday morning.
iI really donít have any thoughts as far as Mark Murphy going to Mississippi,î McCarthy said. iThatís something youíre going to have to ask Mark about. Iím not involved in the specifics of it. I really have no information for you.î
The Green Bay Press-Gazette reported on its Web site Tuesday night that Murphy flew to Mississippi in hopes of talking Favre out of reporting to camp, a situation with the potential to cause a major distraction to a team that committed to moving on after Favre retired in March. Murphy declined comment to a Milwaukee Journal Sentinel reporter at the Green Bay airport before his flight left.
Nearly five months after his tearful retirement news conference in March, Favre filed for reinstatement with the NFL on Tuesday. He is awaiting approval from Goodell.
Once he is reinstated, the Packers will have 24 hours to decide whether to release him or return him to their active roster. The team has ruled out releasing Favre, fearing he would immediately sign with division rival Minnesota.
The Packers also could trade Favre, although no deal appeared imminent. The Packers hold Favreís rights until his contract expires after the 2010 season.
Despite the apparent nature of Murphyís trip, McCarthy reiterated Wednesday that Favre iabsolutelyî was still welcome in Packers camp. Team officials have made it clear, both publicly and to Favre, that he would no longer be the starter if he returned to the team.
iIíve said it, and Iíll just say it again: He was a big part of our history, and he can reinstate, come here and be part of our future,î McCarthy said.