Packers Fans – Take the Emotion out of the Favre Saga and Think for a Moment

Originally posted on http://digital diatribes.wordpress.com on July 11, 2008.

We interrupt the global temperatures to address a critical and continually developing process entitled “The retirement of Favre’s retirement.”

To those of you who have been living in a cave, away from the sports pages, the last week has created a bit of a stir with regard to Favre. The icon has apparently officially asked for his release from Green Bay. This is the culmination (so far) of a week full of rumors about Favre wanting to come back to Green Bay, which were escalations of earlier statements by him that made it sound like he’d possibly be interested in returning to the Pack in the event that Rodgers would get injured.

Now, word has it that the Packers’ Mike McCarthy and Ted Thompson did not react with wild enthusiasm at his request to unretire and rejoin the team. Thus the letter asking for his release.

This letter in no way obligates the Packers to do anything. But one can imagine that if they do not comply reasonably soon, then Favre will take the next step and officially unretire, which will force the team to either release him, trade him, or keep him. Favre has apparently asked to be released because he wants the flexibility to choose where to go, and has said that he does not want to be traded for that reason.

Unfortunately, some of the commentary is starting to turn negative. Instead of taking responsibility for the fact that he made a decision he is regretting, he is placing at least some of the blame on the Packers, who he is saying pressured him into a decision.

Emotions run high on this. We Packer fans love Brett and all he has done for the Packers. There is nobody I know who wants to see Favre play for any other team. Ever.

But let’s all take a deep breath and think about the situation, and what this all means. There are a number of things we Packers fans need to consider with reason, and not emotion:

1) Favre is the one who ultimately decided to retire. He’s a grown man. He should not be blaming the organization for desiring a quick decision. He has all year to weigh this decision. It is entirely reasonable for McCarthy and Thompson to want to know as quickly as possible what his plans are, so they can prepare for the draft and next season knowing who their QB is going to be, and how many holes need to be filled.

2) Let’s give credit where due. Favre had a wonderful year. But the team built around him has been the work of Thompson and McCarthy. I believe much of Favre’s success last year can be attributed to McCarthy. That takes nothing away from Favre – he still has to execute it. I guess what I’m saying is, Thompson and McCarthy will not be grinding an axe of any sort with their ultimate decision. They will be doing what they feel is best for this team for both the short and long term.

3) There is a real issue with Favre disrupting things right now. The Packers spent two draft choices on quarterbacks. They have likely spent a great deal of time adjusting the offense to accommodate Rodgers’ strengths. The psyche of the team has been such that they have been preparing for Rodgers to be the starter. It simply seems unreasonable to bring Favre back to the team. I say this as a person who very much wanted Favre to return and was sad that he retired. But once he retired, it completely changed the equation.

4) Let’s not forget about the importance of the future situation with Rodgers. The Packers really need to know whether or not he is worthy of consideration as the long-term starter. Taking this year from Rodgers not only hurts him, but it potentially hurts the long-term prospect of the team. This was true before Favre retired, but even more true now. If he continually feels like he is being jerked around, it presents a major problem for him not only from a preparation standpoint, but also from the standpoint of his desire to even play in Green Bay.

5) Trade possibilities: I think most of us need to come to grips with the fact that a trade is entirely possible, and it is probably the right business decision to make if Favre decides to press the issue. But how will Packers fans feel about a trade to Minnesota or Chicago? Many will emotionally overreact to this, should it happen. In fact, I agree, in principle, that this would be a horrible thing to do. However, suppose one of those teams makes an unreasonably ridiculous offer, such as two first-round draft choices? As much as I’d hate to see Favre in a Bears uniform, sign me up for the squad of people laughing at Chicago or Minnesota for thinking Favre is worthy of two first-rounders. This is entirely conjecture, and I don’t know where the tipping point is, but all I’m saying is let’s look at the actual deal before knee-jerk lambasting Thompson for such a move.

6) If the Packers determined that it was too big a risk to release Favre, they could actually absorb his cap number, as high as it is, and make him the backup. Favre would probably raise a stink with this and it may be too large a distraction, but they could do it. And quite honestly, it might be the right thing to do. Suppose Rodgers sucks? Suppose he gets injured? Suppose the only logical destination in Free Agency is Chicago or Minnesota? Why just release him? It may not be the wisest move on an economical basis, but weighing everything involved, it may be the best thing, particularly if they can get Favre to agree to be a team player about it.

7) If there is an outright release, fans just need to realize that Thompson and McCarthy assessed the situation and made the difficult decision that it was time to move forward, and eliminate all potential distractions. This will be difficult to accept, but it must be accepted. These guys are not relishing this situation.

This is a situation where there is no perfect resolution, given the condition that Favre actually is adamant that he wants to return. There just isn’t. And, as much as it pains me to say it, this is Favre’s doing. We love him, but this has really brought him down a notch on the endearment meter. In my opinion, Favre should take the year off no matter what he’s feeling, but stay in shape. Let the Packers know that, should Rodgers get injured, he is available. But leave it at that. Stay out of the way.

This has become a mess. It is very unfortunate.

UPDATE 1: The Green Bay Packers, and in particular Ted Thompson (GM) and Mike McCarthy (Head Coach), have understandably been somewhat muted in their response to all of this hullabaloo. However, they did release this statement, where they not only say that they will not release Favre, but that they welcome him back to the club in a different role. This is a gutsy call by the Packers brass, and they had to know that it would evoke strong emotion from many of the Packers faithful. Again, I call upon thinking and reasonable people to understand that this is complicated, and as much as many want to make it sound like a simple “who gives us the best chance to win now?” issue, it really is not as simple as that.

UPDATE 2: People, you are not taking my advice. Let’s let this play out. This story demonstrates to me that about 100 people simply have nothing better to do with their time, which is not a positive statement about their lives. But it’s nothing new. Overly emotional fans always seem to think that they really know what’s in the best interest of the team more than the coaches and GM. But I think history shows that the most successful teams are those willing to make tough decisions and not necessarily popular ones.

Don’t get me wrong, it may sound as if I’m calling for them to cut ties with Favre. I’m neither doing that nor am I clamoring for him to stay. All I’m saying is that they are in the best position to assess things. I can guarantee that 95% of these protestors had major issues with Thompson last year for not going out and getting a Running Back and/or Wide Receiver. I absolutely guarantee it. By the end of the year, we had an impact 1000 yard back and the deepest set of receivers in the league, and we were an overtime away from the Super Bowl.

Stop with the protesting already. We don’t even know what’s all really going on. You just look like idiots.

News: 01-31-2008 – McCarthy’s the man, 2012 Aliens, Problems with Ethanol, and Disappearing Bats

Originally posted on http://digitaldiatribes.wordpress.com on January 31, 2008.

LINK: Packers Head Coach Mike McCarthy is fans’ Coach of the Year

Hey, maybe youse guys outside of Wisconsin don’t care, but whenever there is Packers news to be had, everything else takes a back seat. Bill Bellicheck won the Coach of the year as voted on by the AP a few weeks ago, and so I was surprised when I saw the headline that McCarthy had won. I guess this was a fan ballot.

Anyway, congrats, Mike! Thanks for a great year, even if it did end on a disappointing note. I was among the mass of freezing bodies at Lambeau field for the Championship game. Even with that loss, it was a heckuva year, and you deserve this honor.

LINK: Time to start working on the Red Carpet for ET

I’m a fan of the weird stuff. It interests me. The year 2012 holds a lot of weight in doomsday circles. One of the reasons for this is the Mayan Calendar that ends at that time. Some people think the world will end, some believe it will enter us into a New Age, and so on. Much of this is occultic in nature, and really needs to be treated carefully. This story is yet another one of those delusional elements: saviors from space will come to us and bring us peace.

Reviewing the American Idol Elite Eight

Originally posted on http://digitaldiatribes.wordpress.com on April 11, 2007.

So, a few more weeks have gone by since my compelling critiques of the American Idol contestants.  Since many out there are clamoring for words of wisdom on this ever-important subject, it would be a near-capital offense for me to not comply to the will of the people.  As such, the following discussion takes place as a public service to the masses: those who cannot get enough good information regarding this bastion of entertainment that we refer to simply as “Idol.”  Sorry, Billy.  Move over.

Since we last discussed this continuing television event, a few things have transpired.  Chris Sligh and Gina are gone, but most notably, Sanjaya has remained.  There has been controversy surrounding his non-departure.  Predominantly, there is a web site which will not be linked to here that encourages its followers to Vote For the Worst.  That site chooses who it considers to be the worst participant, and then tells everyone who wants to sent American Idol into obscurity and meaninglessness to vote for the worst performer.  Apparently, the web site’s owner claims to have nothing personal against AI, while at the same time telling everyone that the show is a joke that preys on the poor, innocent, helpless, participants.

Now, far be it from me to claim that AI is innocent as charged, but let’s try to interject a dose of reasonableness into this discussion.  It may well be true that the winner of American Idol will not get as good a contract as they would in the open market.  But, on the flip side, if it were not for AI, none of these people would be in any position to negotiate any kind of a contract, period.  The show discovered them and makes them stars, so it’s a little disingenuous to turn around and say that “these people are now stars, and they’re getting screwed.”  In addition, it’s not like the people who try out for the last number of seasons haven’t had plenty of opportunity to assess their willingness to get taken advantage of by the evil empire of AI.  Finally, the singers on the show are not the fault of any AI sins.  Unfortunately, they are the most immediate victims of getting booted, while someone less deserving sticks around.

And so, one must really conclude that this whole campaign is out of some kind of immature spite.  When Howard Stern jumps on your bandwagon, it doesn’t exactly lend credibility to your crusade.

Be that as it may, Vote For the Worst can do whatever they want to do.  It’s a free country.  In my opinion, if AI truly wishes to nip this in the bud, they can have a one-night change in voting where the callers vote for their least favorite.  It’s their show, they can do what they want.   On the other hand, bad publicity is better than no publicity.  So, when there is controversy, it’s good for the show.  So, I’m guessing they’ll happily keep Sanjaya around, hoping that he leaves in the final 4 or 5, after the novelty of the situation has completely run its course.

Now, all the bad pub around Sanjaya took a funny turn last night.  The kid actually did a nice job – I’d even say he was middle-of-the-pack-ish.  That being said, ridiculous past performances still indicate that he should go.  But he probably won’t.

My observation of Latin Night is that it is not conducive to determining the next American Idol.  They’ve done this in the past, and I’ve thought the same thing.  It’s a very distinct type of talent to pull off many of these kinds of songs, and it just didn’t play well with me – nor, it seemed, the judges.  I don’t necessarily fault the contestants on this one.  Let’s face it – not every good performer is great at every genre.  I can only speak from my personal non-great experience, but I think I’m a pretty capable singer/musician.  Any time in my life I’ve attempted to do Country anything my wife laughs and shakes her head, as if to say, “My poor lad.  Can’t you see that you cannot do this?   You are so cute when you try, though.”   (I added the part about being cute.)  In addition, does nobody but Melinda realize there are more than 4 songs in this genre that the females can sing?   Nothing like just stepping outside the box on the song selection with “Conga,” “Rhythm is Gonna Get You”, etc.   At least the guys did something a little different.

Melinda.   Oh, Melinda.  Am I allowed to be a little mean here?  Honestly, I don’t want to be, but I have to be honest.  This whole attempt at “sexy” just didn’t work.  Man, I hate to go here…  All right, I’ll just say it.  You are not pretty.  You can sing your hinder off, you have a boat-load of talent, you seem like a beautifully warm, nice, sincere, and loveable person.  But it was a little awkward to watch you trying to come across as “sexy.”  You’re not.  Sorry, that’s just how I see it.  That said, I love ya. 

Lakisha.  Lakisha can sing the Diva stuff and the gospel stuff without compare.  Strong, on pitch, great voice.   But I am really struggling with the personality here.  I see her as someone who has a great career ahead of her for a certain genre, but it is probably not going to be the pop-artist genre.  And despite some criticism I received in my last review, Melinda and Lakisha are very similar in style, and are strongest in the same genres.  I know what was being implied with the criticism of my opinion.  (Hint: skin color)   Sorry.  The data suggests I’m right.  They have both been strongest on the same nights and weakest on the same nights.  Coincidence?   I think not.

Chris.  I admit that I don’t get it.  Oh, there have been nights where he’s performed and I’ve said “Hey, that was pretty good.”  But he always sounds the same to me, has a weak lower register, and does this thing with his neck and head at the same time he crooks his mouth, and I just think “seizure.”  I can’t get past it.

Blake.  I was a bit slow to warm to Blake.  Part of the reason was because I thought he had a couple average performances early on where the judges nearly proclaimed him the Messiah.  I thought they were stretching things a bit, and perhaps trying to influence the audience instead of just being honest.  But lately, when everyone else is average, Blake does seem to rise to the top.  I’ve come around now and agree that he is far and away the best male performer.  Last night, I really thought he was the only one to give a completely legitimate showcase of his talent.

Jordin.  I really, really like Jordin.  She can nail it.  No ifs, ands, or buts.  Last night was probably her worst evening in a while, and I’d argue it was still the second or third best of the bunch.  And unlike Lakisha, she just has a personality that you root for.  A happy, bubbly kid who just seems to be having a great time.

Phil.   Sigh.  I like Phil.  I think he has a good voice.  But I have to admit that it’s probably getting close to his time to go.  Lately, he just hasn’t nailed much.  Now, I thought he really did great a few weeks ago on “Every Breath You Take.”  That was easily his best performance.  But the last couple weeks have been nothing special, and competition is just rising above his level.  It doesn’t help that if you painted him with make-up and took a black and white photo, he could pass for being part of the Muenster family.

Finally, we come to Haley.  I’ve read suggestions that Simon was cruel with his comment about Haley only being there because of her lack of clothes.  Sorry, I cannot agree.  Haley hardly reacted as if she disagreed.  Five (or whatever it is) weeks in a row of showing a bunch of leg means that you think you’re on to something.  Everyone watching knows what she’s up to, everyone voting for her knows why they’re voting for her, she knows it, the judges know it, and the producers know it.  Sorry, Haley, but behind Sanjaya there is no more obvious choice to leave the show based on vocal talent.

Simon as much as admitted that it’s not just a singing competition by pointing that out.  It’s more accurate for him to say that “This should be a singing competition.”  I agree with him, but the reality is that the whole package gets voted on: singing, stage presence, appearance.  In fact, he contradicts himself every time he comments on what a person is wearing (or not wearing) or a person’s dancing, or anything else that does not relate to actual singing.  I’d even put negative comments about a song arrangement in that category.

But then, he can say what he wants.  After all, he’s Simon Cow.