What are the Consequences of FALSE Tampering Charges?

by | Jul 24, 2008 | Business of Football, NFL News, NFL Random Thoughts

So, unless you’re hiding under a rock, or you’ve wisely already made ZoneBlitz the only Web site you visit each day, you probably already know the latest news in the ongoing Favre-Packers-Vikings love triangle, which is that Favre does NOT, in fact, have a Packers issued cell phone. So, either the tampering charges were apparently based on some other evidence, or the Packers are just on a fishing trip, trying to make life as miserable for the Vikings as it has been for the Pack since Favre decided to “un-retire.”

And that got us to thinking–what are the consequences for the Packers if the Vikings are found NOT to have been tampering? If the Packers suspected that the Vikings might be tampering, since he speaks to his friend Darrell Bevell frequently, and filed the complaint simply believing that the NFL might find something–and if not, then at least the Vikings have had to deal with a problem right before training camp, there has to be some sort of consequence for filing false charges, right?

If there’s no penalty, you can expect this to become a strategy in coming seasons, as teams try to hassle division rivals to try to gain an edge. At least until Roger Goodell steps in and tells them to knock it off (a la the Poison Pill contaract provision), or he comes down hard on some team for doing so (and destroys all the evidence afterward).

Fans at shareholder meeting split on Favre

by | Jul 24, 2008 | NFL News

A thanks to The Gun, a Packers fan and Zoneblitz reader, for pointing out this (and other) tip:

About three minutes into today’s Green Bay Packers shareholder meeting Mark Murphy, president of the board, addressed the Brett Favre situation, according to Don Walker’s blog at the Milwaukee Journal-Sentinel. Murphy called it a “sensitive situation” with long-term ramifications for the franchise and made clear he was involved in the decisions regarding Favre’s future, which he called football matters.

But when he made reference to the franchise’s decision makers, including GM Ted Thompson, all being in unison about wanting to move on without Favre this season, one fan stood up and yelled “We’re not.”

After the fan outburst there was a mix of boos and cheers, according to the story. Thompson was generally greeted with cheers, it seems clear that fans are still divided on the decisions made by the brass. If the Packers come out and do well under Rodgers they’ll probably be fine. But what happens if Rodgers is a bust and the Pack lose 10 games this year after their NFC Championship run in 2007?

Most of the time it wouldn’t matter much and maybe it doesn’t here. But the Packers and their small-town feel along with the public ownership structure … potential problems going forward? Only time will tell.

Favre case gets yet weirder

by | Jul 24, 2008 | NFL News

So … the Green Bay Packers either have records of Brett Favre making and/or receiving calls from Minnesota Vikings coaches Brad Childress and/or Darrell Bevell … or they don’t.

Today’s Green Bay Press Gazette cites a source close to Favre saying the retired-or-not quarterback doesn’t have a team-issued cell phone. That contradicts reports from earlier in the week indicating that the team had records of Favre having discussions with the aforementioned coaches … from a team-issued cell phone.

Just when you thought this situation couldn’t get any weirder …

So, if the Vikings could face fines and the loss of draft picks if they were tampering is there any penalty against the Packers if they were fishing? Not saying they were, not saying they weren’t – just curious.

Chainsaws and quarterbacks don’t mix

by | Jul 16, 2008 | NFL News

Josh McCown has a shot to be the Miami Dolphins starting quarterback this season – but not if he keeps messing with chainsaws.

Josh and brother/fellow quarterback Luke McCown were cutting a tree stump two weeks ago when he cut the index finger of his throwing hand, according to CBSSports.com. The injury required six stitches.

McCown has promised the team he’s done with chainsaws at least for now. He’s got a two-year, $6.25 million contract to protect – and a chance to beat out Chad Henne and John Beck for a year or so.

Johnny making Packers jolly

by | Jul 16, 2008 | NFL News

As if the Green Bay Packers weren’t having enough trouble dealing with the Brett Favre situation they’ve now got another problem to deal with: defensive tackle Johnny Jolly was arrested in Houston on July 8 with 200 grams of codeine, according to multiple media reports.

Officers patrolling a nightclub known for narcotics and weapons violations apparently heard loud music coming from his vehicle in the early morning hours. There were four people in the vehicle in which the cops also found a semi-automatic pistol and marijuana. Jolly could face 20 years in prison and/or a hefty fine if convicted of the possession charge. The charges could change, as well, if a grand jury decides he intended to distribute the codeine.

The Packers traded Corey Williams in the offseason and certainly were counting on a contribution from the young, up-and-coming player. And they certainly didn’t need a headache. Just guessing here, but I doubt he does 20 years. Still he’s definitely put a kink in his opportunity to make an impact this season and possibly beyond.

Favre: Tampa is too hot

by | Jul 16, 2008 | NFL News

Brett Favre doesn’t feel welcome in Green Bay. But now he apparently doesn’t embrace the idea of playing in Tampa Bay either.

Apparently Florida is too hot for Favre, who grew up in and spends his offseasons in Mississippi. He prefers to practice and play where it is cooler, according to the St. Petersburg Times.

Is this real? Is the story satire? This Favre thing is getting almost too bizarre for words. Tampa would seem to be one of the few teams where Favre’s presence makes sense. The team isn’t in the NFC North and they don’t have a dominant quarterback.

Does anyone get the sense that Favre really doesn’t want to play but just can’t let go? It’s starting to feel that way.

In other news it seems as though the Packers might be considering tampering charges against the Minnesota Vikings for having inappropriate discussions over Favre. And yes, Jay Glazer from Fox Sports agrees in this piece that the situation is bizarre. The soap opera continues.