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The Green Bay Packers really, really don't want Brett Favre reporting to camp. You've probably heard by now that they've presented him with a $20 million marketing offer to stay retired.
I checked with my fellow baseball guys at The Sun -- Jeff Zrebiec and Dan Connolly -- and they both agree: That would be the most anybody has been paid not to work since.........me.
Peter Schmuck wants you to know that, contrary to popular belief, he is more than just a bon vivant, raconteur and collector of blousy flowered shirts. He is a semi-respected journalist who has covered virtually every sport -- except luge, of course – and tackled issues that transcend the mere games people play. If that isn’t enough to qualify him to provide witty, wide-ranging commentary on the sports world ... and the rest of the world, for that matter ... he is an avid reader of history, biography and the classics, as well as a charming blowhard who pops off on both sports and politics on WBAL Radio. That means you can expect a little of everything in The Schmuck Stops Here, but the major focus will be keeping you up to the minute on Baltimore’s major sports teams and themes, whether it’s throwing up the Orioles lineup the minute it’s announced or updating you on the latest sprained ankle in Owings Mills. Oh, and by the way, that’s Mr. Schmuck to you. 
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Comments
OK..... So, this guy is soooo good you are willing to pay him $20,000,000.00 a year not to play for the competition? Why don't you suck it up & let him play for you...If not, let him go, or make the best deal you can by trading him. If they were not such a bunch of BUTTHEADS, they would have said..."Brett, we would absolutely love to have you back. We almost went to the Super Bowl with you last year" Then make a deal ! You think he would have a bit more value in a trade then?
Posted by: amazin | August 2, 2008 12:39 PM
If the Packers are paying $25 million for Favre not to play, they should pay me around $50 not to play, as I am waaayyy worse than Brett.
Posted by: O for the Seventies | August 2, 2008 12:42 PM
Actually, the way I understood it was it was $20M over ten years, so it's "only" $2M a year on average. I'm like O, I'll not show up for a whole lot less than that.
Posted by: Anonymous | August 2, 2008 2:22 PM
It is 25 Million over 10 years......maybe 20, I have heard both numbers.
bet it is definitely over 10 years. This offer was made a long time ago. It is not a new attempt. It was right after he retired.
It is Brett's wavering thoughts that led them to draft Aaron Rodgers. But now that Brett stuck around so long they could lose Aaron and never find out if he could be the new QB. They decided to find out if Aaron is the guy or not..
He should just have NOT retired, and quit on them at Training camp if his "heart" was not into it. It would be the same deal, Aaron gets his chance.
But, however you look at it, no matter your opinion, it is a big mess!!
Posted by: Doug M | August 2, 2008 3:13 PM
Let see now-- Favre is a proven winner but mgm't wants to go with a rookie. How many rookies are a bust? This management must be headed by the DNC. After game three they will be looking for Favre if he is in retirement. Oh! please come back!
Posted by: Joe Redmond | August 2, 2008 3:53 PM
Favre really messed up with his teary "retirement" earlier this year, and the effect that it had on the Packers' plans. Stupid, really, but not nearly as stupid as Green Bay offering to pay a future Hall of Fame quarterback who nearly led last year's team to the Super Bowl $20M NOT to play!!! Has the front office up in Wisconsin totally it's collective mind?! (One of the weird headlines of the day, for sure.)
Posted by: Ken Francis | August 2, 2008 6:09 PM
Peter .........'fun , interesting or informative ' .......you have a good rule . Isnt that what blogs are supposed to be , folks ?
One more thing , Peter . Are you a Jimmy Buffett fan? Judging from your full shot photo , you look like a devoted Parrothead waiting at ticket line.
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Allan: Damn, my cover is blown. pete
Posted by: Allan | August 2, 2008 6:27 PM
Precise numbers escape me, but the D'backs paid Russ Ortiz a comparable amount not to pitch for them when they released him a couple of years ago (much to our great pleasure as Orioles fans [sarcasm]).
Posted by: sheets | August 2, 2008 7:29 PM
It's being reported now that the supposed $20 million offer DID NOT happen... probably more journalists reporting rumor as fact
Posted by: Nashville Os Fan | August 3, 2008 12:05 AM