Sports News and Trade Rumors: Pro Sports Daily

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July 3

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The evidence that Brett Favre will end his retirement to play for the Vikings in 2009 is overwhelming. In fact, the only surprise will be if the quarterback decides his surgically repaired right biceps tendon has not healed sufficiently enough for him to return to the NFL. There have been reports that Favre already has a contract in place with the Vikings and both Favre and the Vikings have made it clear in public comments that there is great interest on both sides. And then there is this latest nugget: Favre is in the process of attempting to secure a residence in the Twin Cities. We received a tip last night about Favre settling on a condominium in Edina but that doesn't appear to be a ..."

Favre Vikings jerseys aren't flying onto shelves

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July 3

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Any report of a mass-produced, league-approved Brett Favre Minnesota Vikings jersey is premature, an NFL spokesman said Thursday. "We wait until there is a player contract that has been approved; then we begin mass producing them," league spokesman Brian McCarthy said. "But nothing has transpired from here." First, a signed Favre contract with the Vikings would have to be delivered to the league and players union. Then, the league and union would have to approve any mass-produced official NFL jersey by Reebok. It is believed that Reebok already has prepared screens of a Favre Vikings jersey, just as it would for the teams in the Super Bowl. That way, as soon as the league approves a ..."

Minnesota Vikings' Adrian Peterson on Brett Favre: 'I just love the passion'

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July 1

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"During a visit to Reggie Bush's house in Los Angeles, a certain piece of memorabilia caught the eye of Minnesota Vikings running back Adrian Peterson. "I found myself walking up the steps, and I looked down right at this big Heisman Trophy just sitting in this real nice case," Peterson said today during a break from his football camp. "I was like, "Awww!' I wanted to ask him where Matt Leinart was so I could go over there and take mine. But it's all good. It is what it is." Peterson has moved on to a successful NFL career, breaking the league record for most yards rushing in a single game and helping the Vikings make the playoffs last season. He now finds himself awash in the ongoing soap ..."

Minnesota Vikings' Percy Harvin sent home from rookie event because of illness

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July 1

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Minnesota Vikings rookie receiver Percy Harvin was sent home from the NFL rookie symposium in Palm Beach Gardens after becoming ill, according to nfl.com. Harvin, the Vikings' top draft pick this year, reported with the other 255 drafted players for the symposium Sunday but told the medical staff he wasn't feeling well and was excused by event organizers, according to the Web site. Two months ago, Harvin was hospitalized with a virus and dehydration in Atlanta when he was on his way from home in Florida to the Vikings' rookie minicamp. Harvin had a connecting flight in Atlanta to the Twin Cities."

Harvin sent home ill from rookie symposium

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June 30

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings wide receiver Percy Harvin, the 22nd pick in the first round of the April draft, was sent home from the NFL rookie symposium in Palm Beach Gardens, Fla., after becoming ill, according to the league's website. The former University of Florida standout reported for the start of the four-day event Sunday afternoon, but the medical staff suggested he return home after he told them he wasn't feeling well. Harvin and his family live in the Gainesville area. Organizers of the symposium officially excused Harvin; all 256 draft picks were in attendance on Sunday, according to symposium officials. The website, Pro Football Talk, reported that Harvin might return to the symposium today if he ..."

Vikings WR Harvin sent home from rookie symposium due to illness

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June 30

NFL.com

"Minnesota Vikings first-round draft pick Percy Harvin was sent home from the NFL Rookie Symposium after becoming ill, organizers said. Harvin reported for the start of the symposium Sunday afternoon but after notifying the medical staff that he was not feeling well, it was recommended that he return home. Harvin was officially excused by organizers. Symposium officials said that all 256 draft picks had reported Sunday."

Ex-Minnesota Vikings defensive coordinator Ted Cottrell to coach New York's UFL team

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June 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Ted Cottrell never gave up on his dream to coach his own football team. In 25 seasons as an NFL assistant, including 10 as a defensive coordinator, Cottrell earned a reputation as one of the innovators of the 3-4 scheme and parlayed his success into seven interviews for head-coaching vacancies. Each time, however, Cottrell didn't land the top job. "I was kind of disappointed, but I didn't get discouraged," said Cottrell, who interviewed for the Vikings' vacancy in 2006, after serving two seasons as the defensive coordinator. "I just had to hope that things would eventually work out." Cottrell's patience paid off. A few weeks ago, Cottrell was named the head coach of the United ..."

Another day, another denial regarding Brett Favre

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June 24

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre's agent denied another report Tuesday evening that the quarterback has agreed to a contract with the Vikings. Two days after the Web site Pro Football Talk reported that a deal was in place and that the team had approved the production of Favre jerseys, WCCO-TV provided a similar report with a few minor differences, namely that the quarterback's contract includes "heavy incentives." Asked in an e-mail if there was any truth to the WCCO report, agent Bus Cook wrote one word: "Nope." Cook did not elaborate. That, however, meshes with what he told the Pioneer Press on Sunday, when asked about Pro Football Talk's report. Longtime WCCO sports anchor Mark Rosen reported that ..."

Channel 5 to broadcast Vikings' Monday games

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June 24

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"KSTP-TV has acquired the rights to show the Vikings' three Monday night games this season, including the Oct. 5 matchup against the Green Bay Packers that could feature Brett Favre going against his former team at the Metrodome. The three -- an Aug. 31 preseason contest at Houston and a Dec. 28 game at Chicago are the others -- also will be aired on ESPN. But under NFL rules the cable network must find a local station in the market to carry the games. KSTP (Ch. 5), which is the Twin Cities' ABC affiliate, also will show three Vikings preseason games under a separate deal with the team. All of these games figure to draw plenty of interest if Favre ends up signing with the Vikings."

Same-old Favre older, not wiser

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June 24

Wisconsin State Journal

columnist Tom Oates

"Brad Childress has warned everyone to "stay tuned" and Brett Favre, who hates even the thought of surgery, has submitted to an operation on his sore shoulder. Not sure about you, but to me that sounds like two people headed for the same altar. That means Green Bay Packers' fans had better start figuring out how they're going to deal with Favre, arguably the greatest player in franchise history, quarterbacking the hated Minnesota Vikings for Childress. Here's my advice: Don't lose any sleep over it. At this point, who cares whether Favre quarterbacks the Vikings, the New York Jets or those guys in the Wrangler commercial? He's no longer in Green Bay and he never will be, so stop fretting ..."

At this point, just let Favre have his fun

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June 24

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

columnist Bud Lea

"The last thing Green Bay Packers fans want to see is their all-time hero end up in a purple and white uniform. Playing in a dome with the Minnesota Vikings? The hated Vikings? Have we all gone mad? This is a bad dream. A terrible nightmare. You wake up screaming. You try to get back to sleep, counting the days, the hours, the minutes before he officially becomes a member of the enemy. You don't want to see Brett Favre going anywhere - except to Canton, dipped in bronze. All of us have read ad infinitum about Favre. If you've picked up a newspaper, checked the Internet, listened to the radio or watched TV, you know all about the desire of this 39-year-old quarterback to keep on playing. ..."

Favre's agent denies report that QB is already under contract with Vikings

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June 23

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre's agent refuted a report Sunday that suggested the quarterback is already under contract with the Vikings. Agent Bus Cook wrote in an e-mail Sunday to the Pioneer Press that there is "no contract" when asked about a report by Profootballtalk.com, which speculated Favre had already signed and that the quarterback and team are waiting to release the news. The report also speculated that the Vikings have already approved the production of official Favre jerseys with Reebok. A Vikings executive did not respond to an e-mail from the Pioneer Press seeking a comment. The widespread belief is that it is just a matter of time before Favre officially becomes a Viking. If that does ..."

Ex-Vikings defensive coordinator Cottrell to coach New York's UFL team

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June 23

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Ted Cottrell never gave up on his dream to coach his own football team. In 25 seasons as an NFL assistant, including 10 as a defensive coordinator, Cottrell earned a reputation as one of the innovators of the 3-4 scheme and parlayed his success into seven interviews for head-coaching vacancies. Each time, however, Cottrell didn't land the top job. "I was kind of disappointed, but I didn't get discouraged," said Cottrell, who interviewed for the Vikings' vacancy in 2006, after serving two seasons as the defensive coordinator. "I just had to hope that things would eventually work out." Cottrell's patience paid off. A few weeks ago, Cottrell was named the head coach of the United Football ..."

With Sanford, Vikings sign first of draft picks

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June 23

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings signed the first of their five draft picks Monday, agreeing to terms on a four-year deal with seventh-round safety Jamarca Sanford. Sanford, the 231st overall pick in April, started all 44 games he played at Mississippi, and his 287 career tackles were more than any other player in the Southeastern Conference during his four seasons. Sanford was a team captain last season as a senior. Sanford will try to win a roster spot based on his special teams play. He also could wind up as a backup to starting safeties Tyrell Johnson and Madieu Williams. The Vikings have four more draft picks to sign: first-round wide receiver Percy Harvin, second-round tackle Phil Loadholt, third-round ..."

Favre pain-free; stamina an issue

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June 20

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings coach Brad Childress told Twin Cities radio station KFAN on Friday that Brett Favre is "pain free" and that the key factors in whether the quarterback ends his retirement to play for the Vikings are endurance and stamina. "Does he have the endurance and the stamina in that arm yet? He doesn't know that yet," Childress said. "He's got to build some endurance in that and see if he thinks he can get it back to where he wants to get it to." Favre, who underwent arthroscopic surgery in late May to repair a partially torn biceps in his throwing (right) shoulder, has been testing the arm and threw in a high school workout this week. Childress said he isn't getting daily reports from ..."

Vikings coach lavishes praise on Brett Favre, says QB is 'pain-free'

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June 20

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings fans rooting for the team to sign Brett Favre got more reasons to cheer on Friday: Coach Brad Childress said Favre is "pain-free right now" during a radio interview in which he lavished praise on the future hall of fame quarterback. It was an important update on the status of Favre's surgically repaired arm. The widespread belief is that Favre will sign with the Vikings as long as his arm wouldn't prevent him from playing at a high level. Childress' effusive comments serve as the latest mounting evidence that the Vikings want the marriage to happen, and Favre appears more ready, at least physically, to walk down the aisle. "My understanding is that he is pain-free right now," ..."

Vikings could be in for long wait with Favre

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June 17

Green Bay Press Gazette

"While Brett Favre gave the impression Monday that he's the one calling the shots when it comes to whether he plays for the Minnesota Vikings this season, indications are the team is going to want an answer from him about his future by the time training camp opens in late July. The retired quarterback ended his months-long silence by admitting during an interview on HBO that he wants to play again, that the Vikings are the only team he's talking to and that if his arm heals from arthroscopic surgery his second retirement will end like his first: without him missing a regular-season game. The Vikings report to training camp July 29. Players took a "you know as much as we do" approach to ..."

Favre saga is unlikely to hit Vikings camp

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June 17

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"While Brett Favre gave the impression Monday that he's the one calling the shots when it comes to whether he plays for the Vikings this season, indications are that the team is going to want an answer from him about his future by the time training camp opens in late July. The retired quarterback ended his monthslong silence by admitting during an interview on HBO that he wants to play again, that the Vikings are the only team he's talking to and that if his arm heals from arthroscopic surgery his second retirement will end like his first: without him missing a regular-season game. The Vikings report to training camp July 29 and will begin practicing two days later. Players took a "you know ..."

Ex-Packers QB Favre sounding like a Viking

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June 16

Green Bay Press Gazette

"Brett Favre finally spoke on Monday night - and he spoke like a Minnesota Viking. In the legendary quarterback's first public remarks since speculation about another unretirement and comeback gained steam in early May, Favre initially told the host of HBO's new talk show "Joe Buck Live" that his conversations with the Vikings had been "nothing other than, 'Are you interested' (and) vice versa." But by the end of the live, roughly 15-minute interview, Favre had all but confirmed the widely held belief that only the condition of his surgically repaired throwing arm stands between him and a 19th NFL season with the Green Bay Packers' rivals. "I think every player should think that he is a ..."

Retired QB Favre talks as if he'll become a Viking in HBO interview

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June 16

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Third-string Vikings quarterback John David Booty should begin considering a payment for giving up his No. 4 jersey. Brett Favre sounds as if he will soon be wearing purple. Ending his months-long silence on the HBO debut of "Joe Buck Live," Favre confirmed that he had surgery 2 1/2 weeks ago and that the Vikings are the only team that he has talked to about a second comeback. Perhaps more telling, Favre dropped the word "we" in talking about the 2009 Vikings potential. And he wasn't speaking French. "Every player should think he's a difference maker. You have to believe that," said Favre, who said there are "no guarantees" that the Vikings would win a Super Bowl title. "But I think in ..."

Jared Allen getting his kicks

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June 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Jared Allen's arms felt heavy and his feet were on fire, but he kept throwing punches, kicks and knees to the midsection of his sparring partner. This was supposed to be a nice, easy Sunday morning workout to get his blood flowing and heart rate elevated. But Allen doesn't do nice and easy, so he ended his 45-minute workout with a flurry of punches and roundhouse kicks. Afterward, he tore off his padded gloves and bent over, sweat pouring off his body and mullet. "This was a fairly light day," Allen said later. This is how the Vikings Pro Bowl defensive end spends most of his weekends this summer. Allen has incorporated mixed martial arts training into his offseason program and has become ..."

Favre admits he wants to be a Viking

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June 16

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brett Favre ended weeks of silence Monday by making it clear that if his surgically repaired right arm is healthy, he wants to return to the NFL -- as a member of the Vikings. During an interview on HBO, the retired quarterback admitted it "makes perfect sense" for him to play in Minnesota, even referring to the Vikings as "we" at one point. "It's an offense that I ran for 16 years," Favre said on the debut episode of "Joe Buck Live," referring to the short-passing West Coast offense system that the Green Bay Packers ran and the Vikings use. Favre, granted his release from the New York Jets reserve/retired list in late April, acknowledged that the Vikings are the only team with which he ..."

Favre finally speaks out

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June 16

Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

"Former Green Bay Packers quarterback Brett Favre broke his silence Monday evening and revealed three key points in regards to his future and his past: 1. He is considering only the Minnesota Vikings for a return in 2009 because he knows the offense so well; 2. His return hinges entirely on the health of his arm; and 3. His legacy in Green Bay should be defined by the 16 years he played there and not for his desire to play for one of the Packers' greatest rivals. Favre flew to New York on Monday to be the guest for the debut of "Joe Buck Live" on HBO and confirmed to the Fox sportscaster that he wanted to play for Vikings. "It makes perfect sense because it's an offense that I've ran for 16 ..."

Trainer suggests shoulder exercises

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June 15

ESPN.com

"A Minnesota Vikings trainer visited Brett Favre on Sunday night in Mississippi to discuss exercises the quarterback can do to improve shoulder strength following arthroscopic surgery at the end of May, a source told ESPN's Ed Werder. Favre has been assessing the condition of his arm and whether he is interested in coming out of retirement for a second straight year following his release from the New York Jets. The Vikings aren't showing any public impatience with the NFL's all-time leading passer, even though Favre's annual waffling over his retirement continues to cloud preparations for the season. Training camp starts in six weeks."

Vikings play ballgame for charity, then depart

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June 14

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings won't practice in full again until the start of training camp July 31, but a number of players gathered for a good cause Saturday before scattering for vacation. About two dozen players participated in a charity softball game that benefitted the E.J. Henderson Youth Foundation. Held at the University of Minnesota's Siebert Field, the event raised money to help support Henderson's Urban Youth Outreach program, which offers kids training in life skills, academic aid and physical fitness programs. Henderson, the team's star middle linebacker, said nearly 100 kids participate in the program right now and he hopes to add another 100 by next year. "I think the kids are buying into ..."

Favre will get a deal heavy on incentives

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June 14

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"This is the real story on where the negotiations stand between the Vikings and veteran quarterback Brett Favre. It doesn't come from ESPN or any of the cable networks or all of those speculating on Favre's future. It comes direct from one of those who is involved in making the decision on whether or not Favre will be with the Vikings in 2009. Yes, this is it: If Favre is willing to sign a contract with an option that will determine his pay based on how he performs and how much he plays, the Wilf family will go all out to add Favre to the team. The contract will not be guaranteed. It could have some good incentive clauses that will pay Favre well if he can perform like he did in 2007, when ..."

Latest report has Vikings paying Favre a visit

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June 13

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"The Vikings apparently will get a first-hand look this weekend at how Brett Favre's arm is recovering from arthroscopic surgery. ESPN reported Friday that a member of the Vikings coaching staff and an athletic trainer will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., to work with the retired quarterback. The network, citing a source, did not reveal the specific coach, but offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell has a close relationship with Favre, dating to their time together in Green Bay. The head trainer is Eric Sugarman. Favre reportedly had surgery to repair a partially torn biceps tendon two weeks ago. Childress told KFAN Radio this week that he's "anxious" to see Favre throw, but he has declined to ..."

Favre's arm may be stronger than his desire

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June 13

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre's agent said Friday he believes the quarterback's surgically repaired arm will be fine, but he's still not sure whether Favre wants to return to play football. The comments came after ESPN.com reported that, according to an unidentified source, a Vikings trainer and a member of the coaching staff will travel to Hattiesburg, Miss., in a few days to work with Favre. The Vikings want to gauge the progress of Favre's throwing arm after he had arthroscopic surgery last month to repair a partially torn biceps tendon. Favre has started throwing footballs again, but apparently he's still uncertain whether he will be able to play this season. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, told West Virginia ..."

Vikings to work out Favre

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June 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"ESPN is reporting that a member of the Vikings coaching staff and a trainer will travel to Mississippi to work out Brett Favre, possibly this weekend. It does not cite its sources or which coach will conduct the workout. It seems likely that the coaching representative could be offensive coordinator Darrell Bevell, who has a close relationship with Favre, dating to their time together in Green Bay. The team's head athletic trainer is Eric Sugarman. Vikings coach Brad Childress acknowledged that the team wants to see Favre throw to see how much his right arm has healed after having arthroscopic surgery to repair a partially torn biceps tendon. Childress declined to speculate when that might ..."

Vikings won't sack pursuit of Favre

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June 12

Washington Times

columnist Tom Knott

"Brett Favre has undergone surgery on the partially torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm, Vikings coach Brad Childress has dismissed talk of a deadline and all that is left is the signing party and news conference. This return of Favre - he is becoming the Sugar Ray Leonard of the NFL - is lacking in suspense. It is not a question of if, just when his taking up with the Vikings becomes official. At least everyone had to consider the hurt feelings of the Packers last summer. The Jets had no compunction in releasing Favre, along with the coach who stayed with him long after it became apparent his throwing arm was compromised. It is the pre-hurt Favre who is appealing to Childress. This is ..."

Stay tuned: Childress cagey about most Favre questions

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June 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brad Childress acknowledged he made a phone call to Brett Favre last week, but the Vikings coach spent the better part of his nearly 12-minute press conference Thursday dancing around his team's interest in the future Hall of Fame quarterback. Peppered with Favre-related questions after his team's OTA workout, Childress offered mostly vague responses until finishing with a telling quote when asked if he thinks Favre can still be a "great" quarterback. "Don't know. Don't know. Stay tuned," he said. Despite Childress' best efforts to keep Favre-mania under wraps by reiterating that the 39-year-old quarterback is still retired, it appears almost inevitable that Favre will come out of ..."

Childress fed up with Favre chatter

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June 12

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Sid Hartman

"It was just a matter of time before Vikings coach Brad Childress was going to explode and speak his piece when he decided to call radio station KFAN to announce that -- contrary to the reports on ESPN -- quarterback Brett Favre was not given a deadline of this week to decide if he is going to play the team in 2009. It was obvious how upset Childress has been about all of the different speculation and rumors about the possibility of Favre joining the Vikings being reported by various media outlets. There is no doubt that the Vikings would like to add Favre to the roster, but only if he is 100 percent healthy. Childress had refused to comment on the Favre situation before calling the radio ..."

Childress, Favre talked last week

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June 11

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brad Childress shed little light on the Brett Favre situation after his team completed an OTA practice today, but the Vikings coach did acknowledge that he talked to the retired quarterback last week. Childress would not comment on if Favre told him anything about the surgery he reportedly had to repair a partially torn biceps tendon in his throwing (right) arm. Childress said he made the call to Favre, who many expect to end his second attempt at retirement to play for the Vikings this season. A day after calling KFAN Radio and talking about the Favre situation, Childress did his best to dodge several questions on the topic. Childress told the station that "I'm anxious to see exactly what ..."

Childress denies Favre timetable

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June 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Vikings coach Brad Childress has been coy about all things Favre. Yet he was adamant about one thing Wednesday morning: He did not impose a deadline on retired quarterback Brett Favre. "Absolutely not," Childress said on KFAN's "The Power Trip Morning Show" on Wednesday. "Maybe by Deanna (Favre) or somebody like that, but certainly not from me. Not even — not even close. (I) don't know where that dropped out of the sky from." ESPN reported Tuesday that the Vikings "at least temporarily suspended their pursuit" of Favre after he "failed to report to organized team activities," as "mandated" by Childress. When asked about a timetable for Favre, Childress said, "I don't know how you guys ..."

Former Cretin grad Ryan Harris says Brett Favre is 'something the game needs'

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June 11

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charlie Walters

"Last Nov. 30 in a steady rain in East Rutherford, N.J., the Denver Broncos ended New York Jets' five-game winning streak with a 34-17 victory. The Broncos' quarterback was Jay Cutler, now of the Chicago Bears. The Jets' QB was Brett Favre, who still could be headed to the Vikings despite a report that the team is suspending its pursuit of him. It was at that juncture of the NFL season, Week 13, that Favre's throwing arm apparently began showing the strain of a frayed biceps tendon. Favre completed 23 of 43 passes for 247 yards against Denver, didn't have a touchdown pass for just the third time that season, and threw one interception. Cutler was 27 for 43 for 357 yards with two TDs and ..."

Hutchinson has faith in his new linemates

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June 11

Minneapolis Star Tribune

columnist Sid Hartman

"The Vikings equipment room table where guard Steve Hutchinson, center Matt Birk and quarterback Gus Frerotte played cribbage almost every day last season will have some new members this year. A lot of football was talked over at these sessions, conversations that might have helped the team win some games. Hutchinson, the Vikings' leader on the offensive line, said that Birk, who left the Vikings for Baltimore as a free agent, will be missed. But from the limited amount of time Hutchinson has played with John Sullivan, the left guard said he believes the 2008 sixth-round draft pick from Notre Dame will step in and do well. "Right now, he's playing with the first unit," Hutchinson said. ..."

Childress makes it clear Favre still on mind

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June 11

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Brad Childress called a Twin Cities radio show Wednesday morning to refute a report he had given Brett Favre a deadline of this week to decide if he's going to play in 2009. But the Vikings coach also gave his most insightful comments about the team's level of interest in the retired quarterback. "My opinion is that [Favre] was a great player," Childress told KFAN. "He obviously had a setback last year. He was playing very well early. If in fact he's had that surgery, I'm anxious to see just exactly what he's got left in that cannon because he had a pretty good arm as we know." ESPN revealed Sunday that Favre had undergone an arthroscopic procedure on his throwing (right) arm to repair a ..."

Favre's agent won't say if Vikings' pursuit of him has slowed

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June 10

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Brett Favre's agent declined to comment to the Pioneer Press on a report Tuesday evening that the Vikings have temporarily suspended pursuit of the veteran after Favre failed to report to organized team activities this week, as coach Brad Childress had "mandated." ESPN.com reported that, according to team and NFL sources, Vikings vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski informed Favre's agent, Bus Cook, of the decision. But there remains the possibility that the Vikings could eventually sign Favre, according to the report. The Vikings encouraged Favre to continue his rehabilitation in the wake of his arthroscopic surgery last month to repair a torn tendon in his throwing arm. ..."

As the Favre turns, captivating 2 cities

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June 10

San Francisco Chronicle

"Only in Green Bay. We don't hear that often enough in sports. Typically, when sports stories turn into maelstroms, the dateline is New York. Dallas and Boston have their moments, too. The home of the Packers revealed its tabloid potential Tuesday when the Green Bay Press Gazette reported that family and friends of Brett Favre had booked 25 to 30 rooms at the Midway Motor Lodge near Lambeau Field for the weekend of Nov. 1. That's when the Vikings visit town, possibly with the Packers' former QB in purple, taking snaps for a division rival. The reservations reportedly were made two months ago, about the time the NFL schedule was released. In Green Bay, that's called playing defense. Wait ..."

Sources: Vikes back off Favre some

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June 10

ESPN.com

"The Minnesota Vikings have at least temporarily suspended their pursuit of Brett Favre after the retired quarterback failed to report to organized team activities that began Tuesday as head coach Brad Childress had mandated, according to team and league sources. The Vikings conveyed their decision in a phone call from vice president of football operations Rob Brzezinski to Bus Cook, the agent who represents Favre. An eventual agreement returning Favre to the NFL for a 19th season, this in a Vikings purple uniform, remains possible. The quarterback was encouraged to continue rehabilitation following arthroscopic surgery performed two weeks ago to repair a partially torn biceps tendon. ..."

Vikings might - or might not - have issued a deadline for a decision from Brett Favre

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June 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Closure should be coming soon. Or is it? Vikings fans, players and coaches should know any day now whether Brett Favre will be wearing purple next season, according to a report on ESPN.com Monday. But Sirius NFL Radio reported later in the day that no deadline exists. ESPN.com reported, citing two unidentified sources, that Vikings coach Brad Childress has given Favre a deadline of this week to decide if the veteran will unretire and try to play for the Vikings. But Favre is reluctant to make a decision, according to the report, until he is more confident that the arthroscopic surgery he had last month on his throwing arm was successful in fixing the problems caused by a torn biceps ..."

Vikings Pat Williams, Kevin Williams claim NFL is retaliating against them for suing

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June 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

"Since the Feb. 8 Pro Bowl, the NFL has drug tested Kevin Williams and Pat Williams up to three times a month in retaliation for suing the league to overturn their suspensions, the Vikings defensive tackles allege. The Williamses said they went from being tested randomly three times a year before their court case to now being tested the same day every week as if they were suspended, despite their pending case in Hennepin County District Court. The players argue the NFL's increased scrutiny violates Minnesota law governing how employers can test employees for drugs. Attorney Peter Ginsberg's claims, made public in court filings Monday, are part of a new and challenging strategy to nullify ..."

A possible Brett Favre signing could be holding up Antoine Winfield extension

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June 9

St. Paul Pioneer Press

columnist Charley Walters

"A Brett Favre signing by the Minnesota Vikings is expected to cost the team at least $10 million in guaranteed money. Earmarking that money for Favre might be the reason the Vikings and Pro Bowl cornerback Antoine Winfield haven't reached a contract extension. Meanwhile, Vikings single-game tickets aren't expected to go on sale for another month. It'll be interesting, if Favre ends up with the Vikings, whether buyers for the Monday night game on Oct. 5 against the Packers at the Metrodome will be required to also buy at least one exhibition game. Regardless, ticket brokers are expected to buy as many seats for that game as possible. The Pioneer Press reported three weeks ago that Favre was ..."

Brett Favre to Vikings? His family's ready, with hotel rooms for Nov. 1 game here

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June 9

Green Bay Press Gazette

"If Brett Favre signs to play quarterback for the Minnesota Vikings in the next week or two, his family and friends will be ready for his one game back in Green Bay. About two months ago, a member of Favre's inner circle blocked off 25 to 30 rooms at the Midway Motor Lodge near Lambeau Field for the weekend of the Vikings game against the Packers on Nov. 1. Favre appears ready to sign with the Vikings relatively soon, contingent upon his throwing arm's progress after recently having surgery on his injured shoulder. But friends and family members have been preparing for a while for his possible signing with the Vikings. "They called and said if he goes to Minnesota they definitely want to be ..."

Reports make Favre saga no less muddy

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June 9

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Could the Brett Favre-to-the-Vikings saga finally be nearing an end? The answer to that question depended on whom you listened to Monday. And, no, neither the Vikings nor the Favre camp were talking -- at least on the record. ESPN reported Monday morning that coach Brad Childress has imposed a deadline of this week for the quarterback to decide whether he will end his second attempt at retirement and play for the Vikings in 2009. Chris Mortensen and Ed Werder cited two sources in their story for the all-sports network. Later in the day, Pat Kirwan of Sirius NFL Radio said on his "Movin' the Chains" show that there is no deadline for Favre and that "the [ESPN] story was made up," adding, ..."

Vikings give Favre a deadline to decide

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June 8

Minneapolis Star Tribune

"Vikings coach Brad Childress has imposed a deadline of this week for Brett Favre to decide whether he will be the team's quarterback for the 2009 season, according to ESPN.com. ESPN writers Chris Mortensen and Ed Werder cited two sources. The ESPN report said Favre is apparently reluctant to commit to playing without first being more confident the arthroscopic surgery performed recently on his throwing shoulder has succeeded in eliminating all of the problems related to a torn biceps tendon. Favre, who turns 40 in October, announced his retirement in February and was released from the New York Jets reserve/retired list on April 28, setting off speculation that he would join the Vikings. ..."

Sources: Favre given deadline by coach

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June 8

ESPN.com

"Minnesota Vikings coach Brad Childress has imposed a deadline of this week for Brett Favre to decide whether he will be the team's quarterback for the upcoming season, according to two sources. Favre, however, is apparently reluctant to commit to playing a 19th NFL season without first being more confident the arthroscopic surgery performed recently on his throwing shoulder has succeeded in eliminating all of the problems related to a torn biceps tendon. It would seem reasonable that both Favre and the Vikings want to know his shoulder is healthy before reaching an agreement, and the team is virtually certain to insist on seeing the 39-year-old quarterback throw before any contract is ..."

Favre has surgery

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June 8

Contra Costa Times

"Brett Favre has taken a significant step in his quest to play for the Minnesota Vikings, but that doesn't mean he will be wearing purple this season. The longtime Green Bay Packers quarterback had arthroscopic surgery last month to repair his injured (right) passing shoulder, according to ESPN, but he remains unable to make a commitment because subsequent throwing sessions indicate the shoulder is not yet 100 percent. Favre's agent, Bus Cook, declined to confirm or deny any surgery to ESPN. Favre retired from the New York Jets in February at least in part because of a partially torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm. Favre, 39, has thrown on a limited basis since the surgery, according to ..."

Report: Brett Favre recently had arthroscopic surgery on right shoulder

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June 8

New York Daily News

"Brett Favre said he retired from the Jets largely because he was unwilling to have surgery on his injured throwing arm. Apparently Favre no longer wants to stay retired. Two sources told ESPN's Chris Mortensen and Ed Werder that the former Jets quarterback recently had arthroscopic surgery on the partially torn biceps tendon in his throwing arm that plagued him at the end of last season. Favre has not committed to playing because his throwing shoulder is not fully healed. Favre reportedly had surgery sometime last month. If his shoulder shows significant improvement, he is expected to join the Vikings. Bus Cook, Favre's agent, did not confirm or deny the surgery. "That's a ..."

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